Carter Bowl (Now Lucky Strike)
Anaheim, CA Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
A keen example of the fate of our roadside treasures, the marquee of the Carter Bowl in Anaheim was changed in 1999 from the fabulous googie sign on the left (just look at those colors!) to the booorrrring marquee on the right. Another one bites the dust. 01-99
For generations of local bowlers, Carter Bowl offered a familiar place to spend an evening near the Anaheim–Fullerton border. Its location made it an easy stop for customers from both cities, though the bowling center’s South Lemon Street address is in Fullerton.
Later known as AMF Carter Lanes, the center welcomed league regulars, families, and friends looking for a few games. A weekly bowling night could become part of the routine, with familiar faces returning to compare scores and try again for that elusive perfect game.
Longtime customers also remember bowling for Blue Chip stamps, adding another incentive to a night at the lanes. Apparently a respectable score wasn’t the only thing worth taking home.
Carter Bowl new sign
Anaheim, CA Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
The business went through changes in branding and surroundings, but the basic attraction remained ten pins waiting at the end of a lane. Unlike many nearby bowling properties that became parking lots or shopping centers, this address kept its games going.
The Carter name now belongs to an earlier chapter, while another generation can still head inside and make a few bowling memories of its own.
UPDATE: The former Carter Bowl remains an operating bowling center as Lucky Strike Fullerton at 1501 South Lemon Street. The property continues offering bowling and entertainment under its newer name. 10-26
Santa Fe Lanes (Demolished)
Whittier, CA Photo courtesy Sal Garcia
Along busy Washington Boulevard, Santa Fe Lanes once offered a place to spend an evening away from the traffic. By the time it disappeared, the old bowling center had stood vacant for more than a decade, leaving a familiar neighborhood destination waiting for a future that never involved another game. 10-07
The building had an earlier entertainment career as the Santa Fe Theatre, a Streamline Moderne movie house designed by Hugh Gibbs. It was converted into a 32-lane bowling center in 1958, trading the screen and seats for the sound of rolling balls and falling pins.
UPDATE: Santa Fe Lanes at 11426 East Washington Boulevard was demolished for commercial redevelopment. The old theater-turned-bowling center and its signage are gone. 10-26
La Habra 300 Bowl
La Habra, CA Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
The La Habra Bowl is a polynesian styled masterpiece. The coffee shop (not pictured) on the left is a jewel by itself. 06-99
The Polynesian-influenced styling gives the building a little getaway atmosphere, while the coffee shop is worth a look all by itself. Apparently a neighborhood bowling outing could come with some rather imaginative scenery. 06-99
La Habra Bowl Marquee
La Habra, CA Photo courtesy Frank Kao
Opened in 1960, the family-operated center became a familiar destination along Whittier Boulevard. The dramatic architecture and roadside marquee help make the place recognizable before anyone steps inside.
The lanes also have a celebrated claim to bowling history. In July 1982, Glenn Allison rolled three consecutive perfect games here. His 900 series was denied official recognition because of lane-conditioning requirements, but it remains a remarkable part of the center’s story.
UPDATE: La Habra 300 Bowl remains open at 370 East Whittier Boulevard, with its vintage architecture, marquee, coffee shop, and 13th Frame Lounge continuing the bowling tradition. 10-26
Cal Bowl
Long Beach, CA Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
Here’s the neon sign at Cal Bowl in Lakewood, giving Carson Street a lively bowling invitation. The ball-and-pins imagery adds a little action to the roadside display, even when the traffic below isn’t moving very much. The original visit caught the center following renovations. 04-99
Inside, the place is considerably larger than the old caption’s “30-plus lanes” suggests. Its 68 lanes provide room for league competition, family outings, and plenty of customers hoping the next frame will improve the evening’s results.
UPDATE: Cal Bowl remains open at 2500 East Carson Street in Lakewood, offering 68 lanes, league play, tournaments, and recreational bowling. 10-26
Santa Fe Lanes (Demolished)
