Youngstown State University
Sometime around 1983 I built a 1/2 scale game for the game room at Youngstown State University. At the time I was making pins and the ball from urethane plastic. Some guys at a pattern shop, I want to say Mahoning Valley Pattern, were kind enough to teach me how to make molds, mix and pour plastic. I had about 5 molds going and cranked out a bunch of pins. For the ball, I bought an acrylic ball and even made a mold to make urethane balls!
Well, YSU had my little bowling alley in their game room for about a year or so. Little game? It was 24 feet long. Not bad. It got some use, but not a whole lot. I guess people just wanted that automatic pinsetter!
I think the lane eventually ended up at the Youngstown Rescue Mission. How and why it got there, I to this day do not know. Upon learning of its where abouts, probably in the early 90's, my friend and I made a trip to take a look at it. Well, it wasn't in very good condition. But I was at least able to get one last look at it.
It was a good experience. I didn't really make any money on the deal, and I put in a LOT of time and work to get it done. Let's see, I built the lane, I was going to college full time AND I was working full time. I was able to buy a drill press, which I still have. Nothing fancy at all, not even a name brand, but useful nonetheless!
IBPSIA Trade Show
In the early 90's after the bowling alley project had been dormant for a number of years, I decided to revive it. It was then that I decided to move the game from 1/3 to 1/2 scale, it just seemed more interesting. I found out there was a bowling proprietors (IBPSIA?) convention in Wisconsin. I got in touch with them and decided to attend. I guess it was more like a trade show.
So, back to the workshop (the basement at my mom's house!!) I went to design and build a 1/2 scale game. I found a place that would make me 12 pins. I drew up the pattern with the specs and they turned the pins. It was pretty much non-stop as I built the lane and got it ready for the show. I rented a van and hauled that thing to this conference.
The game was actually received pretty well. I was clearly out of my league (no pun intended), these were some pretty heavy hitters in the industry. There was interest but as a man with very little money, experience and backing, I just didn't know what to do next.
Aside from the great experience, I had a brush or two with greatness there - I met Dick Weber and Steve Wunderlich. Not bad. Steve even bowled a frame or two on the alley!
PBA TV telecast
Youngstown, Ohio is about one hour from Akron. In the early 90's I went to a few of the end of season PBA finals. At the time it was still a pretty classy event, Nelson Burton Jr. and Chris Schenkel were the broadcasters. During one of the events I brought along some pictures of my bowling alley and one of the 1/2 scale pins. My nephew got the pin signed by many of the pros. I showed pictures of my game to Nelson Burton Jr. He was very nice, showed interest and was very encouraging. In addition, I snapped a picture or two of Chris Schenkel smiling and shaking hands with my dad!
