THE WORLD'S ONLY MAGAZINE DEVOTED EXCLUSIVELY TO THE BUSINESS OF BOWLING
CONTENTS
VOL 19.8
6 ISSUE AT HAND
30 PROFILE
Recovery Complete
A Double Life
By Scott Frager
After serving as county commissioner and center proprietor, Ann Doyle is at a crossroads.
8 SHORTS
White Sox Celebrity Classic Ribbon cutting for Stars & Strikes #4 in Stone Mountain, GA Jersey City firehouse gives bowling lanes a new home. SBI & BCSC host golf tournaments
By Bree Gutierrez
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The Quintessential Volunteer Elaine Hagin has served bowling for six decades. By Mark Miller
38 CENTER STAGE Unearthing Lyndhurst’s History The oldest certified lanes? You can be a part of the discovery.
17 WHAT BOWLING MEANS TO ME
By Joan B. Taylor
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54 REMEMBER WHEN 1949
By Robin Breuner
A smooth approach with Barbasol
20 OFF THE CLOCK Walt Aldred
44 Datebook
K-9 Police Officer Aldred works the streets with his trusty shepherd, Gunner.
45 Showcase 46 Classifieds
By Bree Gutierrez
Lucky Jack’s
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August 2011
holmes@bowlingindustry.com
EDITORIAL CONSULTANT Gregory Keer keer@bowlingindustry.com
OFFICE MANAGER Patty Heath heath@bowlingindustry.com
CONTRIBUTORS Robin Breuner Fred Groh Bree Gutierrez Patty Heath Mark Miller Lydia Rypcinski Joan B. Taylor SPECIAL PROJECTS Jackie Fisher fisher@bowlingindustry.com
ART DIRECTION & PRODUCTION Designworks
FOUNDER Allen Crown (1933-2002)
13245 Riverside Dr., Suite 501 Sherman Oaks, CA 91423 (818) 789-2695(BOWL) Fax (818) 789-2812 info@bowlingindustry.com
www.BowlingIndustry.com SUBSCRIPTION RATES: One copy of International Bowling Industry is sent free to every bowling center, independently owned pro shop and collegiate bowling center in the U.S., and every military bowling center and pro shop worldwide. Publisher reserves the right to provide free subscriptions to those individuals who meet publication qualifications. Additional subscriptions may be purchased for delivery in the U.S. for $50 per year. Subscriptions for Canada and Mexico are $65 per year, all other foreign subscriptions are $80 per year. All foreign subscriptions should be paid in U.S. funds using International Money Orders. POSTMASTER: Please send new as well as old address to International Bowling Industry, 13245 Riverside Drive, Suite 501, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423 USA. If possible, please furnish address mailing label. Printed in U.S.A. Copyright 2010, B2B Media, Inc. No part of this magazine may be reprinted without the publisher’s permission.
MEMBER AND/OR SUPPORTER OF:
22 COVER STORY
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DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING Chris Holmes
HOTLINE: 888-424-2695
Cedars of Marin
Celebrating a half century of re-invention and family succession
frager@bowlingindustry.com Skype: scottfrager
www.dzynwrx.com (818) 735-9424
14 BOWL EXPO ROUND-UP
For this special group, bowling is a key to socialization.
33 PERSON OF INTEREST
PUBLISHER & EDITOR Scott Frager
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THE ISSUE AT HAND
Recovery Complete It’s been over a month since the IBI team returned from Bowl Expo and it’s been a busy time of recovery. Recovery, in this case, both literal and figurative. IBI had a terrific Expo experience. From the minute we landed at DFW on Sunday afternoon to the moment we scurried out the trade show doors on Thursday evening, our days and nights were jam-packed. The first two-and-a-half days Chris Holmes and I wore our Bowling Centers of Southern California hats. We were thrilled to spend quality time with fellow association executive directors, staff and volunteers. The collaborative experience provided fresh ideas to take home. And, it made us feel good sharing some of our own homegrown ideas. The next two-and-a-half days we proudly wore our International Bowling Industry hats searching for news and stories for the magazine, shaking hands with our existing clients and sourcing new leads– all while signing up more than seventy new members to IBI Online. It was a mad dash as we raced the clock each day. Besides one journey off property to taste-test a local famed BBQ
joint (sorry, Texas, your BBQ doesn’t compare to good old-fashioned Kansas City BBQ), we never left the massive, but inviting, Gaylord Texan Hotel. Then, for me, the next 10 days were spent bed bound, under doctor’s orders, recovering from a case of pneumonia. Now, I’m back to work feeling 100% and focusing on the upcoming final quarter of 2011. A few take-a-ways from Expo that I’d like to share: • A longhorn-style “Thank You” to the staff and volunteers who put on Bowl Expo. Your work and efforts really made this one of the bowling industry’s crown jewels. • Bravo to CJ Fox of The Lighting Store for another successful International Bowling Karaoke SuperStar contest. For me, it was a most exciting and enjoyable evening. • Kudos to the presenters, who toiled, researched and felt comfortable sharing their perspectives to audiences. Being behind the podium is not easy. I know; I’ve been there. • Thanks to all of the proprietors and industry members, from around the world, who invested the time and money to participate at this and other industry events. In a business environment like today’s, it’s all too easy, if not entirely understandable, to put off or postpone traveling to events such as this. But, our industry is all the better for all those who do step forward and make commitments to participate. – SCOTT FRAGER, PUBLISHER AND EDITOR frager@bowlingindustry.com
THIS MONTH AT www.BowlingIndustry.com If you attended International Bowl Expo at the Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center in Grapevine, Texas in June you were undoubtedly one of the lucky ones to be met by Allison Holmes, IBI’s hostess extraordinaire. Allison made it a point to “meet and greet” as many people as she could and offer to sign them up for IBI’s website community. Even Bowlopolis’ nefarious, evil-doer King Pin couldn’t resist her charms nor IBI’s value. However, we might want to keep a close eye on KP! Couldn’t attend? Well you missed Allison, but you can certainly go online and sign up to be a member of Bowling Industry Online, the largest, ever-changing bowling community. Visit us at www.bowlingindustry.com and join now! 6
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CHARITY ON THE LANES
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BOWLING A HOME RUN WITH THE WHITE SOX
STRIKING FOR TORNADO DAMAGE
The second annual White Sox Celebrity Bowling Classic, presented by Miller Lite, took place June 12 at Lucky Strike Lanes in Chicago. Several White Sox team members were
Our hearts went out to the Japanese people after the devastating earthquake and tsunami in March. Little did we know that no sooner were they digging out, than tornados would begin assaulting states in the U.S. There seems to be no rest for the weary, but the bowling community knows neither bounds nor boundaries. Joplin, MO met a huge tornado head on. With such widespread devastation, it is hard to know where to begin. Yet that is what bowlers began to do…begin. The O’Fallon, MO police department hosted a bowling tournament at O’Fallon Bowl. Officer James Klingler, as quoted by the O’Fallon Patch, said, “These people literally lost everything. It’s just complete devastation. The emergency service providers out there are still serving their community, and they have nothing to go home to either, so we’re trying to help them.” Included in the groups bowling were O’Fallon police officers, Olivette police officers, a group from Scott Air Force Base, St Charles County Sheriffs Department and civilians. Brunswick Zone XL in Algonquin, IL hosted a fundraiser with proceeds dedicated to survivors of Joplin while a portion will go to the Red Cross of Greater Chicago. Tulsa, OK pro bowlers and amateurs at Andy B’s bowled 17 hours straight for Joplin relief efforts. KTUL.com quoted Chuck West, event coordinator. “Bowling does a lot for the community, and we raise so much for causes and stuff here at Andy B’s.” The city council of Joplin directed Tulsa’s bowlers’ proceeds to the Joplin High School band whose equipment and uniforms were lost. Northern Alabama was also hit hard. There were 18,000 houses destroyed and 70,000 people displaced by tornados. Alabama Realtors Young Professionals Network (YPN) teamed up with several surrounding counties and cities to select a young realtor family from a smaller town directly affected. Using Gulf Bowl in Foley as the venue, YPN opened six lanes for anyone who wanted to participate.
White Sox legend Carlton Fisk signs a baseball helmet for an event guest. © 2011 Chicago White Sox/Ron Vesely.
in attendance to support the fundraiser. Gordon Beckham, Harold Baines, Edwin Jackson. Brent Lillibridge, Will Ohman, Juan Pierre, Sergio Santos, Chris Sale, Mark Teahen among others traded in their cleats for bowling shoes and threw strikes to benefit pediatric cancer research and treatment
White Sox left fielder Juan Pierre (center in red shirt) mingles with event participants. © 2011 Chicago White Sox/Ron Vesely.
programs at Children's Memorial and University of Chicago Comer Children's Hospital. Fans were able to sign up for an “Ace Team” or for a “Reliever Team” and bowl 10 frames with a celebrity player.
