MarionMade!: Jer-Zee Drive-In opens for 75th year
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Under cold skies with temperatures just above freezing, Marion residents lined up for the opening of the Jer-zee Drive-In for its 75th year.
Kevin Ellinwood was first in line on Valentine’s Day.
“I’ve been coming here on opening day for 49 years,” Ellinwood said.
As a child, Ellinwood grew up in the Chateau neighborhood near the Jer-zee. While he has moved, he always stops in on opening day to get his favorite orange slush.
Terry and David Persinger of Marion were next in line. The couple has been coming on opening day for many years.
“I had a friend and we would take turns to pick up stuff. I try to make it here and say, ‘Hi!’ to her in my heart. It’s our favorite shop,” Terry said.
They ordered foot-long Coneys and a peanut butter milkshake as they celebrated their 27th wedding anniversary.
Kathy Neff of Marion has lived here for 44 years and has been coming to the Jer-zee ever since.
“I’ve been here on opening day every year except when my son was graduating from boot camp,” Neff said.
While the Jer-zee offered many special Valentine’s Day treats, the regulars ordered their long-time favorites. Neff ordered a foot-long Coney and a chocolate soda.
“It’s one of the few places that makes sodas the way they did when I was growing up in southern Ohio,” Neff said.
The long-time fans were grateful to have sunshine instead of years where they stood in snow or rain to wait for the Jer-zee staff to hand out their favorite treats.
The opening in February was started nearly 60 years ago.
“It was tradition from the previous owners who had it for 30 years. I carried it on,” Barb Pine said. “We make more sales in February and March instead of August. Everybody’s ready for it after being closed for five months. It feels like spring if the ice cream places are open.”
On June 29, the Jer-zee, which is located at 923 E. Center St., will have a celebration with a live band and tents. Hot dogs and and ice cream cones will be available for just 75 cents to mark the 75th year of serving Marion.
“We’re going to have a little bit of fun and give back to the community,” Pine said.
This article originally appeared on Marion Star: The Jer-Zee Drive-In kicks off its 75th year in Marion