Bowling in old-time Phoenix


I had lunch today with one of my top PhDs (Phoenix History Detectives) and he was talking about bowling in Phoenix, which he did a lot of. I myself know very little about bowling, although I have bowled, which for me is kinda like saying I've thrown a baseball. I really don't have a clue how to bowl. But I have a good imagination, and today I think we should go bowling in old-time Phoenix. Since we can time-travel, I thought it would be fun to start in 1911, and then jump around.

We're starting at the Pastime Bowling Alley, which in 1911 was on Adams just west of Central, two doors down from Valley Bank (Valley Bank didn't move into the Professional Building until 1931, you know!). Since the Pastime is the only bowling alley in Phoenix, at least according to the ad, this looks like the place to go. There's $600 in prizes, so I'm hoping that you're pretty good! You are? Great! We can split the winnings and go to 1927!


Here we are at the Gold Spot Bowling Alley, at 621 N. Central. You know, across from the Westward Ho. Yes, it goes underground, right under Central. Don't worry, there are electric lights, and skylights in the sidewalk to let in the sunlight. It's 1927 so we can't drink beer legally. What? Of course we can drink, I'm a personal friend of Al Capone! Just mention my name. On the other hand, no, not really. Let's get out of here! How about the 1960s?


OK, now we're at the Wagon Wheel Lanes at 42nd Street and Thomas. Sure, we can drink beer here! And yes, you can smoke. I'll see if I can get us something from the snack bar! What's that you're drinking? A-1 beer? Yes, I'll have one, too. No, I don't smoke, but go ahead, it's not like it's against the law!

Thank you for bowling with me in old-time Phoenix!
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