Rainy days did not keep customers away from the Bowlero Lanes, 3852 Steilacoom Blvd. S.W. in Lakewood. This early December, 1968, photograph shows a partially full parking lot outside the bowling alley, and was used in a December 5, 1968, News Tribune ad. The bowling center, located near the Sears suburban store, was announcing the gala opening of a new restaurant and coffee shop. The menu featured a delicious salad bar and Henning's famous 9 oz. broiler steak for only $3.95. Bowling was still very popular in the 1960's with league results reported in the daily newspapers. Bowlero Lanes was open for business 24 hours a day with 32 lanes available. Another feature was the new expanded billiard area. Photograph ordered by Bowlero Lanes. (TNT ad 12-5-68, B-2)
These five young bowlers happily displayed their trophies in May of 1961. They were the Villa Bowl bantam team that won the Western Division Championship of the 16th National Team Mail-O-Graphic tournament held at the Villa Bowl in Lakewood. The boys went on to earn 124th place at nationals. Left to right are Bradley Clevinger, Evan MacKay, Sam Munro, Jerroll Theuer and Jim MacKay who are standing in front of the Villa Bowl, a 24-lane bowling alley, in Lakewood's Villa Plaza Shopping Center. Photograph ordered by Villa Bowl. (TNT 6-11-61, B-14)
Interior- bowling alley. The Villa Bowl, located in Lakewood's Villa Plaza Shopping Center, welcomed area bowlers to their modern new facility in September, 1957. Semi-circular bench seating was provided for bowlers on the checkered flooring and comfortable chairs with arm rests awaited onlookers. Villa Bowl had 24 lanes and automatic Brunswick pin setters. There would be a league room for lessons by both a male and female instructor and a leathercraft shop where bowlers could learn to make custom made covers. A snack bar and banquet room would also be available. Owners Russell and Jo Trauger would also provide a nursery with trained supervisors to watch the children of bowlers. The bowling alley would be open 24 hours a day. For exterior of building, see A108778-5. Photograph ordered by Villa Bowl. (TNT 8-7-57, B-20, TNT 9-19-57, p. 14, 15))
The Villa Bowl was one of the newest bowling alleys to open in Pierce County in 1957; it was located in the new Villa Plaza Shopping Center. The building's exterior is typically concrete-block construction with some brick facing. Large letters near the roofline advertise the business' name; there is also a cutout of two bowlers on a separate panel nearby. The bowling alley was scheduled to open about September 1. It would have 24 lanes and automatic Brunswick pin setters. Bowling lessons would be provided by both a male and female instructor. Photograph ordered by Villa Bowl. (TNT 8-7-57, B-20)
Bowling alleys--Lakewood; Villa Bowl (Lakewood); Signs (Notices);
Dixie, "Thelma" and fellow bowlers look prepared to take lessons on the art of bowling in a January, 1958, photograph. They all have their bowling balls at waist high, fingers inserted, as they gaze upon the smiling male instructor. He is probably Ted Tadich, who is carrying two balls in the palms of his hands. Photograph ordered by Teleradio Advertisers, Inc., for KTVW television.
A new bowler places her ball, fingers inserted, into the Brunswick Brunsmeter with help from the bowling alley employee. Shelves besides the two are filled with boxes of Hyde bowling shoes and assorted bowling covers. Bowling remained popular throughout the 1950's with many companies sponsoring teams of both men and women. Results of tournaments were steadily reported in local papers. For another view of the bowler and employee, see D112200-145. Photograph ordered by Teleradio Advertisers, Inc., for KTVW television.
People took bowling very seriously in the 1950's. It was a very popular sport, with many companies sponsoring teams in various leagues. Results were often reported in the local newspapers. These five ladies were probably on the women's team sponsored by the Bailey Co., a real estate firm. Madge, Esther, Marge, Nona and Lois all had their names stitched onto their bowling shirts and engraved on their Brunswick balls as well. Photograph ordered by the Bailey Co.