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CHARITY ON THE LANES
BOWLING FOR … When things go wrong or need fixing, people go bowling. They go bowling to help. There is strong synchronicity between philanthropy and bowling which is evident in the rash of events this month. There is “BOWLING FOR …” just about everything! Books: Legacy Lanes in Whitehall, PA helped the Whitehall Public Library raise funds. Legacy is known for its charitable hosting and that scored big with Paula Kelly, Director at WPL. Beds: The dress was pajamas, the activity was bowling, and the goal was 50 new beds for supporters of A New Leaf shelter and other youth residential programs in Mesa, AZ. Mesa Brunswick Lanes made it all happen. Babies: No, there were no giveaways or swaps, but the March of Dimes and Oakwood Lanes of Washington, NJ partnered to raise funds for prevention of birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality. Domestic Violence Center: Brunswick Columbia Lanes in Columbia, MD with the Domestic Violence Center of Howard County raised $31,000 with “Hope Bowl.” Balls: A play on words to be sure but a very worthy cause no less. High Fives For Hope (H54H) is a national organization founded to fund research and education surrounding leukemia, colorectal and testicular cancers. Jupiter Lanes in Jupiter, FL hosted the “First Annual Bowling for Balls.” While breast cancer and lung cancer capture attention, testicular cancer has quietly grown with 8,480 new cases in 2010. Playground: East Dedham, MA needs a playground, and to further that goal, Kings hosted the first annual “Bowling Down the Barriers” fundraiser to realize Condon Park, a fully accessible playground. What has your center been involved with? We would love to hear and pass the word. Email at info@bowlingindustry.com.
SBI’s Charity Golf Outing There were 96 golfers representing 35 different bowling centers as well as representatives from the Bowling Centers Association of Wisconsin attending Schemm Bowling, Inc.’s SBI Charity Golf Outing in July. The event was held at Kestrel Ridge Golf Course in Columbus, WI. Tom and Judy Schemm have sponsored this charity event since 1994 and have raised over $75,000. Allied Insurance Centers, LLC., of Green Bay, WI sponsored a hole in one prize of $5,000. After a day of golf, all participants congregated at Cardinal Ale House & Bowl in Columbus for dinner, awards and raffles. The monies raised this year went to the Bowling Centers Association of Wisconsin Scholarship Fund, the BVL John Fetherston won the (Bowlers to Veterans Link) and David Bardon received the Bill Fetherson Memorial Low Gross Champion award McCardle Labs for cancer research at at Kestrel Ridge Golf Course. Campionship Award. University of Wisconsin, Madison. IBI
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STARS AND STRIKES OPENS NUMBER FOUR Stars & Strikes Family Entertainment Centers, LLC, a privately-owned, Atlanta-based company, opened its fourth location in Stone Mountain, GA. In operation for a little over five years and covering the metro-Atlanta area, this makes just a little under one project a year. The mission for Jack Canouse and Chris Albano, cofounders and Alpharetta neighbors, was to create an affordable, fun, family-centric atmosphere with great entertainment and amazing food. The new venue includes a 50,000 square-foot virtual indoor playground with 24 state-of-the-art Brunswick bowling lanes, a twostory, 4,000 square-foot mega-lazer tag arena, a 7,000 square-foot massive gaming arcade with indoor bumper cars, balladium (a foam ball air cannon attraction) and the latest in arcade games. Another highlight is a 2,500 square-foot corporate event room that can accommodate large groups and meetings or corporate audiences of 250+ people.
Jack Canouse (left) and Chris Albano (right) cut the ceremonial ribbon on their fourth location, Stone Mountain/Tucker, GA.
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PEOPLEWATCHING The USBC Board of Directors has elected Jim Sturm of Charles, WV as president. Taking office August 1, Sturm will be the fourth president in the history of the organization following Darlene Baker, the current president. Working in the bowling industry more than 30 years with an extensive history of leadership at the local, state and national Jim Sturm, new levels, Sturm presently owns and operates USBC President Dunbar Bowling Center in Dunbar, WV. He has been a member of the USBC Board since 2008 and is past president of the Bowling Proprietors’ Association of America. He is a graduate of the Vincennes University Bowling Lanes Management program and graduated from West Virginia State University with a degree in business administration and marketing. Tom Bluth of Davie, FL was elected as vice president. Bluth is executive vice president, chief financial officer and general counsel for Ellis Diversified. Bluth earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration as well as advance degrees in law from Washington Tom Bluth, University in St. Louis. He is also a certified elected vice public accountant. president, USBC The recent passing of Marshall Soslavsky was announced by Bowling Supply Co. Marshall’s involvement in the industry goes back to the 1960s; he was currently in sales for Master Industries. “He was a true road warrior, an exemplary and productive representative of his employers, a valuable asset to his customers, and an Ruth and Marshall unceasing supporter of our sport and industry.” Soslavsky Quoted by Tom Palmer of Bowling Supply Co. as “one of the good guys.” Sympathies extend to his wife Ruth, his daughters, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
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SO CAL PROPRIETORS TAKE TO THE GREENS The Bowling Centers of Southern California (BCSC) hosted its 29th annual golf event on July 13 at Black Gold Golf Club in Yorba Linda, CA. With over 50 golfers in attendance, the scramble-style tournament brought together proprietors and industry-related companies for a fun day on the links. While there may have been some questionable use of mulligans and the famous “foot wedge,” good times were had by all. The day was capped with dinner and a comedic auction benefitting the California Bowling Writers’ fundraiser that delivers phone cards to troops serving abroad.
Buena Lanes in Ventura, CA was represented by (l-r) Chad Lane, Jim Honer and the co-chairs for the event, Dan Mueller and Dina Fink.
Foursome, Don Drooker, Chris Holmes, James Jackson and John Snyder, BPAA president, enjoyed a day on the links.
Old Bowling Lanes Never Die In 2008, Engine 19 Ladder 8 received half a bowling lane from Playdrome Roosevelt Lanes after it closed. Fire Captain Rob Daly wanted to do something special with the memento. In collaboration with Pro Arts, a non-profit organization of professional artists from Jersey City and Hoboken, Daly’s idea became a reality in the form of a kitchen table. Artists Rebecca Feranec, Eileen Ferrara and Jasmine Graf worked with firemen to come up with the colorful mural featuring the firehouse, fire engine and various symbols of Jersey City history. A host of volunteers helped accomplish the task and fund-raising efforts by local groups raised the money to cover the cost of materials. The table/lane required six firemen to lift it. Recycled fire hydrants, currently being renovated and resized, will constitute the legs for the table. All in all, it will make for “good eats.” Jersey City Pro Arts artists’ collage covering half of an old bowling lane from Playdrome Roosevelt Lanes
Photo by Kay Kenny IBI
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Media
WATCH
“BONES” USES BOWLING TO SPRINGBOARD SEASON 6 FINALE. Temperance Brennan (Emily Deschanel ) and Max Booth (David Boreanaz) go undercover in a bowling alley to solve a murder. A montage set to the song “The Bowling Song” by Raffi round out the less than cozy ambiance. For some, this was a not-so-flattering picture of bowling as pointed out on IBI's online website. Go to www.bowlingindustry.com, view all Forum discussions and scroll to "Fox Network show Bones..." and read and comment.
3D GUTTERBALL 2 SEQUEL ARRIVES For computer game bowlers, the highly anticipated 3D Gutterball 2 is now available. Creator Skunk Studios, an independent developer of pc games located in San Francisco, offers five brand new alleys and 25 new eye-catching balls with “trick opponents, awesome new modes, and the most realistic physics.”
THE NEW YELLOW PAGES KNOWS WHAT YOU’RE LOOKING FOR! To highlight its smartphone, accessible information, the new Yellowpages.com advertises its local search app, YP.com, with pictures of what people do and want. Guess what’s there… bowling!
HILARY DUFF BOWLS FRUIT Bowling was the vehicle for actress Hilary Duff at the SoBe Life “Try Everything” challenge at Madison Square Park in New York City where she was promoting the company’s flavored water. Hilary is one of Hollywood’s many hot actresses who have taken part in campaigns for the South Beach beverage company. 8
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Lanes today; homes tomorrow Volunteers from Habitat for Humanity were given the opportunity to recover the lumber used to build the 48-lane bowling center inside the Oncenter in Syracuse, NY for the USBC Women’s Championship that began this April. The hardwood lanes will be dismantled and reused. However, the USBC allowed the salvage of the two-byfours and framing under the lanes and walls, along with some carpeting. Organizers say they expect to gather enough materials to build four to six homes. Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit, worldwide organization founded in 1976 with the purpose to build decent, affordable houses erected by volunteers.
CELUCOAT AND GRAN PRIX JOIN FORCES Celucoat Bowling Supplies and GRAN PRIX Bowling Supply announced the consolidation of their distribution operations. It will not include Celucoat’s ongoing lane resurfacing and installation business nor GRAN PRIX’s consumer products wholesale distribution business. GRAN PRIX will manage the purchasing, warehousing, order processing and shipping of all lane maintenance and equipment parts at its warehouse in suburban St. Louis. Mark Neumann, Celucoat president, said this will streamline order processing and allow Celucoat to concentrate on its lane resurfacing and installation business while David Caldwell, GRAN PRIX president said the new arrangement will improve service by combining the two inventories. “We will have one of the broadest inventories in the industry and offer complete one-stop purchasing for all bowling centers,” said Caldwell.
The BIG time is here! Nothing is too big for Dave Patz’ new company, Bowling Innovations Group aka BIG, launched this spring. A sales outreach company BIG will not only sell equipment from leading companies such as Steltronic, US Bowling, Zot, Murrey International and Done-Rite, but Patz will also consult with proprietors on outside sales and Dave Patz visits IBI at Bowl Expo in Dallas. marketing emphasizing new market potential. Getting BIG off the ground was no small feat, and he acknowledges the support of Candace D’Amour and Bob and Glenn Gable. Patz can be reached at (216) 409-4416 or mail davidepatz@gmail.com.
