A majority of urban explorers have a "bucket list" of locations. My list was very long and still has a lot on it. But I just crossed one off the list!
Built in the 1960's this bowling alley was the last in the area that did not computerize or upgrade to electronic scoring. The scoring was done the old way with paper and chalkboards until it's closure in 2018. Below is one of the chalkboards (with a cigarette advertisement) and the tables used for the paper score cards.
Also visible in the picture of the table, are hand carved benches and a wooden staircase. Both dating back to when the bowling alley opened. Think that's a cool find? Although I couldn't find any information verifying that everything on the main floor is original from the 1960's, it all sure as hell looked the part. The lanes, the bar, and even the pinsetters.
After spending quite some time in awe on the first floor. I took the wooden staircase to the second floor, finding a small area that looked like it had circle tables and chairs. It also had this Coca Cola freezer and another very old cigarette advertisement.
The lanes, ball racks and pinsetters appeared to be a little newer then the ones on the first floor. But not by much.
The bowling alley did not close due to a lack of business, it was considered a "staple of the city" and was busy right until the day they closed. The land was expropriated for a large scale government construction project and will be demolished within the year.
Getting to check off an abandoned bowling alley of my "bucket list" was very cool, but finding one in such pristine condition, with tonnes of history and just before it is being demolished. Is nothing short of kick ass!
Are you an explorer or and enthusiast of abandoned photography? What is on your bucket list to visit or see?
I want to take this chance to than some fellow explorers and highly recommend that you check them out on instagram. mikehienhold, freaktography, and riddim_ryder