Status: WESTSIDE -- 8 Mile Rd near Coolidge, Detroit -- One of the earliest drive ins, a sister to the Eastside. Small theater holding about 800 cars. Started have gang troubles in the early '80s and was torn down in December 1984 to make way for lumber yard (which has since gone out of business). (Evil Sams Drive-In Theatre Guide/Fredrick R. 1996)

Update: Gone, Detroit's second drive-in. (Michigandriveins.com 9/98)

Update: My father, Charles Zack, managed the Westside Theater in the 40's and 50's, I have a lot of material from those years. I worked at the kiddieland that my Dad built next to the drive-in, as well as the concession stand at the Westside. Phillip Smith was often a guest at our home. I have scrapbooks filled with pics of Miss Flame contest that helped to sell war bonds in the forties. My Dad ran many contests, and was very successful. Every Fourth of July, the Westside offered a wonderful fireworks display that always ended with the American flag displayed in lights. On Easter Sunday, the theater held a sunrise service for all who wished to attend. All of these events are documented in newspaper clippings and various other sources. My Dad was the recipient of many awards and accolades for his innovations in the theater business. many of the awards presented to him came from Gov "Soapy" Williams. The theater was a 2nd home for myself and my sister and brother, I remember the name of the projectionist in the early 50's, Al Smith. (Victoria Zack-Calvaruso 7/7/04)

My cousin Jim Szeles used to assist in managing this Drive-In in the late 70's with Steve Yacush and John Lett. I spent a summer working there and hanging out and also at The Eastside Drive in. We had a blast and used to scare people in their cars while they watched gorey movies. Rubber masks helped a great deal. I am now a comedian/magician who's become quite popular on TV and in Vegas where I now perform as The Amazing Johnathan. My cousin Jim has also followed the entertainment path and is a well-known stage hypnotist known as Szeles and we both live in California now. (The Amazing Johnathan 12/28/04)

Update: I worked at the Westside Drive on and off from 72 -74. 1974 was the first time they closed the drive-in for the winter. At that time the East side and West side drive in were owned by General Cinema. (Jim Szeles 12/28/04)

Update: Many people referred to it as "The 8 Mile Drive In", but that was because they couldn't remember the name. It was the only drive in on 8 Mile Road west of Woodward, and people just called it "the 8 mile drive in". Yes - that pic is the Westside, viewed from the "back" (from 8 mile) (Ronald Schomer 11/11/06)