BOWL EXPO WRAP UP
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BOWL EXPO WRAP UP
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BOWL EXPO WRAP UP
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WHAT BOWLING MEANS TO ME
STANDING TALL
At Cedars of Marin, bowling is more than a way of life for its clients and volunteers, it’s a lifeline. By Robin Breuner
T
he Cedars of Marin is one of California’s original programs for people with developmental disabilities. It was founded in 1919 in Ross, an idyllic, small town in Marin County, as a privately owned school for developmentally disabled children and was the first residential center in the western United States to serve developmentally disabled individuals. Today, Cedars serves approximately 100 residents or “clients” and another 150 in the day program. Cedars has provided services to over 2,500 individuals and their families. Ninety percent of the clients are funded by the state. Cedars’ philosophy is to treat their clients as individuals who are deserving of respect, personal choice, and the chance to develop interests, skills and independence. Bowling is a way for them to
express themselves by developing coordination skills and by showing respect, support and friendship for one another. It also gives them a chance to interact with the community. “We see as many as 75-100 different volunteers every year,” said Crystal Marker, Volunteer and Activities Coordinator for Cedars. “The Cedars of Marin bowling program is really about connecting our clients to the youth in their community in a setting that is fun and lively and thoroughly enjoyed by both parties.” Marker said that the fact that the program is consistent, and has been for decades, makes for a successful turnout weekly. She said that Cedars clients look forward to Monday nights, while the volunteers know where and when to find their Cedars
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WHAT BOWLING MEANS TO ME friends. The volunteers, who are mostly students from local Marin middle and high schools, come for community service hours. Often they continue to come after they’ve satisfied their commitments. Marker said that the volunteers quickly learn that individuals living with disabilities can function in society and they like to go out and have a great time, just like everybody else. Many times, Marker sees the volunteers surprised by the joy that the clients have within themselves. She’s watched the students become more confident through
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their interactions with the clients. One of these students is Robert Kent, a junior from Marin Catholic High School. Kent started coming to satisfy his 50-hour community service project required by the school. He has already earned his hours, but he still keeps coming. “This is an easy, fun way to do community service. I like sports…. I like that it’s not a random event. It occurs every Monday, and I like that,” he said. “The hardest part is sometimes someone gets lost. Their turn will come up, and I have to go find them.” Another volunteer, Esther Aviles, a freshman from Redwood High School, said, “I grew up thinking of the disabled as a sad issue. It was kind of a quiet topic, and I never understood why. When I came to bowl with Cedars, I found the clients were so compassionate, kind and friendly…. I felt like I was a part of their family.” Stacea Culp, Development Director, came to Cedars as a volunteer, fell in love with the program, and decided to stay on permanently. “It’s great to see the transformation of these kids. They think they’re just going to get some community service hours, but it ends up knocking down the barriers that they didn’t even know they had. It’s such a great thing to see,” Culp said. Doug Ryan, another volunteer, brings his two sons, Christian, 14, and Daniel, 5. They come purely for the experience and for the fun. Sometimes they bring along friends. “This is the only bowling activity we do. It’s fun for the kids and gives them really great exposure to people they might not normally get to know. The same people come and bowl with us every week,” Ryan said. “Where else could a 14-year old kid get to help someone in a wheelchair bowl?” The Ryans have been coming almost every Monday night since January 2010. He said, “I tell
WHAT BOWLING MEANS TO ME
my kids, ‘It’s not about us. All you have to do is be nice. It’s so easy to make someone happy with a simple high five or a hug.’” Culp said that the clients particularly love being with the kids: it’s empowering for the Cedars residents. Clients in the day program bowl twice a week and residential clients bowl once a week on Monday nights. Some clients bowl two to three times a week. One of the biggest challenges, Culp said, is being able to include everyone all of the time in the bowling activities. Because of the limited number of staff and vans for transportation, they have to rotate people. “We just don’t have the capacity to have 100 clients bowl at once. Everyone wants to bowl,” she said. Kelly Greenwald, 32, is one of Cedars’ most vibrant residents. During her years living at Cedars she has become a writer, an artist, a jewelry maker, an avid exerciser, and she even has a boyfriend. “I wrote a book about my life called ‘Kelly’s Book – The Art of the Possible,’” she said. “I wanted to teach other people how to write a book coming from me. I want them to learn experience from me about my life.” Culp said, “When Kelly first came to us she said that she wasn’t an artist and couldn’t do it. It’s remarkable to see the change and the confidence in her now.” Greenwald along with many others spend time during their days creating jewelry, artwork and weaving textiles that are sold
at their own gallery and also through other programs. They are either paid directly or through commissions for their work. “I love living at Cedars. It’s a great place for me to be. It really inspires me to have a job,” said Greenwald. Many residents have lived at Cedars since they were children. Noni, a happy, spirited bowler, has been there for 47 years. Cindy Sinclair has lived at Cedars for 39 years, and Jeanie Johnson, who has bowled a score as high as 134, has lived there for 20 years. Andy, a resident who was abandoned at the center as a child, was unable to communicate. Over time, he discovered that he could communicate through art and has grown to be a gifted artist. Humberto, a 65-year old from Tijuana, knew only Spanish when he got to Cedars. Somehow, he found a way to teach himself to speak English. There are others who are blind but still manage to bowl, weave and knit. “We get so many stares whenever we go out. People don’t know what to do with us,” said Marker. She said that she is continually amazed at how much the clients value going bowling every Monday. It’s the highlight of their week. “My favorite story is that occasionally they will allow us to go up to the counter and use the PA system to announce the score for someone who bowls over 100. I did it one time, and I was all the way at the end of the center, but I could hear them whooping and yelling across the entire place. They were so excited,” Marker said. “They just really live in the moment, and so many of us don’t know how to do that.” ❖ Photos courtesy of Pete Guria
Robin Breuner is a freelance writer and a frequent contributor to IBI. She lives in Marin County, California.
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OFF THE CLOCK
T L A W R E N N U G T A E B E H T ON AND Manager Walt Aldred with his K-9 companion services his community on . and off the lanes rrez By Bree Gutie
M
anager of Strikes Unlimited in Rockland, CA, Walt Aldred, watches the lanes both in the alley and on the streets. Besides being in the bowling industry for 15 years, Aldred is also a K-9 Police Officer working the streets with his trusty seven-year-old German Shepherd partner, Gunner. Aldred has been a K-9 handler for almost 14 years. “I’ve done a lot in my career as a police officer and this is one of the things I love the most,” Aldred said. “It’s just very rewarding and very fun for me.” Aldred said he enjoys working with police dogs because of their loyalty. “I’ve done this job both with and without a dog and it is a much different job to do without a dog,” Aldred said. “A lot of people are not afraid of a police officer but they are afraid of dogs. So it makes it a little bit easier to do my job having a dog.” K-9 police dogs can be trained in several different specialties. “My dog is one of 20
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the few at the agency I work at that is narcotics trained,” Aldred said. “He searches for drugs as well as people.” So many of the calls Aldred and Gunner receive while on duty are to search cars for drugs or narcotics. “There’s a national law that says if a police dog that’s trained in the detection of narcotics walks around the outside of a car, indicates or alerts there may be drugs in the car, then that suffices as enough probable cause to get into (and search) the car,” Aldred explained. “We go to a lot of alarm calls where buildings have been broken into
OFF THE CLOCK and we search those to make sure nobody is waiting inside, or if there is, find them.” Aldred has even taken Gunner on a call to search for a missing child. “You take an article of the kid’s clothing and let him smell it and take them to the last place the child was seen and have them search for the missing kid,” Aldred said. And yes, Gunner did find the child. Police dogs live with their K-9 handler. “We’re responsible for them 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year,” Aldred said. Gunner is on patrol with Aldred all the time. “We have cars that are specially designed that have a back just designed for the dog,” Aldred said. “A unique thing about the way the cars are set up is…we can remotely open the door and let the dog out.” Training is crucial when it comes to police dogs. The cost of each dog including the training is anywhere from ten to $12,000. The dogs come from either Germany or Czecholslovakia. Once the dogs arrive in the United States, the dogs and handlers complete a month long training process. “The month long training is actually to train the handler how to speak German or Czechoslovakian,” Aldred said. “When you start out, when they first come from overseas, everything including praise is in German or Czechoslovakian.” Aldred gradually uses English words to praise his dogs but when it comes to the commands needed for police work, he doesn’t want to teach them English. “Obviously the words for bite and search you’re not going to change those,” Aldred said. “You want to keep that one a secret from the criminals.” The dogs that come from Germany are trained in a sport called Schutzhund, which is a German sport designed to evaluate if a German Shepherd dog exhibits the traits necessary for police-type work. “It’s a minor transition to change them from that to being a police dog,” Aldred said. “It’s just a minor change in their training. The minor changes you make are during that month-long school.” Another major part of that first month of training is to bond with the K-9. “Part of that (training) is a bonding period so that the dog can trust you and you trust them,” Aldred said. “Every dog is different. Some dogs you spend a lot of time playing ball with or playing with toys with them. Other ones just need to be near you a lot.” Aldred noted that feeding the dogs helps speed up the bonding process. “When they figure out who feeds them and who takes care of them, the bonding comes a little more rapidly,” Aldred said. “Police dogs are really not that much different than regular dogs.” In addition to the initial month-long training, Aldred participates in regular weekly and monthly training with Gunner. “We do training twice a month for three hours each day and then the other thing we do is narcotics training once a week for five hours,” Aldred said. Aldred began working with K-9 trainers when he was assigned his first police dog. “I am the only officer in our department’s history to be a court certified expert in (K9) behavior,” he said. Aldred and Gunner also participate in a lot of community awareness and public speaking surrounding K-9 police dogs to educate people on what police dogs can be used for and how they are utilized by the police department. “We do a lot of demonstrations for kids and tell them what the dog does. I just did a demonstration for the Chinese Consulate.” ❖
Bree Gutierrez, holding a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Journalism, is a freelance writer and preschool teacher residing in Southern California with her husband and son.
