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);
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))
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)
