Orange Bowl (Demolished)
Rialto, CA Photo courtesy David Carrasco
Here are a couple of photos of the Orange Bowling Alley sign and building, located in San Bernardino. In it's heyday, this bowling
alley was a favorite among many bowlers in the area. 04-05
Check out the orange above Orange Bowl in Rialto. Along Foothill Boulevard, this bowling marquee gave old Route 66 a colorful invitation to pull over for a few games. White pins, an oversized orange ball, and red “BOWL” lettering made quite a combination. Apparently even the fruit was ready for league night.
Linbrook Bowl
Anaheim, CA Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
A well kept and simply outstanding bowling alley marquee to enjoy is the Linbrook Bowl in Anaheim. The pin actually still rotates around the gigantic sign. Colors are superb in both day and night. Speaking of the night, the marquee in the early evening has to be seen to be believed. 08-99
Opened in 1958, the family-operated center has 40 lanes divided into two groups of 20. Its angular entrance and vintage marquee carry reminders of the days when bowling centers put plenty of imagination into their roadside appearance.
The oversized pin originally revolved, adding movement to an already eye-catching sign. Even during the day, the marquee gives the corner a familiar landmark. After dark, the lights provide another reason to keep the camera handy.
Linbrook Bowl
Anaheim, CA Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
Inside, the coffee shop, Kopa Room lounge, arcade, and pro shop give visitors reasons to linger after the last frame. League bowlers and families continue a tradition that has brought people through these doors for decades, with updated scoring equipment helping settle any disagreements about the results.
UPDATE: Linbrook Bowl remains open at 201 South Brookhurst Street in Anaheim. Its vintage marquee survives, and the center continues operating with 40 lanes and its familiar amenities. The former 24-hour schedule has been replaced by shorter operating hours. 10-26
Gage Bowl
Huntington Park, CA Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
A fresh coat of paint gave Gage Bowl in Huntington Park another chance to show off. The new colors brightened the tall marquee, and it was refreshing to see an old bowling sign receiving some attention instead of slowly losing its lettering. 07-99
Opened in 1960, the center has welcomed generations of neighborhood bowlers. Its roadside sign carries the familiar mid-century idea that a night at the lanes should begin with something worth noticing from the street.
Fortunately, the bowling continues inside. League nights, family outings, and billiards keep the place active, giving the old sign an actual destination to advertise.
UPDATE: Gage Bowl remains an operating bowling center. Its vintage marquee survives. 10-26
Bahama Lanes (Now 300)
Pasadena, CA Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
For decades, Bahama Lanes in Pasadena gave league bowlers and families a familiar place to roll a few games and hang out. The center later received a substantial makeover, reopening as 300 Pasadena on May 14, 2009, with an emphasis on dining, drinks, and a more upscale bowling night. Apparently rental shoes could be part of a trendy evening after all. 05-09
Originally known as Irv Noren’s Lanes, the 32-lane center went through several identities while keeping bowling at the same Foothill Boulevard address. Under the Bahama name, it became a regular destination for people whose weekly plans included a league game and a little conversation between frames.
There was something comfortable about knowing where to spend an evening without making elaborate arrangements. A few friends, an available lane, and perhaps a score worth remembering could be enough. If the game didn’t go particularly well, there was always another frame coming.
Bahama Lanes (Now 300)
Pasadena, CA Photo by RoadsidePeek.com
After closing for renovation in November 2008, the property took on a different look. The 300 Pasadena concept combined bowling with a bistro and sports-bar atmosphere, giving the familiar outing a more polished setting. The surroundings changed, but ten pins still waited at the end of each lane.
Fortunately, this bowling address continued entertaining customers rather than becoming a cleared lot. The old name disappeared, while another generation found its own reasons to head inside.
UPDATE: The former Bahama Lanes remains an operating bowling center as Lucky Strike Pasadena at 3545 East Foothill Boulevard. The historic Bahama branding and signage have been replaced. 10-26
Verdugo Hills Bowl (Demolished)
La Crescenta, CA Photo courtesy Dennis McNerny
Here is a photo of the Verdugo Hills Bowl on Foothill Blvd. in La Crescenta, shown as it is being demolished. Verdugo Hills Bowl closed on December 3, 1996, and after the property sold twice, it was finally demolished in March of 2002. Now a Vons Supermarket stands in its place. Many thanks to Dennis McNerny for info. 06-09
Opened in 1959, the 24-lane bowling alley occupied a sloping property and became a familiar local gathering spot. League nights, family outings, and a few casual games gave residents reasons to return for nearly four decades.
UPDATE: Verdugo Hills Bowl at 3237 Foothill Boulevard was demolished in March 2002. The former bowling property was redeveloped as a Vons supermarket, and the original signage is gone. 10-26
Bahama Lanes (Now 300)
Bahama Lanes (Now 300)
Verdugo Hills Bowl (Demolished)
