Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Bowling in California

The bowling alley once played a much bigger role in the fabric of growing communities. Today, many of these great gathering spots are living out their final years, and I sincerely hope that the wrecking ball will continue to pass them by...

First up, it's Freeway Lanes on Golden State Blvd (old Hwy 99) just North of Selma:




Nice wall detail:



Restroom tile work circa 1958:



About 220 miles to the south, Palos Verdes Bowl remains in fine form and without bumpers if you please:



The locker room:




In Northern California, Monterey Lanes continues to offer safe haven to the occasional gutter-baller...

The entry driveway:



Interior ceiling panels:


Classic exterior patterns:



In Santa Fe Springs, we take a fond last look at Premier Lanes...Which closed in May, 2008. These pictures are from June, 2006 and I wish they weren't so washed-out.



Encore Room R.I.P.



I want some of these lockers in my hobby room (I also want a hobby room):



Last but not least, and still quite impressive in scope, here is wonderful Covina Bowl in West Covina...


The great sign:


Alas, The Egyptian Room is long gone, unfortunately...



See you next time!