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COVER STORY
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COVER STORY From left to right, Brunswick's Gary Smith congratulates the Mohrhardts, Dave, Mike and Mike's son Chris along with Michael Postema, Brunswick Area Sales Manger for Michigan.
By Lydia Rypcinski hat did F. Scott Fitzgerald know, anyway? The Jazz Age novelist is famed for saying, “There are no second acts in American life.” Try telling that to the Mohrhardt family of Traverse City, Mich. They will take you on a 50-year journey now in its third act and still going strong. Theirs is a story of a family business located on Grand Traverse Bay in northern Michigan. The area is a vacationer’s dream: cherry orchards, vineyards, ski trails, lakes and beaches. It’s the kind of place you think of when you see and hear those “Pure Michigan” commercials. It’s also where Jack and Evelyn Mohrhardt began Act I. “Dad was in the automotive business in Saginaw, where he served on the local school board,” said Jack’s 63-year-old son, Mike. “Dad learned that a surveyor who worked with the school district had done a survey on Traverse City. “Mom and Dad had always loved that place. They honeymooned there in 1939. So Dad asked if he could see a copy of it.” The survey suggested that the Traverse City area, which had a population of 30,000 or 40,000 people back then, could benefit by having a bowling center. “Now, this was in the late 1950s and early 60s, when bowling was an up-and-coming thing,” Mike said. “My dad had only been in a bowling center once in his life up to that time. But he was a businessman, plus he had eight kids to help work the center. So [my parents] moved to Traverse City and built Timber Lanes.” The 24-lane center opened in 1961, about one and one-half miles south of downtown Traverse City. “This lady wrote us a letter and said, ‘It sounds like you’re going to build a new bowling lanes, but you’re so far out of town that nobody will drive that far to bowl,” Mike recalled. But Jack had good business instincts and a flair for marketing that caught the public’s attention. “When he opened the center, he finagled a way to get Miss America 1961 [Nancy Anne Fleming] out to hole-in-the-wall Traverse City for the grand opening,” Mike said. “Cars were backed up for 50 miles around, and people were waiting to get in.” “It was probably the nicest bowling center in the state of Michigan,” he continued. “Everything Mom and Dad put in, from carpet to equipment, was first class. And we kept the place spotless.” Mike and his brother, Dave, assumed more responsibilities at the center as they got older. They helped Jack install eight more lanes and a nightclub in the early 1970s, and an upscale billiards lounge in 1990. “We were successful because we always tried new things and kept up on new trends in bowling,” Mike said. Act I closed in 1996. The Meijer chain, looking to expand in Traverse City,
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Photos courtesy of Brunswick Bowling and Chris Mohrhardt.
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COVER STORY
Lucky Jack’s before (left) and during (right) renovations.
offered the Mohrhardts slightly more than $3 million for the property, and the family accepted. But that meant they had to find something else to do. “My father had 50 percent of the stock, and my brother and I each had 25 percent,” Mike said. “Not quite enough to [retire and] put your kids through college. And we were still young and eager.” What they found was Wildwood Bowling Center. The 17-year-old, 40-laner on Garfield Boulevard, part of the Community Bowling Centers chain, was up for sale. And so begins Act II. The Meijer deal closed in May of 1997. Mike and Dave closed on Wildwood seven months later
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and renamed it Timber Lanes. (By then, Jack, 88, had retired.) They began a half-million-dollar renovation “right down to the bathroom stalls,” as Mike put it, in May 1998. Once that was done, they turned their attention to a problem facing proprietors across the country. “We needed to find a way to replace the loss of income from decreasing league and tournament business,” Mike said. “We also wanted to find a way to bump up our summer business,” he continued. “We did OK on rainy days. But when you’re competing with miles of Lake Michigan shoreline and lakes and golf courses – on your average summer day, it was slow.”
COVER STORY By 2005, the Mohrhardts had decided to convert Timber Lanes from a traditional bowling center to a family entertainment center. “Anyplace we happened to be – Michigan, Georgia, Florida, California, Chicago – we stopped at the newer centers. We saw what they were doing and talked to a lot of people who said they did very well [with the concept],” Mike said. “Our area is more family- and tourismoriented. We thought it was the right concept at the right time.” Ironically, during the four years it took the Mohrhardts to prepare for the conversion, an FEC called Wilderness Crossing opened about 10 miles away in Grawn, Mich. Wilderness Crossing was an ambitious, 34,000 sq.-ft. undertaking that opened in March 2008. It offered 16 lanes plus a four-lane VIP “bowling suite,” laser tag, mini-golf, arcade, multi-purpose facilities, a full-service restaurant, a sports bar and more. Its owner, Kerry Smith, had built FECs and traditional centers for other people, even partnering with them once or twice as a co-
The old concourse area above is magically transformed into a private, VIP 8-lane lounge as shown below...
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COVER STORY
The finished product shows off bright lanes and seating, making for fun times at Lucky Jack's.
owner. “He called and asked if we wanted to partner with him [on Wilderness Crossing],” Mike said. “But we were never interested. If we had been interested in another center, I probably would have built it myself.” In the meantime, Mike’s son Chris came on board for what would be a two-year, $2 million transition from traditional center to FEC. Chris brought an eclectic background with him. After college, he taught English for a year in South Korea. He later worked on the West Coast for building-industry companies James Hardie and McGraw Hill Construction, serving in marketing and sales leadership positions. But Chris said it wasn’t a very hard decision to move back to Traverse City. “My mind was always kind of back here,” the 32year-old said. “I started working [at Timber Lanes] in eighth grade over school breaks and on Sundays.” Remodeling began in the fall of 2009 when, as Mike said, “We took out a lane and put up a wall” to create The 300 Club, a private eight-lane VIP bowling area. Six lanes on the opposite side of the building vanished in January 2010. That space became an 80game arcade that opened in November, right before Thanksgiving. Wilderness Crossing closed a month later, on Dec. 29. “They declared bankruptcy in December 2009 but continued to operate through 2010, trying to restructure,” Chris said. “Then the bank actually came and put locks on the doors [on the 29th].” “He tried to open a new business as the economy was going south, and I think he actually did some business to start with,” Mike said. “[But] we were in a better location – a stone’s throw from 4,500 hotel and motel rooms - and had years of management experience, of knowing what the bowler wants. We [also] had a very loyal league base. “There’s no
question they hurt our open bowling while they were there, because people like to go to new places,” Mike added. “But we survived.” Timber Lanes’ makeover continued. The basement below the new
A Second Act for Mike Mohrhardt Mike Mohrhardt is not only enjoying a second and third act in his business career, but a second chance at life. Mike slipped and fell in his bathroom in the early hours of Jan. 7, 2011. He doesn’t remember how he fell, just that when he opened his eyes, “I couldn’t move my arms or legs. I thought I had had a stroke.” Mike called out to his wife, Linda, who quickly telephoned sons Chris and Mike for help. Together they loaded Mike into the family car and drove him to the nearest hospital, about 15 minutes away. The diagnosis: not a stroke, but three crushed vertebrae and a crushed spinal cord. “I must have hit my head on the tub when I went down,” Mike said. “Looking back, had we known what it was, we probably would have called the ambulance,” Chris said. “We were working under the premise that it was a stroke, and with a stroke, you want to get to the hospital as soon as possible.” “If we had hit a speed bump or further damaged the spinal cord, that might have been it,” Mike said. Mike was operated on the following day and stayed in the hospital for more than three weeks, while the family continued to put together the pieces for the grand opening set for Jan. 29. “Everyone wanted to make Dad proud, so we kept moving forward, meeting with him at the hospital and hustling back to the center,” Chris said. They pulled it off. Mike was even able to be there for the big day. “I was in rehab, and they let me out of the hospital to attend,” Mike said. “And then I had to be back that night! I still go to the gym three days a week and do treadmill stuff at home. I’m coming along. I’m 63 and very lucky; I could have been wheelchair-bound or paralyzed. Now I take time to smell the roses.” IBI
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COVER STORY
Back in the day: 1961’s Miss America helps open timber lanes Jack Mohrhardt, the original proprietor of Timber Lanes, was a savvy business man, and he knew what would sell. According to his son Mike, Jack hired the newly crowned Miss America 1961 Nancy Anne Fleming to sign autographs during the opening. Ms. Fleming was featured in publicity photos surrounded by her bowling ensemble. An 11 year-old Marsha Gillispie was at that opening in 1961. Marsha recently sent this picture with an letter of explanation to the Mohrhardt family. In her letter she writes, "This autograph was one I received when my grandma and mom drove my younger sister and I up to T.C. from Manistee to meet this young beauty queen. It was I think the opening of the brand new bowling place called 'Timberlanes.' The date says 1961 - I would have been 11, ripe age for wanting to meet a Miss America." Genius.
game room became a bumper-cars playroom called Spin Zone, and a Laser Tag/Laser Maze complex. A sports bar with billiards called The Lounge at Lucky Jack’s sprouted, along with two other bars. A new outdoor façade replaced the old one. Finally, the center got a new identity. “We were Timber Lanes for 50 years,” Chris said. “And it became clear the ‘Timber Lanes’ name didn’t 28
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Easy access between lanes and the redemption center maximizes traffic flow.
