Bowlarama: The Architecture of Mid-Century Bowling
A book that will make you look at bowling buildings in a completely different way
When I sat down with Chris Nichols and Adriene Biondo for our latest episode of “Mid-Century Home Talks”, we explored the unique role mid-century bowling centres played in American culture. Their book, Bowlarama: The Architecture of Mid-Century Bowling, dives into the history, design, and community impact of these once-thriving spaces.
Chris and Adriene shared memories of her childhood visits to bowling centres that felt more like themed wonderlands, complete with elaborate interiors and vibrant social spaces. These weren’t just places to bowl—they were hubs of suburban life, offering entertainment, connection, and a touch of urban luxury.
As we talked, it became clear how integral these spaces were to post-war America. Their Googie designs embodied the creativity and optimism of the mid-century period, while their accessibility made them gathering places for people of all ages. Yet, their decline in later decades left many of these iconic centres under-appreciated and forgotten. Enjoy the interview and let us know your thoughts in the comments.
(Marco Guagliardo - Mid-Century Home’s Editor in Chief)
Audio:
Transcript:
MCH: Welcome to another episode of Mid-Century Home Talks, today with Chris Nichols and Adriene Biondo authors of the book Bowlarama.
Chris is a long-time preservationist and senior editor at Los Angeles Magazine. For many years, he worked with the Los Angeles Conservancy Modern Committee, even serving as chairman of the group. Adriene, on the other hand, is an award-winning historian and advocate. She’s also a former chair of the Los Angeles Conservancy Modern Committee and a past president of the Museum of Neon Art.
I’m thrilled to have Chris and Adriene here today to talk about their latest book, Bowlarama. The book explores the fascinating intersections of architecture, bowling, and community. It’s a deep dive into a cultural phenomenon that may seem niche, especially to our listeners in Europe, but it had an enormous influence on American society.
When I started flipping through the book, the images immediately caught my attention. The original photographs, the drawings, and, most importantly, the content itself—it’s all very engaging. The book provides in-depth information on various aspects of bowling, making it clear why bowling was such a central part of American culture. For me, the focus on community was especially intriguing. This book doesn’t just showcase architecture; it delves into the cultural and social significance of bowling.
So, my first question for you both is: what inspired you to write Bowlarama? How does it connect to your personal experiences, memories, and work?
Chris: The book comes from our work in historic preservation. I grew up near Covina Bowl, a bowling centre that was key to this entire architectural movement. Covina Bowl was one of the first lavish bowling centres, part of an arms race in creating bigger and more extravagant spaces. It featured an Egyptian-inspired design, which felt like an oasis.
We worked hard to preserve it—throwing a 60th anniversary party, getting the city involved, and highlighting its significance. These efforts laid the foundation for Bowlarama. In 2014, I even curated an exhibition on bowling architecture at the Architecture and Design Museum in Los Angeles. However, gathering archival research for the book took years. These centres were poorly documented, so it required a lot of digging.
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Adriene: For me, bowling centres were a big part of my childhood. My family moved to Los Angeles from Brooklyn, where such extravagant mid-century bowling centres didn’t exist. Visiting these spaces became a weekend tradition for us. They were like magical places, with elaborate themes—Egyptian, Tiki, Pirate—that captured my imagination as a child.
These designs weren’t just about aesthetics; they were about creating a fantasy world. Covina Bowl, for example, looked like a modernist origami pyramid. It wasn’t just the exteriors, though. The interiors were just as immersive, with lounges and dining spaces that were carefully themed.
Marco: The interiors are definitely worth mentioning. The book doesn’t only cover the history and architecture of bowling centres but also dives into their interiors and the community aspects. I’d love to hear your thoughts on why bowling became such a central part of American culture in the 1950s and 60s.
Chris: The post-war period saw rapid suburban development. Bowling centres became cultural hubs in these areas, especially in places where cities hadn’t fully formed yet. They weren’t just for bowling; they hosted political campaigns, service clubs, and even women’s organisation meetings. These centres brought urban amenities like fine dining and nightclubs to the suburbs.
For families who moved from cities to these new suburbs, bowling centres became a way to access the urban lifestyle without traveling back into the city. They served as gathering places and were often open 24 hours a day. Some even had unique features like beauty salons, nurseries, and game arcades.
Adriene: I remember these nurseries well. As a child, I spent time in playrooms filled with toys, snacks, and even miniature toilets. My parents could leave me and my brother there while they bowled. It felt safe and fun. These spaces made bowling accessible for families, which was a big shift from the dingy bowling alleys of the past.
Chris: This shift was made possible by technology. The introduction of the automatic pin setter in the 1940s transformed bowling alleys into family-friendly spaces. Before that, pin setting was often done by hand in poorly maintained, unsafe conditions. The automatic pin setter made bowling more efficient and eliminated the need for these dangerous setups.
Marco: It sounds like bowling centres were almost like community centres or early versions of shopping malls.
Adriene: Absolutely. They were sometimes called “the country club of the people” because they were so accessible. Anyone could visit, and they offered so much more than just bowling. You could dine, socialise, or even enjoy entertainment like live music or themed lounges.
Chris: Some centres were incredibly extravagant. For example, Willow Grove Park Lanes in Pennsylvania had multiple restaurants, nightclubs, and even a swimming pool. The Celebrity Lanes in Denver was another standout—it had a pool so large they raced boats on it. These spaces were designed to amaze, and finding photos of them during their prime was like unearthing dinosaurs.
Marco: Why did these grand bowling centres disappear if they were so popular?
Chris: Overbuilding played a big role. Bowling became a fad, and too many people invested in centres without understanding how to run them. Financial mismanagement, scandals, and repossessions by companies like Brunswick led to closures. While the number of bowlers peaked in the 1970s, new centres weren’t being built, and the existing ones fell into decline.
Adriene: Preservation has been challenging because many of these centres are now run-down and sit on large plots of land that are attractive for redevelopment. Covina Bowl, for example, was on 10 acres. Preserving these buildings requires enormous effort from communities and preservationists.
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Marco: It’s a labour of love, clearly.
Chris: Absolutely. We wanted Bowlarama to show these spaces at their peak, not in their current state. The book celebrates their beauty, craftsmanship, and cultural significance, giving people a chance to appreciate what they once were.
Marco: I think it’s an important tribute to an era and a lifestyle.
Chris: Absolutely, bowling centres were more than just places to play a game—they were architectural and cultural landmarks that brought people together.
Marco: Thank you both for sharing your insights and for your work in preserving this history. Bowlarama is available in the best bookstores and online. Check it out!