Bowling teams in the 1950's dressed a bit more formally than today's bowlers. This five-man team sponsored by the Bailey Co. all wore identical long-sleeve shirts and nice slacks to bowl. Since bowling was so popular in the 1940's and 50's, many companies sponsored teams who competed in leagues. Winning teams were frequently mentioned in the sports section of the local newspaper. Sepia photograph ordered by the Bailey Co.
Exterior bowling alley. Bowling alleys were often located in nondescript buildings. A large neon sign directs customers to this bowling alley's entrance. Metered parking was available for those choosing to park on the street. This has been identified as University Bowl at 1104 E. 45th, Seattle. Bowling continued to be very popular in the 1950's; leagues flourished, often sponsored by employers, and results of tournaments continued to be reported in local newspapers. Photograph ordered by Western Bowling, Inc. (Additional identification provided by a reader)
Bowling alleys--Seattle; University Bowl (Seattle); Electric signs--Seattle--1950-1960;
Many companies sponsored bowling teams in the 1950's as a way to promote unity and goodwill among employees. There were numerous leagues in the Tacoma area, both for men and women. This large group, photographed on April 16, 1957, consisted of employees of the Pacific Telephone & Telegraph Co. These women look ready to bowl, even in long skirts. Photograph ordered by Pacific Telephone & Telegraph Co.
Exterior bowling alley. The new Sky Lane Bowling center in Seattle was newly opened for business in October, 1955. Owners provided a long covered walkway leading to the entrance of the bowling alley so that customers could be protected from the region's elements. The familiar semi-curved roofline probably signified to passersby that a bowling alley was contained within. The bowling center was owned by Western Bowling Managers Inc. It had ample parking for customers and also a fine restaurant, owned by Mrs. Kena Jensen and Mrs. Eva Harris. Photograph ordered by Sky Lane Bowl.
Interior bowling alley. The new Sky Lane Bowl in Seattle is quiet and waiting for customers on October 22, 1955. The wooden alleys are polished and shining and the pins at the end of the lanes are already set up. This appears to be a very large bowling center with at least twelve operating lanes. Long rows of seats seem to extend the length of the center for onlookers or those waiting their turn to bowl. Photograph ordered by Sky Lane Bowl.
Bowling alleys--Seattle; Bowling balls; Sky Lane Bowl (Seattle);
Bright fluorescent lights reflect off the shining wooden alleys of the Sky Lane Bowling center on October 22, 1955. The new bowling alley had recently opened for business in Seattle. Bowling was a very popular sport in the 1950's with many alleys in Seattle and Tacoma to cater to the multiple bowling leagues and also the occasional bowler. Photograph ordered by Skylane Bowl.
Bowling alleys--Seattle; Sky Lane Bowling (Seattle);
The large neon Sky Lane bowling pin sign also bears a resemblance to a flying rocket as it is positioned next to the bowling alley's ample parking lot on October 22, 1955. Sky Lane had recently opened for business in the Seattle area. The familiar semi-curved roof is visible from the street. Photograph ordered by Sky Lane Bowl.
Bowling alleys--Seattle; Skylane Bowl (Seattle); Electric signs--Seattle--1950-1960;
Interior of new bowling alley, West Seattle Bowl. The curved roof with lighting running with the curve of the building, hanging score boards and overhead projectors give this interior a look of the future. The bowling alley advertised 14 lanes, an instructor, service and a lunch counter. Balls are lined up at the return machines.
Interior of new bowling alley, West Seattle Bowl. A view of a lunch counter and stools that curve around the preparation area. An older couple and a younger man and woman stand behind the counter. At least eight bouquets are displayed, sent by people wishing the new enterprise success. Blenders are seen on the left, back counter ready to prepare whipped drinks. Windows line the wall above the back counter. The lunch counter is open to the rest of the interior of the building.
Interior of bowling alley, Brunswick Company, Seattle. A September, 1948, view of the interior of the West Seattle Bowl facilities facing the playing area with fourteen lanes featuring the players' seating, backs of the score screens and the ball returns. The new bowling alley was operated by Jack E. Fasso.
