Anybody for bowling?

[plinko]

I'm not a great photographer like alot of you guys here, but occasionally as part of my job I get to go into some seriously cool spaces.

This is an old 1937 bowling alley (I can't say where) that is partially buried at an old retreat site. Over the years it became neglected and unfortunately whatever waterproofing it once had didn't last.

So for the last 40+ years it's basically been rotting. I've been asked for recommendations to at least save the building. Sadly, the bowling alley is not to be re-built.

I can imagine in the last 1930s how badass it must have been to prop the windows open, listen to some chill music, have some cocktails, and bowl with your friends...

a lovely spot for a gathering...


patio fail...


tennis anyone?


waterproofing fail...


old school glass block (it is original 1937 vintage)


plaster fail...


nice fixture...


all to reveal...




we thought the balls might be wood, but apparently they are some early form of plastic that feels alot like wood...


watch your step!








the pins are wood...




channeling There Will Be Blood!


I should note that all of the outside shots were hastily taken point and shoot type in bad light. I used my f1.8 50mm for the interior shots and actually tried a little (though I was with others and pressed for time).

[flar]

It's always fascinating to look at things that were once pretty cool and have just fallen into neglect.

[photoLith]

Holy shit, thats cool as hell. Looks like the bowling stuff is from the late 40s to early 50s, pretty bad ass.

[brickell]

this makes me love california just a little bit more.

[diskojoe]

I bet that was a sweet little bowling alley.