Changed Lanes
In his 2000 book BOWLING ALONE, Professor Robert D. Putnam of Harvard University uses the decline of bowling leagues (among other indicators) to explain the decades long loss of civic engagement in America.
While the number of people bowling has actually risen, they are not doing so in leagues. This has put enormous financial stress on lane owners, as leagues spend much more on beer and pizza than individual bowlers or even small groups of bowlers do.
And refreshments are how the owners make their money, not on lane and shoe rentals.
Bowling alleys also take up a large amount of acreage, and in revitalizing metropolitan areas, the temptation to sell to developers is simply overwhelming.
We are losing bowling alleys at an alarming rate.
I am not a bowler, except for the every-other decade or so game, but these places have always fascinated me. I’ve also been intrigued by the machinery of bowling.
And last but not least, bowlers themselves. The grace, form and precision exhibited by people one might not think (at first glance) to be athletic.
The first two images in this series document the abandoned military bowling alley in the Kingsbridge Armory in the Bronx, New York. Nothing there to indicate what was once a thriving scene. The following three photos are of the gutted Van Nest Lanes also in the Bronx. The space is being converted to retail, and the only indication that it once was a bowling alley are some demolition dust covered balls in the restroom, the outside “BOWLING” sign, and well as the “Cosmic Bowl” signage on the entranceway when the site was used for the film MEN IN BLACK.
The next image is of the still active Bowl 360 in the Rockaways, with the only intact neon of its former glory being the cocktail glass.
And then we get to Rab’s Country Lanes in Staten Island. Full kudos to Mr. Frank Wilkinson owner and all around great guy. He has succeeded in creating a true family atmosphere amongst his staff and bowlers. His portrait is included, as well as a photo of the young Mr. Koppie, who had just signed a college scholarship agreement based on his bowling skills.
Enjoy.