West Seattle Bowl (Seattle); Bowling alleys--Seattle--1940-1950;
Interior of bowling alley, Brunswick Company, Seattle. A view of the interior of the West Seattle Bowl facilities featuring the players seating areas with tables for keeping score and overhead projectors for the score totals. Two rows of spectator seating are provided. The curved laminated beams that support the arched roof are shown with the supporting braces where the beams join the floor.
West Seattle Bowl (Seattle); Bowling alleys--Seattle--1940-1950;
Interior of bowling alley, Brunswick Company, Seattle. A view of the interior of the new West Seattle Bowl facilities featuring the reception area with a cash register, counter, and seating. Many large bouquets are shown representing the congratulations on their opening and wishes for success received by the new bowling alley. The counter is surfaced with wood that is highly grained. The seating area on the right curves around the corner and is covered with leather-like material.
Interior of bowling alley, Brunswick Company, Seattle. A view of the interior of the West Seattle Bowl facilities showing the back of the players' areas and the racks of bowling balls stored behind the spectators' seating. The footings for the laminated beams are also clearly shown.
West Seattle Bowl (Seattle); Bowling alleys--Seattle--1940-1950; Interiors--Seattle--1940-1950;
Interior of bowling alley, Brunswick Company, Seattle. A view of the interior of the West Seattle Bowl facilities showing the players' areas and the spectators' seating. The scoreboards hang over the play area.
West Seattle Bowl (Seattle); Bowling alleys--Seattle--1940-1950; Interiors--Seattle--1940-1950;
Interior of bowling alley, Brunswick Company, Seattle. A view of the interior of the West Seattle Bowl facilities featuring the lanes, ball returns, scoring tables and over-head scoring screens. The curved ceiling is brightly lit by fixtures seated between each of the beams.
West Seattle Bowl (Seattle); Bowling alleys--Seattle--1940-1950; Lighting--Seattle--1940-1950; Bowling balls;
A trio of lawn bowlers, (l to r) George Fairbaine and Charles P. Middleton of Seattle and Eugene McNeal of Tacoma, crouch to measure the distance between a bowling ball and the "jack" on the green in Wright Park. On May 28, 29 & 30, 1938, eighty five lawn bowlers from Bellingham, Portland, Seattle and Tacoma competed in the Northwest Lawn Bowling Association's holiday tournament in Wright Park . The Scottish game had developed a large following in the Pacific Northwest and Wright Park held one of the finest manicured playing fields in the region. McNeal of Tacoma won the singles title with Fairbairn finishing third. The object of the game is to roll your ball as close to the "jack", the small white ball, as possible. (T. Times, 6/1/1938, p. 5).
Bowling--Tacoma; Bowlers--Tacoma; Tournaments--Tacoma; Wright Park (Tacoma); Parks--Tacoma--1940-1950;
Lawn bowlers compete in Northwest tournament at Wright Park. The ancient Scottish game attracted 85 bowlers, signifying growing popularity in the Northwest. Spectators watch bowler as he stands on lawn pad and rolls the ball. (T.Times, 6/1/38, p. 5).
Bowling--Tacoma; Bowlers--Tacoma; Tournaments--Tacoma; Wright Park (Tacoma); Parks--Tacoma--1940-1950;
The team representing Reliance Trailers, of Oakland, California, dominated play in all open bowling events of the Northwest International Bowling Congress, concluding Sunday May 5, 1940 in Tacoma at the Broadway Alleys. The men won the team championship with a total score of 2951. In the front are F. McGee (575), and M. Karolac (614). In the back are R. Waag (592), J. Whetstone (581) and G. Danielson (589). Mickey Karolac won the all events open title, with a grand total of 1858, 30 pins ahead of his closest competitor. Whetstone and Danielson won the open doubles. (T. Times 5/6/1940, pg. 11)
Bowlers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Reliance Trailers--Oakland, Ca.; Karolac, Mickey; Northwest International Bowling Congress;
The O'Donnell Market women's bowling team from Bend, Oregon. Five women dressed in matching outfits representing O'Donnell's Market. Three women in back row have names embroidered on shirts, left to right: Reba, Olga, Evelyn. The team was competing in the annual Western Women's Bowling Congress at the Play Mor alleys April 24- May 5th, 1940.