have the weight we needed. Like it or not, there is a stigma with bowling centers, that they are smoking and not family-friendly. “We sat down and went over it for many hours. Finally I said to Dave, ‘Let’s call it after Dad,’” Mike said. “We thought ‘Lucky Jack’s’ was a catchy name, like ‘Lucky Strike.’” “It’s a tribute to Jack Mohrhardt, but it’s also catchy,” Chris agreed. “Some people may say changing [the name was] radical, but for us it was a no-brainer. Kids love it.” Act III began Jan. 29, 2011, with Lucky Jack’s grand opening. Sadly, neither Jack nor Evelyn was around to see the rollout. Jack died in 2002. Evelyn followed in 2006. It appears, though, that their drive to be the best and brightest has been passed down through the generations. As copartner and general manager, Chris has much of the day-to-day responsibility for the 55,000 sq.-ft. FEC. He’s also gotten Lucky Jack’s brand in front of the public by developing promotions with the local NBC TV affiliate, placing ad literature in the brochure racks of local hotels and restaurants, and creating an engaging Web site and Facebook page for the business. “I have a ‘takeover-the-world’ mindset,” Chris admitted. “My core purpose of coming here was to really get the game area up and going, get it moving fluidly. Then I got involved with marketing, and then food and beverage. I like to tell Dad I’m his relief pitcher. As time goes on, I’ll let them sail off into the sunset.” Not that Mike will go quietly. He’s always thinking of new things for Lucky Jack’s. “We’ve got 7 acres, and there’s land I could lease,” he said. “We could add a building that would house a two-story laser tag and maybe put gokarts downstairs. They could run on an indoor track in inclement weather and open up onto an outdoor track in the summer.” “We could duplicate what we have done here down the road,” Chris added. “We have a really cool brand for other locations.” No second acts, Mr. Fitzgerald? Sorry, but you don’t know Jack’s. ❖ A frequent contributor to IBI, Lydia Rypcinski has been writing for and about bowling for more than 30 years. She has won writing and photography awards in and outside the sport for her coverage, which has taken her to six continents and more than 20 countries. She co-authored Revolutions: The Changing Game with Chip Zielke in 1998 and Sports Traveler Chicago with Anbritt Stengele in 2009.
PROFILE
STATEORLANES STATE OFFICE
Veteran politico, Ann Doyle, faces tough choices about her future.
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aginaw County Commissioner Ann Doyle is in her fourth term serving one of 15 districts within Saginaw County, Michigan. Over two years ago, she and her husband Steve purchased State Lanes, which was recently voted Best of the Best Bowling Center, and Best of the Best Bar for Saginaw County. Their vision was to do something fun and different than their last 20 years as real estate appraisers. We wanted to, “do something that we’re going to enjoy for the rest of our lives,” she said. As a public servant her whole life, Doyle’s spare time is spent serving her community. “I decided to run for county commissioner because I felt like I had
By Bree Gutierrez a lot to offer,” Doyle said. “I ended up winning and have won every time I’ve run since.” As County Commissioner, Doyle helps make important policy decisions for all aspects of Saginaw County including the Public Health Department, the Sheriff’s Department, the clerks and the treasurer. Simply stated, “I love it,” Doyle said. “It’s wonderful to get out there and meet people and to learn about the county.” Doyle explains that even when having to make tough decisions, the people of Saginaw County are what really drives her passion. “You have tough decisions to make with the budgets …but I think the people are really the biggest perk of the job. You listen to all their concerns, you maybe take an issue. I’ve worked with state senators and the sheriff and all that stuff.
Ann with husband Steve and Boy Scout Mark Gibson of Troop 323, Freeland, MI, during a fundraiser at State Lanes.
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PROFILE
Ann Doyle with Midland County Health Director testifying in Lansing in front of a Senate sub-committee in regard to legislation that would affect health departments in Michigan.
We’ve gotten a bill passed that was beneficial to the county. Just doing things like that, that you know are helpful.” Doyle’s first experience in politics was working part time for a state representative. “When I was working for the state representative, I just fell in love with doing things that could benefit others,” Doyle said. “And I’ve always been a volunteer, my whole life.” Doyle admits she still enjoys volunteering for the Boy Scouts even though her children are grown up and married. “I still do Boy Scouts; I work on a lighthouse; I helped start a non profit for the lighthouse; and I was on the board with Habitat (for humanity).” Doyle said. “Anything that helps others, I just love doing.” With her fourth term coming to a close, Doyle thought she was going to end her political career and focus solely on her small business, State Lanes. But with new redistricting in Michigan, Doyle has a tough decision to make. Now people have asked her to run for State Representative. “I’m trying to figure out the best way to go here because this is a very time consuming job and I don’t want to do anything that would hurt State Lanes,” Doyle said. Doyle sees her future as a State Representative as a way to help improve the bowling industry and small businesses in her state. “I think there would be a lot of perks to the bowling business,” Doyle said. “Not just bowling but small business in general. But with the bowling industry, you have the restaurant side of it, you have the bar side, you have the regular small business side of it so there’s so many things out there that I see need changing in Michigan. It would benefit the bowling industry as well as small businesses.” Doyle said she sees changes that need to be made that would affect bowling centers on a daily basis. She explained a recent issue she helped change in her county. “Michigan has this smoking ban now, and people were wearing bowling shoes outside and then wearing them back inside and falling and getting hurt,” 32
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she explained. “I was really vocal about it along with the associations and I heard the senate just signed the legislation [releasing centers' liability if a sign is posted and visible] and it’s moved to the house and we’re waiting for the house to pass it. So things like that, things that would affect bowling centers on a daily basis.” Doyle said her struggle right now is deciding whether her time is better served as owner of State Lanes, or becoming State Representative. “If I devoted all my time here (at State Lanes), I could lobby on behalf of bowling centers. Instead of being an elected official, I could be more of a lobbyist, be more of an advocate,” Doyle said. “So now as a State Representative, which way would I have a bigger chance of making change? And that’s what I have to determine. Which is the better way of making change that will be helpful to our industry?” ❖
Bree Gutierrez, holding a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Journalism, is a freelance writer and preschool teacher residing in Southern California with her husband and son.
PERSON OF INTEREST
BOWLING’S
ULTIMATE VOLUNTEER
Elaine Hagin’s six decades of effort have benefitted the sport, the business and veterans. By Mark Miller
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hank goodness for the sport of bowling that Elaine Hagin didn’t completely follow in her mother’s footsteps. Like many before and after her, Hagin joined her parents on the lanes at an early age. But Amelia Demonte’s daughter didn’t stop there. Because of her curiosity and desire to learn everything she could about the sport and business, she developed into perhaps bowling’s ultimate volunteer. Now more than six decades into serving for nearly every local, state, national and international bowling organization, the Castro Valley, CA, great-grandmother of six continues to give her time whenever and wherever she can. “When anyone asks me what I do, I answer I’m a professional volunteer for the sport of bowling,” Hagin said. “That’s what I do.” Hagin’s first brush with bowling came in 1940 at Highhat Recreation in her native Oakland. Just age 10, Hagin and her mother were watching her father Peter bowl games that included a dismal 88. “My mom said ‘anyone can bowl better than that’ so she bet my dad that she’d roll at least a 100,” Hagin said. “It took her until 6 in the morning but she finally rolled a 102. After that, all three of us were avid bowlers.” Hagin joined her first league
Elaine meets President Bill Clinton during a White House reception.
