News Article: New Drive-In Opens South of Prudenville -- A new drive-in theatre, the Meredith Drive-In, was recently opened on M-18, 12 miles south of Prudenville and is owned and operated by Hank and Kay Gardner. Mr. Gardner stated that he will only show first run features and said that his drive-in has the latest sound and projection equipment. The new theatre will be open seven days a week, rain or shine. It is the policy that all children under 12 years of age will be admitted free.(Ogemaw County Herald 6/5/52)

News Article: Opens New Drive-In Theatre -- The Meredith Drive-In Theatre located 12 miles south of Prudenville on M-18 opened May 23. A double feature show starts at dark with the main feature about 10 o'clock. There will be a showing 7 nights a week, rain or shine, of first run pictures. Hank and Kay Gardner, managers state that they have the latest sound and projection equipment to assure you of an enjoyable . Children under 12 years of age are admitted free when accompanied by their parents. (Roscommon Herald News 6/5/52)

News Article: Improvements at Meredith Drive-In - A great Improvement is being made at the Meredith Drive-In Theatre. The Screen will be much wider and higher for cinemascope pictures. Also, new super snaplite lenses will be used for wide screen pictures on the regular film. The grounds will be better lighted and landscaped. The work on the project is coming along in good shape and Lwrence and Irma Weiss intend to open on June 21st. The concession room also will be more efficient for better service. (Gladwin Co. Record 5/15/57)

News Article: Meredith Theater Near Prudenville To Open On Friday, May 9 -- Announcement is being made this week by Lawrence Weiss, owner, that the Meredith Drive-In Theatre will hold its grand opening for the summer season on Friday and Saturday, May 9-10. The Meredith will be open on Fridays and Saturdays during the month of May and four nights each week during June, after which a full-time schedule of pictures will be in effect. A twin bill will feature the opening with "Run of the Arrow" and "Escapade in Japan" being billed. Treats for the kiddies, free popcorn will be given opening nights and free passes will be given to the lucky ticket holders each night during the season.(Ogemaw County Herald 5/8/58)

News Article: Lawrence Weiss, owner of the Meredith Drive-In at Meredith, died recently. The theatre is being operated by his widow, with buying and booking of film handled by General Theatre Services. (Boxoffice Magazine 5/59)

News Article: Fred Bennet, who has been in the insurance business, is taking over the Meredith Drive-In, formerly operated by Wilbur B. Cassidy and the late Lawrence C. Weiss. (Boxoffice Magazine 5/60)

Update: Closed around 1985 or 86, screen and snack bar are still standing. (Outdoor Moovies 10/22/99)

Update: The Meredith Drive-In remains intact, screen and snack bar are still standing. See photos. The owner of the Meredith Drive-In also owns a local restaurant, indicated she closed the drive-in about 15 years ago due to the introduction of the VCR. A calendar found in the heavily vandalized snack bar indicate the drive-in was still open in July of 1988. Some of the movies listed were Rambo, The Presidio, Hamburger Hill, Red Heat, and the Great Outdoors. Also found in the snack bar was a notice from the Central Michigan District Health Dept. The notice, dated 9/1/77, effectively closed the drive-in for various health violations, including the requirement for a new sewage disposal system, based on a 322 car capacity. (Michigan Drive-In Theatre Guide 7/7/01)

Update: The snack bar has been refurbished, and is being used as a home. The screen remains standing. (Michigan Drive-In Theatre Guide 6/9/03)

Update: The truly sad thing is that the Meredith D.I. could easily be renovated. It sits there in fairly good shape, the grounds recently cleaned up. And there are three fair-sized towns and counties to draw customers from. (Patrick Weaver 9/22/03)

Update: Being from Michigan (Detroit area, and having grandparents in the Marlette/thumb area), I have many fond memories of Michigan Drive Ins of the 50's and 60's. When I was back in Michigan a few years ago visiting my brother, I visited the old Meredith Drive In site and met the owner, a crabby woman who refused to sell the property and groused of the movie business being dominated by the mafia.. Now that is a theatre that could be restored. I noticed on your site that someone turned it into a house. What a waste. (Lee Burgess/Hwy 18 Outdoor Theatre 9/22/03)

Update: Gene Muma never owned the Meredith Drive In, but leased it for about two weeks in 1976. Meredith still could likely be a good drive in venue. I worked there for quite a few years. (Patrick 5/5/04)

Update: The last people to operate Meredith Drive In were the Puhars, who also owned a restaurant in Meredith. ..a new septic system was installed there in 1980. I helped put it in. Very well kept, the drive in concession is used as a residence. Just wish we could see a picture on the screen. (Waterwinterwonderland/Patrick Weaver 9/11/04)

Update: I worked there for four different managements 1970-86. G.Muma never owned the place, never operated it. He almost did. A long story. I think it ran till 1988, with Al & Sharon Puhar owning it. It is right now (6/30/04) in very nice shape and very restorable, but I do think the concession stand is a summer cabin right now. I think it could be a money maker HANDLED RIGHT! for a change. It would be the only central Michigan outdoor theater. (Waterwinterwonderland/Patrick Weaver 9/11/04)

Update: The Meredith Drive-In actually had its first Grand Opening in 1952. The second owner, Lawrence Weiss loved to buy large ads stating "Grand Opening" every year, plus he knew how to promote the DI in the local papers. (Andrew Wilson 4/29/05)

Update: My Father, William H. Wyckoff, and his crew, build the Meredith Drive Inn, screen and concession stand for the Weiss'. It was one of the biggest things that happened in Meredith!! I remember the first time the folks took me to the Drive-In, we seem "Jail House Rock". I began working there when I was 14,and stayed until after graduation. I worked for Carl and Roselie Ludwick. I also had the chance to take my own children there (we still live in the area). Wish it was still open so that I could take my grandkids and show them what their Great-Granddad helped bring to the community. I'm so glad I found this page, keep up the good work. (Nancy Wyckoff Mawhorter 3/28/06)

Update: Did you know...that the Meredith DI opened originally in May of 1952 by Hank Gardner...was remodeled in 1957 by Cassidy & Weiss. The Midway Drive-In, between Gladwin & Beaverton was 16mm operation, no in car speakers, but three big horns atop the screen. It ran briefly in 1959 or 60 as well as earlier. The screen and equipment of the Northwoods DI actually came from the old Bay DI near Pinconning. Some fun facts...hope they're useful. And I hope someone opens Meredith some day again. Sure looked nice last year. (Pat Weaver 4/17/06)

Update: The original wooden tower buit in 1952 was doubled in size in 1957. That screen collapsed in 1973 and was replaced with the metal tower that still stands today. (Waterwinterwonderland.com/Pat Weaver 5/9/06)