From the American Profile "Landmark Lanes" by Marti Attoun.
Not saying that the Garden Bowl in downtown Detroit is old, but...they have been bowling there since 1913. Joe Zainea, 78 says it used to be "the workingman's country club." His father bought it in 1946 and today, he works it with his sons Dave, 51, and Joe, 45.
His brother George, 80, bowls in a league four times a week. He remembers in the 40s and 50s when every industry and business sponsored a team. Now, bowling alleys are designed more for family activities and parties.
A form of bowling has been played since 3200 BC in Egypt and variations can be found in most countries' histories. Immigrants brought the game with them to the Americas. In New York, the oldest park is named Bowling Green because of the lawn bowling of the Dutch colonists.
America's oldest surviving bowling alley was built in 1846 by businessman Henry Chandler Bowen at Roseland Cottage in Woodstock, Connecticut. On July 4, 1870, President Grant enjoyed it during a visit. Mr. Bowen was a temperance man, so no drinking, smoking or card playing was allowed in his house. Grant got a strike and wanted to celebrate with a cigar, but was informed he'd have to smoke it outside. I guess he did.
Oh No, a 7-10 Split!! --Cooter
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