in 1942 with her mother and other adults because organized youth competition didn’t begin until four years later. “There was a lot of controversy with children bowling in the league but ultimately they let me bowl,” Hagin said. She averaged 125 that first year and by age 12 rolled a 218 game. Not long after that, she earned a war bond for a 237 game. She eventually achieved a 265 game and 658 series and averaged as high as 179. Eventually, Hagin began wanting more out of bowling so she attended her first Alameda County Women’s Bowling Association meeting at age 17. “My mother loved to bowl tournaments,” Hagin said. “If there was something bowling going on, she’d be in it. But she would never go to a meeting. “She would complain enough about what she didn’t like that one time I finally said ‘I don’t want to hear it. I’m going to go where at least my voice could be heard.’ I enjoyed it and started wanting to learn more. This is while I was still working and bowling.” After graduating from high school, Hagin met and married her late husband Donald and studied stenotype for two years to be a court reporter. But while she was ready to do that work at age 20, state law wouldn’t allow her to do so for another year. So she took some internships and also a job as secretary to a company executive vice president. “Work was a dirty word back then,” said Hagin, who also gave birth to son Michael about this time. “Women weren’t supposed to work outside the home but I was working 40 hours a week.” IBI
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PERSON OF INTEREST Her volunteer career officially began in 1949 when she was asked to join the Alameda WBA board of directors. She ascended through the ranks to association president and later joined the California WBA board. Sometime around 1960, Hagin attended her first Women’s International Bowling Congress Annual Meeting as a delegate. Later in the 1960s, Hagin utilized her knowledge to begin writing for bowling publications throughout California. This prompted her to join the National Women Bowling Writers and later the Bowling Writers’ Association of America. In 1973, she was nominated from the floor to become a national WIBC director and earned the position on the third ballot by one vote. She remained on the WIBC board, working her way to first vice president, until 2004 when WIBC disbanded in the merger that created the United States Bowling Congress. Back home, she began expanding her horizons beyond women’s bowling as a member of the East Bay Bowling Council, Alameda Young American Bowling Alliance and becoming a youth certified coach. In a true case of asking a busy person to do more, Hagin took on more national positions. She was the NWBW’s historian from 1973-81. She also served on the BWAA Collegiate Committee and National 600 Club. Before further hitting the national stage, she enjoyed one last success on the lanes with youngest son Peter. “One of the big thrills in my life was in 1981,” she said. “Peter and I bowled in the National Family Tournament. We won the local and state and earned a trip to Washington, D.C., for the national finals. “Peter bowled exceptional. We set three records between us. He had 666 for three games and 1,281 for six and we shot a 2,338 team series which was good for a bronze medal.” From then on there was little time to spend on the lanes because there was so much to do off of them. It started in 1988 when she was asked by the National Bowling Council to chair what started as the Bowlers Victory Legion and later changed to BVL Fund. When NBC folded two years later, she had to help the military veterans’ charity make it on its own. “I had chaired the California BVL for 12 years so I knew what it was about,” she said. “We did so much right from the
Elaine (left) is photographed with tennis legend Billie Jean King and Pat and Lisa Ciniello. 34
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Elaine (right) in a meet and greet with President and Laura Bush
start. Because NBC was primarily marketing, they told me ‘Elaine, you run with it.’“ Helping change BVL to stand for Bowlers to Veterans Link in 1997, Hagin did more than just run with it in her 20 years as BVL’s national chair. “One of the things we had to do was figure what could we do,” she said. “There were a lot of things the government didn’t pay for so that’s where we came in.” That meant increasing support for recreational equipment at the 172 Veterans Association hospitals. It also meant BVL’s reach would extend to veterans centers, state veterans’ homes and to current soldiers. Now, the more than $1 million annually raised could help expand BVL’s reach to new facilities that included bowling lanes. It also provided reading materials, created and expanded the website, developed Re-Creation (the singing group that entertains veterans and current military members worldwide), and sponsored national veterans’ competitions such as the Wheelchair Games and Golden Age Games. The program also was able to bring portable carpet lane kits to Iraq and Afghanistan. Hagin also took part in the annual Veterans’ Day wreath laying at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington, VA. As part of her trip, she had her picture taken with both Presidents Bush and President Clinton. Her tenure that ended in 2008 also resulted in BVL being designated among America’s Best Charities given only to the top two percent of organizations. She continues helping BVL as a member emeriti. Chairing BVL was far from Hagin’s widespread volunteer reach. She served 11 years on the YABA Board of Directors including three years as president. She helped the Olympic bowling effort during nine years on the USA Bowling Board, two years as president. She has served on the Women’s Sports Foundation Advisory Board since the 1990s. She has served on the International Bowling Museum and Hall of Fame Board of Trustees since 1994. And she was an original member of the USBC
PERSON OF INTEREST Elaine has also earned a number of major non-bowling honors including: 1997-2000
Member of USOC (U.S. Olympic Committee) AntiDoping Committee 1998
Street & Smith’s Super 50 Women’s Sports Executives 1998-99
Strathmore’s Who’s Who Sports Executive 1999
Women’s Sports Foundation President’s Award Board of Directors, serving from 2004-07. But even with all those titles, the one Hagin is most proud of is as coordinator of the Women’s World Team Challenge that ran from the mid-1990s until 2002. At first it was a separate event but later joined the men’s event on what was then called Prime Network. “I was very pleased with that because we got so much TV coverage,” Hagin said. “The reason I liked it so much is (Hall of Famer) Pearl (Keller) and I sat down and went through
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everything. The other thing I was involved in that I really enjoyed was at the FIQ (Federation Internationale des Quilleurs) level with the Olympic effort.” For her efforts, Hagin has won about every local, state and national recognition available including the WIBC (now USBC) Hall of Fame in 2000. Hagin’s propensity to volunteer has taken her to all 50 states and 18 countries and given her countless hours of satisfaction. “I wouldn’t have gotten involved if I didn’t enjoy rolling the ball and bowling,” she said. “That started everything. As I got involved administratively, I saw things that bothered me and that hopefully I could bring some changes. I wanted to make a difference. As long as my health is there and I’m asked, I’ll keep doing it.” Her goal today is the same as it was in the late 1990s with WIBC. “I’d like to see every man, woman and child be a USBC member,” she said. “It’s got to be factored into the lineage at the bowling center so everyone automatically would be a member of USBC. That would be revolutionary.” Just like Elaine Hagin. ❖
Mark Miller is a freelance writer from Flower Mound, Texas. He is the national and Dallas-Fort Worth bowling writer for Examiner.com and a columnist for the Bowling News Network.
CENTER STAGE
Krystyn Hastings-Silver, Restoration Project Manager, Lyndhurst. Ms. HastingsSilver is sitting in front of the Bowling Alley building, and sits on a reproduction bench on the Riverwalk Walking Trail that runs through the property.
By Joan B. Taylor Photos courtesy of Krystyn Hastings-Silver
Will lanes once owned by a railroad baron become the oldest certified lanes in the U.S.?
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he Guinness Book of World Records has a few listings for bowling such as “Longest Marathon Tenpin Bowling (Stephen Shanabrook, Plano, TX 643 games in June of 2010)” and “Highest Scoring Game Bowled Backwards (278 games by James Cripps, Larksville, TN in December of 2006).” But there is no mention of the oldest regulation bowling center in the United States…yet. If Krystyn Hastings-Silver, Restoration Project Manager, has anything to say about it, all that will change soon. Her pet project is part of an estate in Tarrytown, New York known collectively as Lyndhurst. She has diligently researched through representatives of the United States Bowling Congress and BPAA as well as local lanesmen and historians and says that the freestanding two-lane center has the best shot. The only other possible contender would have been Georgian Court University in Lakewood, New Jersey, which houses three Brunswick Balke-Collender lanes, installed in 1899. “But I have documentation,” Hastings-Silver said, “that the two lanes at Lyndhurst were completed in 1895, so that would make it the oldest in the U.S. I stress ‘regulation’ 38
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because there are many other lanes that were installed in basements or elsewhere that were not regulation. For example, a lane was discovered in a barn in Woodstock, CT in Roseland Cottage. I made sure our lanes met the earliest of specifications for the then-American Bowling Congress.” At the turn of the 19th century, it was not uncommon for wealthy families to incorporate bowling “alleys” into their estates, as tenpin bowling was accepted for fitness as well as competition. Women were encouraged to participate, albeit in long dresses or skirts. Names like Vanderbilt and Gould were on Brunswick’s earliest customer lists. Hastings-Silver has nearly all of the components of the two lanes, save for the maker’s plate which would verify the manufacturer and would complete the facility. “We have one full set of antique lignum vitae (‘living wood’) pins and a few spare pins, no pun intended. We also have four to six period balls of different sizes, and all are drilled with two finger holes only.” Lyndhurst has 16 structures dating from 1838 to 1911 spread over 67 acres above New York City in the “Sleepy
CENTER STAGE Hollow” town of Tarrytown, NY. The town goes back to Revolutionary War times. In 1880 railroad magnate Jay Gould bought the estate and passed it on to his oldest daughter, Helen, in 1892. It was Helen who contracted to have two lanes housed in a 4300-squarefoot freestanding building in 1895. Her older brother, George, had three lanes installed in his estate, Georgian Court, in 1899. Helen may have been the originator of the first bowling “parties” and additionally allowed the hired staff to enjoy the sport and recreation as well. In 1938 Helen’s sister, Anna, bought the estate, added electricity to the “bowling center” and opened the building to World War II veterans. The lanes were not used again, until the National Trust for Historic Preservation acquired the estate.
The lanes’ restoration in progress.
CENTER STAGE
During WWII, Anna Gould, who purchased Lyndhurst in 1938 from her sister Helen, opened the lanes to service personnel.
A sketch capturing bowling at Lyndhurst in the 19th century.
Enter Hastings-Silver who adopted the project, researching the facility extensively and inspecting every square inch of the building and lanes. She even uncovered an area which most likely had an early rulebook hanging for participants to read and heed. She is currently working with Kelli Thomerson, curator at the International Bowling Hall of Fame and Museum in Arlington, TX, to procure a copy of that rulebook to keep the restoration as authentic and accurate as possible. Knowing it would take significant funding to restore the building and the lanes, Hastings-Silver matched an Environmental Protection $100,000 grant with donations totaling another $100,000. “We have restrooms there now, but the grant doesn’t cover electrical work, so we have to acquire an additional $150,000 and then restore things in a logical order so that the building is up to code and can receive a Certificate of Occupancy.” The objective is to open the building to the public and eventually permit people to actually bowl on the lanes, as in days of old. “Right now people can look through the windows, but we also give private tours inside by appointment for bowling history buffs, association officers, etc.,” Hastings-Silver said. But for now the focus is on getting local USBC officials to come out and authenticate the lanes as being regulation width, length and gutters. Once the official paperwork is submitted, Guinness will recognize Lyndhurst as the oldest indoor bowling center in the country. “Then maybe,” Hastings-Silver says hopefully, “we could leverage that for the fundraising needed to complete the restoration. Private tours can be arranged by calling (914) 631-4481. ❖
Joan Taylor is a multi-award winning bowling writer based in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania.
