FROM THE ARCHIVES

BOWLING AT THE BEACH

Starting in the 1930’s, there were several bowling alleys in Wasaga Beach. In those days, you did not have a lot of recreational activities such as bowling was very popular and affordable.

Oakview Recreation Club

One of the first bowling alleys was the Oakview Recreation Club or Oakview Bowling Alley, located at the bottom of Bay Street (now 22

nd St), on the beachfront. This bowling alley operated in the 1930’s and

1940’s, and one advertisement shows that you could enjoy bowling, billiards, eat at the snack bar, or purchase groceries or coal oil.

Outdoor Bowling

This picture shows an outdoor three-lane operation that was located approximately where the road to the Main Street Condos is now at Spruce Street. It was owned by a Mr. Leibmann, and operated in the early 1950’s. The lanes were built out of masonite with lights strung above so that evening bowling could be enjoyed. This endeavour only lasted a few summer seasons, due to the wear and tear on the lanes from wind and blowing sand. We can only imagine how many times those lanes had to be swept clean, not to mention how the masonite would warp from heavy rain!

Joyland Bowling (Main St View)

Another bowling alley in that area was Joyland Bowling, which was located on the east side Main Street (now the pedestrian mall). This bowling alley had seven lanes, and you would walk through the arcade at the front of the building, then go up three or four steps into the bowling alley. The alley existed in the 1940’s and operated until the early 1950’s. It was originally built by Dick Rae and the property was

subsequently sold to the Janda family. The bowling alley was eventually closed down and made into a movie theatre.

Playland Park Bowling

Playland Park also had a bowling alley, located on the west side of Main Street. This alley contained eight lanes and was operated for many years by Larry Smith, owner of a bowling alley in Collingwood. You had everything at Playland Park: from rides, to arcades to bowling. This bowling alley was eventually closed down and all of the rides and equipment were sold in the 1980’s.

Dardanella Bowling Alley

There was an eight-lane bowling alley downstairs at the Dardanella, which was built by Jack MacLean, the original owner of the Dard. As well as bowling, you could enjoy food from the snack bar or walk upstairs to the bar and dance hall. The bowling alley operated well into the 1970’s, but was eventually removed when the basement was renovated. Beck’s Bowl-A-Rama The only permanent or full-time bowling alley was located on 20

th Street. This bowling alley was built by

Tony Beck, former Reeve of Wasaga Beach, and contained eight lanes and a snack bar. Because it was open year-round, many bowling leagues were part of their clientele, with some of the teams coming from Elmvale and Stayner. The building had since been demolished and is now part of the parking lot adjacent to the Post Office. These bowling alleys were an integral part of Wasaga’s history. Many young local lads worked at them, setting up pins, etc: for some, this was their first summer job. Sadly, none of the original buildings containing the bowling alleys remain. If you have any pictures of any of these bowling alleys, they would be greatly appreciated by the Archives. They will be scanned, documented and returned.

First printed in the “Wasaga Sun” on 02May09