Retro Roadmap Writeup
January 2018 Update: Wakefield Bowladrome is still open - hooray! It is featured lovingly in my homage to the different styles of bowling as published on the National Trust for Historic Preservation's Preservation Nation website, under "Duckpins? Candlepins? Let's go Bowling!" /
To get a taste of what good old-fashioned candlepin bowling is like, look no further than the Bowladrome in Wakefield, Massachusetts. Operated since 1952 by the same family, this 20-lane house was a bowling alley prior to that, with live pin-boys setting up the pins before the invention of automatic pinsetters. Owner Tom Giordano continues to ensure that the Bowladrome stays true to history; while they do have automatic pinsetters, many other modern touches are avoided. No glow-bowling, no bumper-bowling, no website. Plus, you score by hand on paper—and cash only, please.
Let's Go!
Original 2010 (!!) Post:
What a whirlwind of a week it has been so far- with trips to Sellersville, PA, New York City and on Friday heading back up to Beantown to visit the Retro Roadfamily.
I don't have time at the moment to do justice to the fun we had candlepin bowling at the Wakefield Bowladrome in Wakefield MA (owned by the same family since 1957, and on the site of an older bowling alley that burned down) but wanted to share a few pictures with you, including the COOLEST RESTROOM SIGNS EVER!
As promised....
Tons more photos here, in the Retro Roadmap Flickr Page and remember...Please Do Not Lob The Ball!
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dinerhotline
January 28, 2010 at 3:49 amRichard, those are commonly called glass blocks. Those look to be the style called “decora”. I drive by this place all the time and have never been in.
Those really are cool restroom signs, especially that distinguished-looking man-about-town. I’m not down that no ball-lobbing, though… that’s the key to my game.
Bill
January 28, 2010 at 9:46 pmI want to open a candlepin bowling alley in Phoenix. So cool…
Stacey
August 13, 2010 at 9:22 amI live near here, so I’ve have seen and photographed the signs myself.
While at the Pink Cadillac Diner in Wildwood recently, my husband and I noticed they have signs inside just like these. Same font I believe but with different illustrations of the man and woman.
Caryn Matson
August 9, 2011 at 2:13 amI have tried googling the “decora” signs as I am trying to find something similar for my business, but am having no luck. Does anyone know if this is what they are called? I would love to have something just like the signs above for over our restrooms. Thanks so much!
Thanks for visiting our little bowladrome!! I grew up in this town and I have to say, they don’t make them like this anymore! So great to see Wakefield put on your map!
-Lisa Lemoi, Wakefield resident
Richard @ The Bewildered Brit
January 27, 2010 at 9:12 pmThat’s glorious! I love the mid-century mini frosted glass panes around the entrance!
westchesterdead
January 27, 2010 at 9:14 pmOh yes. Those are exquisite! Thanks for posting!
Mod Betty / Retro Roadmap
January 28, 2010 at 12:29 pmGlad you enjoy! Thanks for the kind words 🙂