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DATEBOOK
SEPTEMBER 16-18 Wyoming Bowling Council Jamboree Hilton Garden Inn, Laramie WY Charlene Abbott kcabbott@bresnan.net 19-21 NAIR 40th Anniversary Fall Meeting Lincolnshire Resort, IL Nairbowling@aol.com 20 WA BPA – Kick-Off Meeting Tukwila, WA Greg Olsen greg@wsbpa.org 22 BCA of Ohio Executive Board Meeting Embassy Suites, Columbus, OH Pat Marazzi, 937-433-8363
OCTOBER 2–4 West Coast Bowling Centers Convention Silver Legacy Hotel, Reno, NV Sandi Thompson, 925-485-1855 Sandi@norcalbowling.com IBI
4-5 Kansas State BPA Annual Meeting Pittsburg, KS Mary Thurber 913-638-1817 10-12 East Coast Bowling Centers Convention Trump Taj Mahal, Atlantic City, NJ Lee Ann Norton, 800-343-1329 Leeann@bpaa.com IBI
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10-14 GS Series Pinsetter Training Brunswick Training Center Muskegon, MI Email: schools@brunbowl.com 800-937-2695 16-18 Mid-South Proprietor Trade Show Gold Strike Hotel, Tunica MS Dwayne Hippensteel 501-860-6376 17-21 Vector Scorer Maintenance Training Brunswick Training Center Muskegon, MI Email: schools@brunbowl.com 800-937-2695 25-26 Southwest Bowling Proprietors Idea Share Sam’s Town, Shreveport, LA Karen Miller k.miller@texasbowlingcenter.org IBI 26 Bowling Centers of Southern CA Annual Meeting and Partner Fair Cal State Fullerton, Fullerton CA Scott Frager, 818-789-0900 ScottF@SoCalBowling.com
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NOVEMBER 9-10 BCA of Ohio Seminars & Meeting Embassy Suites, Columbus, OH Pat Marazzi, 937-433-8363 6-11 Bowling University School For Bowling Center Management International Bowling Campus Arlington TX Email: education@bpaa.com; 800-343-1329 www.BowlingUniversity.net 14-15 Illinois State BPA Fall Annual Meeting Hotel Arista-Citygate Centre Naperville, IL Bill Duff billduff@bowlillinois.com 30-12/7 QubicaAMF Bowling World Cup Northcliff Bowling Centre Anne-Marie Board amboard@qubicaamf.com www.qubicaamf.com
JANUARY 2012 22-26 BOWLING SUMMIT The Meritage, Napa valley CA www.bpaa.com/summit
Official magazine of the convention
SHOWCASE SHUFFLEBOARD GAME
SYSTEM UPGRADES
CENTER CONVERSION
SHOT HELPER
BOWLING ON DVD
SERIOUS SHOES
POWERFUL BALL TECHNOLOGY
YOUTH SHOES
Arachnid introduces two bowling games: Classic Bowling and Split/Second Bowling have been added to the Super Shuffle electronic shuffleboard. Super Shuffle is a modern twist on an industry favorite but only 5 1/2 feet long. The electronic shuffleboard table features league play, tournament play and casual play. The cabinet is part shuffleboard, part video game. To play you launch a reallife puck across an abbreviated shuffleboard-style play field. Contact 800-435-8319 or visit www.bullshooter.com.
Becoming a “Bowling Entertainment Center” can be like starting a new business. With new or different customers, games and attractions; your staff, marketing, pricing and operations will go through growing pains. Are you prepared to convert? Find out with research and planning if your community will support a new venue. Peter Starkel of Fun Advisors just completed an 18-month redevelopment of Lucky Jack’s. Learn more at www.funadvisors.com/luckyjacks or call 888-486-0800.
Now available from S’More Entertainment is “Celebrity Bowling,” a charming and delightful series that ran on local Los Angeles television from 1971-1978. Hosted by Jed Allan, each week two-person teams competed on regulation size bowling lanes that were installed in-studio. See stars such as (a very young) William Shatner, Angie Dickinson, Bob Newhart and Michael Douglas battle it out to win prizes for audience members. The DVD is available on Amazon.com or for more information email info@smoreent.com.
MOTIV introduces the new Raptor P7. This outstanding heavy oil weapon merges new Predator™ asymmetric core technology with the new Formula-7™ Reactive coverstock. The result is a ball motion no one has seen from MOTIV before – long and very strong on the backend with incredible continuation through the pins. MOTIV™ brand bowling balls are manufactured in the USA. For more information please visit www.motivbowling.com.
Brunswick’s Vector Plus 5 upgrade, offers significant enhancements to the management system that are perfect for centers that desire to maximize control over their system. In addition to new cash controls and management features, centers now have the option of requiring servers, bartenders and other personnel to use employee ID cards to access the system, allowing you to better track employee sales and productivity. Visit http://www.brunswickbowling.com/products/vectorplus/or contact your product specialist.
Shooterball is a captivating mechanism that elevates the presentation of mixed drinks, shooters, dessert and beer! Increasing sales while creating conversation make the Shooterball a must have for all entertainment and hospitality venues. A great addition to any party, group event or celebration, the Shooterball piques customer interest and raises camaraderie. No matter what the occasion, the Shooterball delivers in style! For more information, visit www.shooterball.com or call 888-724-8319.
Etonic Worldwide announces a breakthrough innovation with the introduction of Power-Flex™ Outsole Technology. Specifically designed to be instantly tuned to provide graduated braking on any approach condition, the outsole features three interchangeable Tri-Pod™ forefoot pads and a Heel LockPod™. The result is the optimization of a player’s timing, leverage and power. Power-Flex Technology is only available in the new Etonic Tour Master bowling shoe. For information, call 1-8668-ETONIC (386642) or log onto www.etonic.com.
QubicaAMF is now accepting pre-orders for SuperValue Velcro® children/youth rental shoes for delivery and invoicing in October. These rental shoes slip on quickly and get players onto the lanes faster with comfort, style and convenience. And for you? Simplicity and durability that add up to an attractive payoff. Contact a QubicaAMF Sales Representative today or visit www.qubicaamf.com for more information.
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CLASSIFIEDS
BUY
AMF • BRUNSWICK EQUIPMENT COMPLETE PACKAGES WORLDʼS LARGEST NEW – USED SPARE PARTS INVENTORY
SEL L
Danny & Daryl Tucker Tucker Bowling Equipment Co. 609 N.E. 3rd St. Tulia, Texas 79088 Call (806) 995-4018 Fax (806) 995-4767
Bowling Parts, Inc. P.O. Box 801 Tulia, Texas 79088 Call (806) 995-3635 Email - bpitx@texasonline.net
www.bowlingpartsandequipment.com
WWW.FACEBOOKBOWLING.COM
EQUIPMENT FOR SALE USED BRUNSWICK PARTS, A2 parts and assemblies. Large Inventory. www.usedpinsetterparts.com. NEW & USED Pro Shop Equipment. Jayhawk Bowling Supply. 800-2556436 or jayhawkbowling.com. Pinsetter Parts New from ALL major manufacturers. HUGE IN STOCK inventory. USED Brunswick Scoring parts, AS90 cameras, processors, lane cables, monitors, and PC boards. Order online @ 888SBIBOWL.com or (888) 724-2695. The Mechanics Choice! REPAIR & EXCHANGE. Call for details (248) 375-2751. For Sale: used pin decks. Buy one, get one FREE. 27” monitors for AccuScore Plus & XL Scoring. Also XL Scoring package. (641) 414-1542. FOR SALE: General Electric & National front end motors with gear boxes for AMF 82-70 pinsetters–$275 ea. Excellent condition! Call Brian (716) 715-3930 or Kevin (716) 807-2194. Bowling center equipment—specializing in small center needs. (712) 253-8730 Automatic Scoring: AMF XL & AMF BOSS with XL Desk & LCD monitors. (712) 253-8730 FRAMEWORX SCORING: Sold by the lane or spare parts. 68 lanes Complete system including 4 registers & back office. Contact Bill Rossman @ Parkway Bowl (619) 4484111 or bill-r@nd-inc.com.
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CLASSIFIEDS EQUIPMENT WANTED LANE MACHINES WANTED. We will purchase your KEGEL-built machine, any age or condition. Phone (608) 764-1464.
CENTERS FOR SALE
UPSTATE NEW YORK: 8-lane center/ commercial building built in 1992. Synthetic lanes, new automatic scoring, kitchen and room to expand! Reduced to sell @ $375,000. Call (315) 376-3611.
WWW.FACEBOOKBOWLING.COM
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CLASSIFIEDS
We could not have gotten our loan without him. Reggie and Nancy Frederick Billy and Allison Frederick Chalet Bowl, Tacoma, WA The leading source for real estate loans with low down payments
Ken Paton (503) 645-5630 www.kenpaton.com kpaton@kenpaton.com
LOCKER KEYS FAST! •Keys & Combo Locks for all Types of Lockers. •One week turnaround on most orders. •New locks All types •Used locks 1/2 price of new
CENTERS FOR SALE 16-lane center in Southern Colorado mountains. Great condition. 18,000 s/f building w/ restaurant & lounge. Paved parking 100 + vehicles. Established leagues & tournaments. $950,000 or make offer. Kipp (719) 852-0155. CENTRAL WISCONSIN: 12 lanes, auto scoring, Anvilane synthetics, 82-70s. Great food sales. Yearly tournament. Attached, large 3 bedroom apartment w/ fireplace. $550K. (715) 223-8230. NW KANSAS: 12-lane center, AS-80s, Lane Shield, snack bar, pro shop, game & pool rooms. See pics and info @ www.visitcolby.com or contact Charles (785) 443-3477. SOUTHWEST KANSAS: well-maintained 8-lane center, A-2s, full-service restaurant. Includes business and real estate. Nice, smaller community. Owner retiring. $212,000. Leave message (620) 397-5828. NORTHERN CALIFORNIA: 16-lane center REDUCED to $799,000 for quick sale. Synthetics, 82-70s, 19,000 s/f + parking. Newly remodeled bar, large kitchen. Owner retiring. Will consider selling only equipment or building. www.siskiyoulanes.com. (530) 598-2133.
All keys done by code #. No keys necessary.
