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August 2021
50plus LIFE
every week with my family and seeing all my friends,” he said. “With everyone so busy In 1957, Elvis had a hit these days, it’s great to be able record with “All Shook Up”; to spend time with my family the Russians launched Sputnik once a week. At this point, I, the first space satellite; and they are the main reason why I Lion Bowl, a 12-lane center, keep bowling.” was built on the corner of Pine He added: “You make and Martin streets in Red plenty of friends through Lion, Pennsylvania. bowling, and the camaraderie The bowling boom was is special. Bowling is a lot in its infancy. From 1955 more fun than most people through 1963, the number of realize.” bowling centers nearly doubled Dave Zelger, co-proprietor nationally, and league bowlers of Lion Bowl, said, “Pret is increased from 3 million extremely well liked. I think he to 7 million, according to knows everyone, and everyone the United States Bowling knows him.” Congress. Grove said it’s difficult to Like so many bowling-crazy imagine the bowling frenzy Americans, Preston (Pret) Photo courtesy of Barry Sparks that swept the country in the Grove’s father, Curt, joined Some years, Grove, now retired, won a league in 1957. He bowled more money bowling than he earned 1950s and 1960s if you never experienced it. for the Red Lion Zion at his regular job. Bowling centers Church team at Lion were filled with two Bowl. shifts of leagues Pret, 15, every weeknight, and accompanied his dad to weekends were packed. the center every week. Every center had a Before long, Pret was waiting list that was asked to substitute. sometimes a couple of And, soon he became a hours long. Grove said regular team member. his father had standing “Bowling in a league reservations at Lion was one of the most Bowl every Saturday exciting things for night. me growing up,” he Grove followed the recalled. “There wasn’t Photo courtesy of Barry Sparks Grove averaged a score of 184 last year but says exploits of PBA bowlers much for a farm boy to the numbers have gotten less important as he’s Don Carter and Dick do, particularly in the gotten older. “You make plenty of friends through Weber and, later on, wintertime, in a small bowling, and the camaraderie is special.” the likes of Mark Roth town of 5,500 or so.” and Earl Anthony. He Sixty-three years was one of 14 million to 15 million viewers who later, Grove, now 78, is still competing in the league faithfully tuned in to watch PBA bowlers compete on Thursday nights at Lion Bowl. every Saturday afternoon on ABC-TV. After all these years, it’s not much of a stretch to “The PBA bowlers were our heroes,” he said. say bowling is in his DNA. It’s part of his weekly “I learned how to be a much better bowler by biorhythm. He feels out of sorts if he misses a watching them.” Thursday night because of snow or a COVID-19 Grove’s grandfatherly appearance belies his shutdown. prowess on the lanes. Last year, he averaged 184, “I’ve never missed a season,” said Grove, who which is exceptionally high for a septuagenarian. bowls on a team with his grandson, Tim Johnson; His most memorable bowling moments include Tim’s girlfriend, Stephanie Newton; and his sonrolling his first 300 game and first 700 series. He in-law, Don Emenheiser. The foursome spends a lot said his weekly scores have become less important as of time kidding each other, catching up on family he has gotten older. news, and practicing one-upsmanship. “Pret’s a very good bowler,” said Dave Zelger. “I still look forward to bowling at Lion Bowl By Barry Sparks
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