Detroit Bowling Alleys

**epickett** · February-24-15, 11:13 AM

Originally Posted by G-DDT

I know this is more of a nostalgia thread, but now we got Renaissance Bowling Center [[which I would not mind checking out), Punch Bowl Social, and I notice no one mentions feather bowling at the Cadieux [[or is that not apropos ?). Personally, I wish bowling would come back to Hamtramck.

What took over the Playdium site? I assume the building has been torn down?

**Danny** · February-24-15, 01:31 PM

Fred McClain still run and operated Belmar Lanes I in Fort St and St John's Street in Lincoln Park. Fred McClain is a legendary bowler in the 1960s, 70s, 80s even up the 90s. He made over 100 perfect games in his career. Every Monday I still see him bowl with his grandson, the next bowling phenon. He carries a 290 average and he's 14 years old.

**slick** · February-25-15, 02:59 PM

What took over the Playdium site? I assume the building has been torn down?

Yes the building is gone. Rallee hamburger joint.
Great place long time home of the Citizen Classic, currently the Hamtramck Classic at Hazel Park.

The automatic pinsetters upstairs shook the beer tables.
The ball return placement was unusual.

I was secretary of the Jr. House L, Thursday night 9 PM for many years

**epickett** · February-26-15, 10:49 AM

That's the only way *I* know about Playdium - I bowled in the Citizen Classic many years ago. I never bowled upstairs, though. I'm not sure I even KNEW at the time that there were lanes upstairs. I'm still bowling in the tournament at Hazel Park. :-)

**mtburb** · February-21-15, 07:13 PM

One that I used to frequent after moving back to Wyandotte is one that's often overlooked, Indian Lanes. It's located right in an industrial park on 13th Street off of Pennsylvania Road. They have about 32 lanes or at least that's what I remembered...

**Delray Kid** · February-22-15, 01:19 AM

Beacon Bowling Alley on W. Vernor Hwy. Great memories!

**Colombian Dan** · June-06-18, 12:49 PM

And down goes Mercury Lanes for the final count...

https://www.freep.com/story/news/loc...ing/676605002/

**kathy2trips** · June-08-18, 08:14 PM

Originally Posted by Colombian Dan

And down goes Mercury Lanes for the final count...

https://www.freep.com/story/news/loc...ing/676605002/

Oh, that's awful! Looks nice inside? Anybody got an exterior shot of that?

**kathy2trips** · June-08-18, 08:19 PM

Name: UAW Anniv. Ads - 2 - Detroit_Free_Press_Sun__Jun_3__1956_.jpg
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Here are some bowling alley locations from the Free Press, dated June 3, 1956. The UAW was celebrating their 20th anniversary and I guess they decided to buy a whole page and just print ads and listings of businesses. Maybe these will jog some memories.

**CassTechGrad** · June-09-18, 11:39 AM

Originally Posted by kathy2trips

Here are some bowling alley locations from the Free Press, dated June 3, 1956. The UAW was celebrating their 20th anniversary and I guess they decided to buy a whole page and just print ads and listings of businesses. Maybe these will jog some memories.

A picture from Mt. Elliott Recreation Lanes Cub Scouts League awards party in 1959, that's me on the far right. Happy memories of times gone bye. Name: bowling 1959 11.jpg
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**kathy2trips** · June-11-18, 11:55 AM

That's such a great picture, CTG! Little boys in shirts and [[a few) ties! When do you ever see that ever anymore?

**slick** · June-14-18, 08:14 AM

Airway Lanes will be closing its doors for Bowling permanently after close of business on Saturday June 30, 2018. Certain non-bowling events will be discontinued later - call for info. The property is being sold to Club Royale Marine – our neighbor. We wish Club Royale all of best for success in this location.

And another one bites the dust!

**kathy2trips** · June-08-18, 08:25 PM

More historical bowling stuff.

Oh, hey, the bowling assoc. ran a 1/2 page ad to let you know the 1928 bowling season starts August 23!

Detroit's bowling culture was such that tournaments made the front page of the sports section during the season, and local stars were revered as only Detroit can do. Here's the bottom of the add, from the Free Press again, listing member lanes:

Name: Bowling Alleys - Detroit_Free_Press_Sat__Aug_18__1928_.jpg
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**Stinger4me** · June-17-18, 05:45 PM

CassTechGrad; I think the third boy from the left in the photo of Mt. Elliott Recreation may be Arnold, he went to Transfiguration school with me. None of the others come to mind.

Stinger

**CassTechGrad** · June-18-18, 02:47 PM

Yes, you are correct. Arnold Ratkowski was the leader of Cub Scouts Bowling Team #1. The four guys in the middle of the picture I posted are Tom M, Arnold, Tom N, and Kenny from team 1. Name: bowling 1959 2.jpg
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**Mikefive** · June-20-18, 08:31 PM

Hazel Park bowling center is closing as well at the end of July.

**slick** · June-21-18, 08:35 PM

Originally Posted by Mikefive

Hazel Park bowling center is closing as well at the end of July.

Any word on the Hamtramck classic tournament?

**Danny** · June-22-18, 07:50 PM

Mercury Lanes closing and so it Hazel Park Bowl. So there will no bowling alleys left in Metro-Detroit area by the year 2100.

**mtburb** · June-22-18, 09:17 PM

Originally Posted by Danny

Mercury Lanes closing and so it Hazel Park Bowl. So there will no bowling alleys left in Metro-Detroit area by the year 2100.

Probably even sooner if there is a recession during that timeframe.

**jcole** · December-06-23, 08:08 AM

Madison Park Bowl is still open

Originally Posted by Danny

Mercury Lanes closing and so it Hazel Park Bowl. So there will no bowling alleys left in Metro-Detroit area by the year 2100.

**Detroit Signal** · June-22-18, 01:14 PM

HSC will move to Wayne Bowl on Michigan Ave. for next season.

**jcole** · February-24-20, 10:44 AM

I just saw a new bowling alley on Dequindre and 12 Mile in the old Universal area. Also has escape rooms and other games.
Also, there is the Punchbowl Social on Broadway downtown that has some lanes

**Danny** · February-24-20, 02:17 PM

Originally Posted by jcole

I just saw a new bowling alley on Dequindre and 12 Mile in the old Universal area. Also has escape rooms and other games.
Also, there is the Punchbowl Social on Broadway downtown that has some lanes

That is a recreational entertainment center called Allegiant.

**jcole** · February-24-20, 04:15 PM

And it has bowling lanes...

Originally Posted by Danny

That is a recreational entertainment center called Allegiant.

**jcole** · February-24-20, 10:53 AM

Now for my real reason for reopening an ancient thread:
Does anyone remember the bowling lanes at St Hedwig's church in SW Detroit? My husband was baptized and went to church there in the 40's and can't remember if they were above the church or in the school or how many there were and it's bugging him.