Update: Attached are the ads for the B & D DIT. The B & D opened on September 16, 1949 - the first drive in to open in the Upper Peninsula. I haven't nailed down a closing date, but it was open in July 1956 and was not open in July 1957, so probably fall of '56. I have also found an article in a book of newspaper articles that states the B & D was the first in the Escanaba area but closed shortly after the Hilltop opened (May 1, 1953) and the Ken-Mar opened (April 28, 1955). I'll send you the author and title of the book and article soon. (Andrew Wilson 4/24/03)

Update: Closed sometime after 1965. (Michigandriveins.com 6/9/03)

Update: The B & D DIT closed on 10/6/1956. The managers (Edsil & Dona King) had a "thank you" note that appeared in the ad that day. (Andrew Wilson 5/5/04)

Update: 1955 Delta County Tourist Guide (7th Edition) - Theatres--Outdoor Drive-In ... B&D Drive-In, Rapid River--individual speakers, refreshments. Hill-Top Drive-In--3/4 mile west of Escanaba on highway 412-- individual speakers, confection cafeteria, children's playground, modern rest rooms. Kenmore Drive-In, under construction at the time of printing of this edition, is located on US-2 and 41, four miles north of Escanaba. Opening expected during early summer. (Andrew Wilson 10/23/06)

Update: The exact closing date of the B&D Drive-In is yet to be determined. It was apparently reopened after it's 1956 closure. The 1965 International Motion Picture Almanac lists it as an operating drive-in owned by a person named D. King. More research will be needed to verify it's true closing date. (Michigandriveins.com 5/17/09)