Pro Bowling in Fresno in the late 50's-early 60's

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Nothing struck fear into a young boy like the high dive tower at Blakely's. Or perhaps you preferred the water slide at Maple Plunge. But to a young man, Lake Millerton or Lost Lake was the destination. Remember the ice rink in Pinedale? Post your favorite Summer Activity here.
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Perrynoia
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Pro Bowling in Fresno in the late 50's-early 60's

Post by Perrynoia » Thu Apr 12, 2012 2:56 pm

Does anyone remember an abandoned bowling Alley that once existed in Clovis on the South side of Shaw at Villa? I was born in 62 and I have a vague memory of seeing it with weeds growing through the parking lot. I researched and i did find out that Fresno and other cities were trying to create a ProBowler's League, but it went kaput. When was that alley constructed, an when was it razed? I recall it was across from the Terrible Herbst Gas station at Villa /Shaw.

Lost Fresno
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Re: Pro Bowling in Fresno in the late 50's-early 60's

Post by Lost Fresno » Thu Apr 12, 2012 4:32 pm

Yes I remember it. My Dad took me there once to see a pro tournament around 1968. It was a very tall building because it had many rows of seats for the spectators (of which never came) and it only had about 10 lanes. After all, you didn't need lots of lanes when it was mainly built to showcase the best bowlers in the world. I don't think it was in operation for very long. Does this sound like the place you are thinking of?

TimBarrett59

Re: Pro Bowling in Fresno in the late 50's-early 60's

Post by TimBarrett59 » Thu Apr 12, 2012 10:18 pm

I remember that building, as in 68-69ish my folks and I were looking for a new possible location for a larger ice rink(we owned the Pinedale one) and a real estate agent friend took us out to look it over. Back then it was out in the middle of nowhere. Looked like a huge castle driving up to it, least to me it did. Seems also like it was almost as far off shaw like almost to Gettysberg. It was eventually torn down cause I think they wanted like a couple million for it and back then that was alot of money.

Perrynoia
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Re: Pro Bowling in Fresno in the late 50's-early 60's

Post by Perrynoia » Fri Apr 13, 2012 9:59 am

Yep...That's it!.......but I recall it being about directly across from the Sonic on Shaw and backset 100 yards or so, not close to Gettysburg. I remember it being TALL and it kinda creeped me out! I was 5 and that place was eerie!

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