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)

Bowlero Lanes (Lakewood); Bowling alleys--Lakewood--1960-1970; Parking lots--Lakewood;

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)

Bowlers--Lakewood; Awards; Clevinger, Bradley; MacKay, Evan; Munro, Sam; Theuer, Jerroll; MacKay, Jim; Villa Bowl (Lakewood);

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.

Bowlers; Bowling alleys; Bowling balls;

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.

Bowlers; Bowling balls;

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))

Bowling alleys--Lakewood; Villa Bowl (Lakewood);

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);

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.

Bowlers--Tacoma--1950-1960; Bowling--Tacoma--1950-1960; Pacific Telephone & Telegraph Co. (Tacoma)--Employees--1950-1960;

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;

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.

Bowlers--Tacoma--1950-1960; Bowling--Tacoma--1950-1960; Bowling balls; Bailey Co. (Tacoma);

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.

Bowlers--Tacoma--1950-1960; Bowling--Tacoma--1950-1960; Bowling balls; Bailey Co. (Tacoma);

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.

Bowling alleys--Seattle; 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);

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);

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;

Cans of Columbia Ale are arranged in a semi-circle on the familiar Heidelberg logo placemat as the brewery's men's bowling team pose behind the display. The men, dressed in bowling shirts with their names embroidered on them, clutch their bowling balls in this April 30, 1954, photograph. Bowling was a popular pastime in the Fifties; there were probably many leagues established in Tacoma. TPL-6496

Bowlers--Tacoma; Bowling balls; Heidelberg Brewing Co. (Tacoma)--People; Beer;

Janie models her Heidelberg Breweries bowling shirt as her team members stand by their bowling balls in a photograph taken on April 30, 1954. Heidelberg sponsored both ladies and men's teams in bowling. Bowling was quite a popular sport in the 1950's with at least ten bowling alleys listed in the 1954 City Directory. TPL-6495

Bowlers--Tacoma; Bowling balls; Heidelberg Brewing Co. (Tacoma)--People;

Heidelberg Breweries sponsored teams for various recreational leagues. Ten members of the brewery's bowling team pose for a photograph on April 30, 1954. Five men are crouching with their right hands upright; the five women behind them each grasps ahold of one man's arm. The men all have their names embroidered above the pockets on their bowling shirts.

Bowlers--Tacoma; Bowling alleys--Tacoma; Heidelberg Brewing Co. (Tacoma)--People

Ray Kanzler and one of the bowling teams posed for this studio portrait during the 1951 leagues.

Bowlers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Bowling balls;

Studio portrait of Joe Bowles, 325 Supply Squadron, AI 15432518, McChord Field. The young airman stopped by the Richards Studio on December 23, 1950 to have his photograph taken while in dress uniform.

Bowles, Joe; Military personnel--1950-1960; Military uniforms;

Bill Hay, on the extreme right, gives pointers to local lawn bowlers during his trip to Tacoma on September 7, 1950. Hay is the president of the American Lawn Bowling Association. From left to right are Jim Dickson, Cy Mentzer, Louis Muscek, Roy Cleveland, Bill Dunckley, Lew Thomas and Hay. The lawn bowling green in Wright Park was built by the W.P.A., and play began there on May2, 1936. (TNT 9-10-50, p. C-14)

Bowling--Tacoma--1950-1960; Bowlers--Tacoma--1950-1960; Balls (Sporting goods);

The Market Bowlers won the "Champions of Champions" tournament at the Elks alleys. Eighty-six teams who had won either first or second half titles competed in the Third Annual Tacoma Bowling Association Tournament. Seen holding the tournament trophy are, L-R, Paul Flani, Nat Flani, Don Bryant, F.M. Durst, Martin Ward, Fred Wilvers and Carl Hoit. Five smaller trophies stand on a table in front of them. (TNT, 4/29/1951, p.C-17)

Bowlers--Tacoma--1950-1960; Awards; Group portraits;Flani, Paul; Flani, Nat; Bryant, Don; Burst, F.M.; Ward, Martin; Wilvers, Fred; Hoit, Carl;

On Saturday evening January 21, 1950, Amos Sturgis, a 148-average bowler from Puyallup, went to the Sixth Avenue Lanes, 2052 6th Ave. for a little practice. On his second game he started with a strike. After rolling 12 strikes in a row, he was the first bowler in the history of the lanes to throw a perfect 300. For his perfect game, Sturgis received the standing house cash prize, and a special award from Ed Chilla, owner of the alleys. Ordered by Ed Chilla. (TNT 11/23/1950 p.17) TPL-9807

Bowlers--Tacoma--1950-1960; Bowling alleys--Tacoma--1950-1960; Sturgis, Amos; Sixth Avenue Lanes (Tacoma); Bowling balls; Awards;

New bowling alley at White Center, Jack Vasso. A view of the interior of the newly completed White Center Bowl showing ten lanes, the scoring stations, player and visitor seating, and ball returns. The barrel ceiling is lit along the beams for a stripped effect.

White Center Bowl (Seattle); Bowling alleys--Seattle--1940-1950; Barrel ceilings--Seattle; Lighting--Seattle; Bowling balls;

New bowling alley at White Center, Jack Vasso. A view of the players and visitors seating area behind the playing lanes. Racks of bowling balls are seen in the far rear. The bowling ball returns are loaded with balls and the scoring stations are at the ready. The supporting beams for the barrel ceiling attach to heavy posts near the bowling ball racks in the back.

White Center Bowl (Seattle); Bowling alleys--Seattle--1940-1950; Barrel ceilings--Seattle; Lighting--Seattle; Bowling balls;

New bowling alley at White Center, Jack Vasso. A view straight down the ten bowling lanes to the pins, set for the games to begin. The players seating and scoring stations are in the foreground.

White Center Bowl (Seattle); Bowling alleys--Seattle--1940-1950; Barrel ceilings--Seattle; Lighting--Seattle; Bowling balls;

B & B Glass and Paint Company were glass and paint dealers and manufacturers, their business office was located at 748 Market Street in downtown Tacoma. The company was owned by Benjamin E. Bassett and LeRoy O. Bertheau. View of B & B employees and possibly the owners; this company's bowling league appears to have won a local bowling tournament.

Tournaments--Tacoma--1940-1950; Awards--1940-1950; Bowling--Tacoma--1940-1950; Bowlers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Bowling balls; B & B Glass & Paint Co. (Tacoma)--Employees;

The City of Tacoma's ten bowling leagues competed against each other for the title of City Bowling Champions. The Department of Public Utilities Light Division beat the garbage, police and engineer's teams and were awarded the city trophy. Front row, left to right: Howard Armstrong and James Wilhelmi; team members in back row, left to right: Bill McClelland, Jack Byers, Frank Francis, Art Angove, Lave Bresolin, Dave Ferguson and Carl Phlugmacher (T.N.T., 5/1/49, p. B-13).

Bowling--Tacoma; Bowling alleys--Tacoma; Bowlers--Tacoma; Bowling balls; Awards; Men--Social life--1940-1950; Tournaments--Tacoma--1940-1950; Tacoma Dept. of Public Utilities, Light Division (Tacoma)--People;

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.

West Seattle Bowl (Seattle); Bowling alleys--Seattle--1940-1950; Cash registers; Bouquets; Interiors--Seattle--1940-1950; Lounges--Seattle--1940-1950; Benches--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;