Bowlarama - by Chris Nichols (Hardcover)

About the Book

Bowlarama: The Architecture of Mid-Century Bowling takes aim at the obsession that swept the post-war nation: bowling! More than just a sport or a hobby, bowling became the ultimate modern lifestyle for Americans savoring the boom years that followed World War II. Bowling alleys were modern palaces; companies constantly aimed to outdo each other, whether competing for the most spectacular architecture, the most luxurious lanes, the snazziest bowling balls, or the most exciting refreshments they could offer. Bowlarama brings back--in living color--all the excitement in its lavishly illustrated pages, packed with vintage photographs, exciting ephemera, and detailed hand-drawn architectural renderings that capture all the optimism, enthusiasm, and joie de vivre of the era.

Book Synopsis

A fun, visual book exploring the art, architecture and style of America's mid-century obsession: Bowling!

2024 Finalist for Popular Culture, Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Awards

Silver, 2024 PubWest Book Design Awards, Adult Trade Book - Illustrated

Bowlarama: The Architecture of Mid-Century Bowling takes aim at the obsession that swept the post-war nation: bowling! More than just a sport or a hobby, bowling became the ultimate modern lifestyle for Americans savoring the boom years that followed World War II. Bowling alleys were modern palaces; companies constantly aimed to outdo each other, whether competing for the most spectacular architecture, the most luxurious lanes, the snazziest bowling balls, or the most exciting refreshments they could offer. Bowlarama brings back--in living color--all the excitement in its lavishly illustrated pages, packed with vintage photographs, exciting ephemera, and detailed hand-drawn architectural renderings that capture all the optimism, enthusiasm, and joie de vivre of the era

Review Quotes

Historic preservationist and Los Angeles Magazine senior editor Nichols delves into the midcentury heyday of bowling, including the 1951 advent of the first fully automated pin-setting machine, at the Bowl-O-Drome in Mount Clemens, Mich.; the widespread embrace of Jetsons-esque Googie architecture; and the glam lounges with cocktail waitresses, steak dinners, and live music. As well, he tracks the factors that led to the pastime's decline, lending additional heft to the meticulously sourced, evocative vintage photography.-- "Publishers Weekly" (10/7/2024 12:00:00 AM)

About the Author

Chris Nichols is a writer and historian specializing in Southern Californian architecture and culture. He is the author of Walt Disney's Disneyland and The Leisure Architecture of Wayne McAllister, and is a long-time historic preservationist whose work has been profiled in Smithsonian magazine, The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, and LA Weekly. Nichols serves on the board of directors of the Hollywood Heritage Museum, and his live appearances, lectures, exhibitions, and tours have enjoyed sell-out crowds. He currently writes Los Angeles magazine's "Ask Chris" column.

An award-winning historian and advocate, Adriene Biondo grew up in the lost world of twenty-four hour bowling alleys and coffee shops. As a former chair of the Los Angeles Conservancy's Modern Committee and past president of the Museum of Neon Art, there's never a moment when she isn't working to preserve the magic of mid-century buildings and neon signs. She has initiated nominations for many key landmarks including the Capitol Records building in Hollywood, and Johnie's Broiler in Downey. Adriene has written four books with John Eng, and is a feature writer and photographer for CA-Modern architecture magazine.