Most people have good memories about the sport of bowling. Whether it’s competitive bowling, a party at the local alley, or you still make it one of your favorite activities, it is definitely an unforgettable and fun sport.
But do you know the history of bowling? It can actually be traced back to ancient Egypt where hieroglyphics depict people playing a game that looks quite similar. There’s also evidence of bowling in Ancient Rome and in the Middle Ages. Bowling began to take shape in the United States in the late 19th Century with the modern version game of ten-pin.
In 1895, the American Bowling Congress was established that worked to standardize the sport’s growing popularity. It became a beloved sport after WWII in the 1950s and 1960s with the rise in suburban living and leisure activities. Bowling was often featured on television and was considered an accessible, competitive sport. You can never forget Ed Norton and Ralph Kramden’s excitement over their regular bowling night on “The Honeymooners.” And two of American presidents, Harry Trumann and Richard Nixon even had bowling alleys installed in the White House.
Modern bowling has been greatly improved by technology that has included automatic pin setters and computerized scoring. Today you can find various versions of bowling games all around the United States that include ten-pin, candlepin, and duck pin.
Truth be told, I was inspired to write this article because my husband and I visit a local lane in the early afternoon on Tuesdays when they have “Sr. Bowling Day” with discounted games and shoes. As we have a lot of fun striving to improve our scores, we also observe groups of bowlers enjoying socializing, an important part of staying healthy when growing older.
In New York City we have visited Lucky Strike Entertainment with locations at Chelsea Piers and Times Square. Lucky Strike is redefining weekends in the city with “Saturdays are for Bowling.” Their high-energy lanes, arcade games, elevated food and signature cocktails has made Lucky Strike a go-to spot for many looking to have some fun. The brand just proved how buzzy bowling has become with its nationwide “Penny Retirement Party” on January 25th that celebrated the U.S. penny’s retirement with one-cent game deals across all Lucky Strike, AMF, Bolmor, and Bowlero locations as well as ICEE deals at select Family Entertainment Centers. This affordable night out drew crowds nationwide proving that bowling still has the same allure for singles, couples, friends, and families.
So whether you bowl casually, competitively, or just want to express an interest in the game that has been around for many centuries, get out there and hope for a strike or spare!
Photo Credit: Courtesy of Daniel Phakos
