Is Bowling Rolling Down Memory Lane?

Are bowling alleys going the wayside of drive-in theaters?  From the 1940’s through the 1960’s bowling enjoyed its peak in popularity, with over a hundred bowling alleys operational in the greater Cleveland area and the highest concentration of them in Parma (ironically, there are no bowling alleys in Brunswick), making it our iconic recreational activity and symbol of blue-collar leisure.  Today, there are barely over twenty lane facilities still in business for reasons that not only reflect our dire economic times, but the changes in our social and recreational preferences as a culture.

With the August closing of long-standing Bradnen’s Bowling on West 130th and the temporary closing of Yorktown Lanes the same month due to a fire in the kitchen, many area leagues were sent scrambling for lanes finding refuge at popular Freeway Lanes on Brookpark Rd. and Brookgate Lanes on Snow. Rd. 

Along with lack of lanes, other reasons given for the decline in bowling are rising property taxes, less people willing to commit to long league seasons, and the introduction of virtual bowling software such as that offered by Wii and used by local senior centers.

In addition to Bradnen’s, others on the growing list of those that have closed over the years are: Berea Roll-and-Bowl, Classic Lanes (formerly Mezznar’s in Fulton Plaza), Parmatown Lanes, Parma Recreation on Ridge Rd., Ptak Lanes, mega-bowling center Stardust whose roof collapsed with heavy snow over its 88 lanes, and Brown’s Bowling and Grill on W.25th which opened in 1912 and is the third oldest in the nation has recently had to demolish four of its six lanes.  The owner will reopen two refurbished lanes within the next few months, partly due to pressure from an historical society, but also not having the heart to close it down entirely. 

Even the Greater Cleveland Bowling Association headquarters on Chevrolet Blvd. is up for sale.

Smaller (twelve lanes or less) bowling alleys in the area that remain open include: Dickey Recreation on W. 25th, Seven Hills Lanes on Broadview, and Red Circle Lanes on State Rd. in Parma.  Dickey Recreation opened its doors in 1946 and has not automated its score-keeping so those who enjoy this additional challenge will be taken back in time.  Another benefit of small lanes is that they generally offer a lower price per game – as little as two and half bucks versus the four to five dollar price tag per game in the large alleys.  Almost all lanes run specials over the summer for open bowling.  As always, check with the bowling alley of your choice for times and prices before heading out to avoid being shut-out by party bookings and league play.

With the decline of league play, which in the past generated roughly 70 per cent of an alleys business to only 40 per cent today, large bowling alleys have suffered loss of stable income necessary to see them through the summer months.  Alternatives to demanding weekly league play are alternating week leagues and the allowance of extra team members giving bowlers a night off on a rotation.

If you think you have to be a Dick Weber to join a league, guess again.  Handicapped leagues are an attractive introduction to the game and beginning at lowest score has its advantages.  For those new to league play, here’s a few pointers:  If you hear the words “chicken, chicken sandwich, or turkey” – these aren’t specials at the snack bar, be prepared to slap hi-fives around; a “hedgehog” is four strikes in a row, and anyone getting one is generally ostracized.  Also, be wary when everyone else on the team scores a spare or a strike except YOU - these are called pop, beer, and fry frames and guess who’s buying?

Want to impress with bowling trivia?   Not many know that a bowling ball can have up to twelve holes in it – don’t ask why since most of us only have four fingers and a thumb on one hand.  If it becomes evident you’re going to finish in the double digits, just say you’re much better at 5-pin, or even “duck pin” bowling (which you played on your last trip to Canada, wink-wink).

Also, bring a bottle of baby powder: It’s not because bowlers are unusually stressed-out and get sweaty, it’s because they oil the lanes for speed and the balls get greasy. 

Want to look professional?  Always carry an intimidating dish towel that says “200 Club” – you’ll fit right in.  And that cool leather wrist-straightener?  You can start a new trend with three dollar boxing hand-wraps from Wal-Mart – they may serve a dual purpose!

Above all, remember the words of AMF…bowling “Always Means Fun!”