E-mail: huff@inreach.com FAX YOUR ORDER TO US AT:
530-432-2933
CALL TOLL FREE 1-800-700-4KEY INT’L 530-432-1027 Orange County Security Consultants
For FLORIDA CENTERS Call DAVID DRISCOLL & ASSOCIATES 1-800-444-BOWL P.O. Box 189 Howey-in-the-Hills, FL 34737 AN AFFILIATE OF SANDY HANSELL & ASSOCIATES 48
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"Bowling Center Construction Specialists" New Center Construction Family Entertainment Centers Residential Bowling Lanes Modernization Mini Bowling Lanes Automatic Scoring CONTACT
BRIAN ESTES
(866) 961-7633 ( Office: 734) 469-4293
Toll Free:
Email: build@capitalbowlingservice.com
www.CapitalBowlingService.com
CLASSIFIEDS CENTERS FOR SALE
CENTERS FOR SALE
SOUTHERN INDIANA (close to Indianapolis): 18-lane Brunswick center with lounge, liquor license & movie theater on 4+ acres. Turnkey business. Owner retiring. Great investment! (765) 349-1312. NORTHERN CALIFORNIA: 16-lane center w/ synthetic lanes, 82-70s, 19,000 s/f building w/ lots of parking. Newly remodeled bar & large kitchen. Owner retiring. (530) 598-2133. NEW YORK STATE: Thousand Island region. 8-lane Brunswick center w/ cosmic bowling, auto scoring. Established leagues + many improvements. $309,000. Call Jill @ Lori Gervera Real Estate (315) 771-9302. EASTERN NORTH DAKOTA: 6-lane Brunswick center, bar & grill, drive-thru liquor store in small college town. Also, 3 apartment buildings with 40 units, good rental history. Call (701) 330-7757 or (701) 430-1490.
WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA: One of the top five places to move! Remodeled 32-lane center. Good numbers. $3.1m gets it all. Fax qualified inquiries to (828) 253-0362. CENTRAL IDAHO: 8-lane center and restaurant in central Idaho mountains. Small town. Only center within 60-mile radius. Brunswick A-2 machines; Anvilane lane beds; automatic scoring. (208) 879-4448. SOUTHWESTERN WYOMING: 12 lanes + café & lounge, 2 acres w/ 5 bedroom home. Full liquor & fireworks licenses. Outside Salt Lake City area. Dennis @ Uinta Realty, Inc. (888) 804-4805 or uintarlt@allwest.net. TEXAS, SE of Houston: 40-lane center in mid-sized market. Updated scoring, lanes, seating, masking units in 2007 plus remodeled bar. New roof. Includes RE. Bank owned. Ken Paton (503) 645-5630.
SELL YOUR CENTER (818) 789-2695
C L ASS I F I E D AD F O R M 1 Write your ad here or fax separate sheet with this form:
3 Figure Cost: Multiply number of words Add 10¢ per word for BOLD copy
x $2.20 = x .10 =
Subtotal Multiply by number months ad will run x
4 Name
total
Company
Billing Address
2 Choose Category:
❒ Equip. wanted ❒ Help wanted
❒ Equip. for sale ❒ Centers for sale ❒ Miscellaneous
Other____________________________ Deadline for each issue is the 1st of each month, one month prior to issue. (Example: To run in the September Issue, we would need your ad copy by August 1st)
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INTERNATIONAL
THE WORLD’S ONLY ONLY MAGAZINE DEVOTED EXCLUSIVELY TO THE BUSINESS OF BOWLING
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CLASSIFIEDS CENTERS FOR SALE
CENTERS FOR SALE
NORTHWEST LOUISIANA: 12-LANE Brunswick center. REDUCED TO SELL NOW! Includes auto scoring, glow bowling, pizza, large dining area & video poker. Good income. Long Lease. Great opportunity. Call Mike (318) 578-0772. CENTRAL ALABAMA: Recently remodeled, split house w/24 synthetic lanes (16 & 8) in 28,000 s/f building in shopping center; Brunswick A2s & 2000 seating; AccuScore Plus; VIA returns & storage tables; systems for Cosmic; established leagues; snack bar, pro shop & game/pool table area. Nearest competition 28 miles w/ colleges & Honda factory within minutes. Need to sell due to health. Reasonably priced. (435) 705-0420. SOUTHERN ILLINOIS: 16-lane center— Brunswick A-2s & JetBacks, snack bar, pro shop & lounge with 1,400 s/f apartment above. On 2.84 acres. Includes business & real estate. Good location! (618) 488-7858 or (618) 606-5053. NORTHERN WISCONSIN: 12-lane Brunswick A-2s, Vector Plus FrameworX scoring, kitchen, & pro shop. PRICED TO SELL. Call Bruce (715) 614-7779.
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NE NEVADA: New 2001. 16 lanes, 19,200 square feet, 1.68 acres paved, sound & lighting, lounge w/ gaming, arcade, full service snack bar & pro shop. Call (775) 934-1539. SOUTHERN NEVADA: Excellent opportunity for qualified person! 8-lane center with AMF 82-70s, Twelve Strike scoring. $60,000 for business and equipment only. Long term lease available. Building being remodeled. Call Steve (702) 293-6072; cell (702) 414-5321; email: ljjaa1414@yahoo.com.
CLASSIFIEDS
SELL YOUR
CENTER OR EQPT.
MINIATURE GOLF COURSES Indoor/Outdoor. Immediate Installation. $5,900.00 & up. 2021 Bridge Street Jessup, PA 18434 570-489-8623 www.minigolfinc.com
FAST!
(818) 789-2695
SERVICE CALLS WORLDWIDE • PRE-SHIPS • WE SELL
AS80/90 • BOARD REPAIR • Frameworx NEW KEYPADS • FRONT DESK LCD MONITORS
Michael P. Davies (321) 254-7849
291 Sandy Run, Melbourne, FL 32940 on the web: bowlingscorer.com email: mike@bowlingscorer.com
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CLASSIFIEDS PROPRIETORS WITH AMF 82-70 S.S. & M.P. MACHINES Save $$ on Chassis & P.C. Board Exchange & Repair! A reasonable alternative for Chassis and P.C. Board Exchanges MIKE BARRETT
CENTERS FOR SALE NE MINNESOTA: Food, Liquor & Bowling. Established 8 lanes between Mpls & Duluth w/ large bar, dining room, banquet area. Two large State employment facilities nearby. High six figure gross. Call Bryan (218) 380-8089. www.majesticpine.com.
Call for Price List
Tel: (714) 871-7843 • Fax: (714) 522-0576 AMF and some BRUNSWICK PC board repair/exchange. 6-month warranty, fast turnaround. Call or write: WB8YJF Service 5586 Babbitt Road, New Albany, Ohio 43054 Toll Free: 888-902-BOWL (2695) Ph./Fax: (614) 855-3022 (Jon) E-mail: wb8yjf@earthlink.net Visit us on the WEB! http://home.earthlink.net/~wb8yjf/
MARSHALL ELECTRONICS • Foul Units • Electronic Scoring Repair • Chassis Boards • AMF Accuscore Plus • Curtain Wall Chassis - $285 • Brunswick Scoring We repair all types of monitor boards. Call for a complete price list. 593 Loxley Drive, Toms River, NJ 08753
732-240-6554 • 800-782-9494
www.merepair.webs.com
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GEORGIA: busy 32-lane center, real estate included. Great location in one of fastest growing counties in metro Atlanta. 5 years new with all the amenities. Excellent numbers. Call (770) 356-8751. NW INDIANA (Lake Michigan/National Lake Shore area): DRASTICALLY REDUCED— PRICED TO SELL! 32-lane center, family owned & operated since 1997 on 6.6 acres. Also billiards, arcade, pro shop, full-service restaurant, established leagues & MORE! $2,300,000. (219) 921-4999. CENTRAL ILLINOIS: PRICED TO SELL!! 8-lane center with AMF 82-70s, full service restaurant, pro shop. Plus pool tables, karaoke machine & DJ system. Asking $125,000.00 with RE. (217) 351-5152 or toms-uvl@sbcglobal.net.
FOR LEASE PRO SHOP: National Lake Shore area of NW Indiana. Call (219) 921-4999.
SERVICES AVAILABLE Drill Bit Sharpening and Measuring Ball Repair. Jayhawk Bowling Supply. 800255-6436 or Jayhawkbowling.com. See a list that will help centers fill lanes w/ 1200+ New Bowlers, Birthday Parties & Corporate Outings that generate $15,800 – a 600% ROI from 4 payments starting at $278. Visit mcprs.bmamkt.com or call (888) 243-0685.
POSITION WANTED Small Brunswick bowling center manager with option to buy. Good credentials and lots of experience running centers including new league formation and outside sales promotion. Increase the bottom line! Call now. (319) 327-1916.
WWW.FACEBOOKBOWLING.COM
CLASSIFIEDS
3
EASY WAYS
to place your Classified Ad in International Bowling Industry Magazine
Call (818) 789-2695
Fax (818) 789-2812
E-mail your ad to:
info@bowlingindustry.com IBI
August 2011
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REMEMBER WHEN
1949 F
or years beginning in the 1920s, Barbasol’s clever rhymes on mini billboards accompanied drivers along the nation’s roads. Usually they sang a wry song about romantic difficulties caused by facial stubble, which the shaving cream could promptly remedy. There were always four signs for the rhyme and one for the punch line, as in: “He had the lute “He had the flat “She felt his chin “And that was that – “Barbasol!” The shaving cream maker’s print ads never became so iconographic, but the message was the same, as in this ad from 1949. ❖
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