News Article: Grand Opening! Operation of our new "MIDWAY THEATER", an Auto Drive In open air show, will start next Wednesday night, May 20. Location: Half-way between Gladwin and Beaverton on M-18, at Elmer Kings Grocery. There will be a double feature: "NORTHWEST STAMPEDE" in Cine-color, starring Joan Leslie and James Craig, and "LOADED PISTOLS", starring Gene Autry. This will be a three-hour show, starting at dusk, so come prepared to see it all. The "MIDWAY THEATER" will be a community show, operated every Wednesday night at first, intended for the family man. There will be an admission charge of 50c per car, so load em up and come over for a good show each week. Our "MIDWAY" is not an imitation of the other Drive Ins. Well have three power speakers with ample sound-on-screen this year, perhaps speakers in cars next year. And we have the best arc light projection equipment. There will be a snack-bar in Kings Grocery and popcorn will be sold on the grounds. This show will be operated by RUBLES STUDIO in co-operation with Kings Grocery and backed by 37 of the leading merchants of both Gladwin and Beaverton. Watch for announcement of shows each week in this paper. (Gladwin County Record 5/13/53)

Update: Unexpectedly ran across the ad for this previously unheard of drive-in while searching the Gladwin County Record newspaper for the opening ad for the nearby Meredith Drive-In. The Midway Auto Theatre apparently opened in April 1954 and operated at least through August 1954. (Michigandriveins.com 4/17/05)

Update: The Midway ran briefly in 1960 also, I think. I know we went, didnt stay long. With the speakers atop the screen, the car windows had to be down, which the mosquitos enjoyed! Mr. Ruble also had a couple other of these little drive-ins, at Secord, NE of Gladwin and at Wooden Shoe, next to the tavern. Working on a picture of the Midway--one exists!! (Waterwinterwonderland.com/Pat Weaver 7/28/05)

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)