In the Race

Do any of you remember duckpin bowling? 

At one time there were seven duckpin bowling centers in Wisconsin.  There is only one left now. 

You can view some duckpin bowling in action....all strikes:







Duckpin bowling originated in the East, in Maryland.  But because of Wisconsinites love for bowling, it migrated here. 

I found a New York Times article from 1992  that was about Connecticut duckpin centers still open, and it has some good insight on this type of bowling. 

Most duckpin bowlers say they are drawn to the game because they find it far more challenging than big pins.

"There's no comparison," said Mr. Lavers, who has been the nation's top-ranked bowler four times since 1982 and was named the best bowler on the duckpin professional circuit three times.

"A top duckpin bowler could give a leading big-pin bowler a good go in tenpins, but a big-pin guy couldn't compete with a good duckpin bowler."

Hurt by Property Values Why did duckpins lose ground in Connecticut, particularly Fairfield County?

"First of all, tenpin operators began putting up these beautiful bowling establishments that were family oriented," said Mr. Lavers.

"At the same time, a lot of the duckpin alleys had been allowed to deteriorate. Then property values began to soar, especially in Fairfield County, and many duckpin owners sold out to developers. Network television of the pro tour also gave the game tremendous exposure. And people liked the higher scores. Meanwhile, duckpin operators did nothing to market or promote our game."

A duckpin ball is only about 5 inches in diameter, and its maximum weight is 3 pounds, 12 ounces, compared with a tenpin ball, which is approximately 9 inches in diameter and weighs up to 16 pounds.

"It's almost impossible for a little kid to bowl a tenpin ball with three or four fingers in the holes of the ball," said Mr. Lavers, noting that duckpin balls have no holes. "

I remember duckpin bowling a couple times as a kid in Connecticut.  And went several times here in Wisconsin, I believe in the Mequon area.

Why am I bringing this up? 

I found an article on America’s Swankiest Bowling Alley’s.  I’ve never been much of a bowler…I like outside sports.  But the article just brought back some memories.

If you want to check out the only duckpin bowling left in Wisconsin, it’s at Koz's Mini Bowl/Bar, 2078 S. 7th Street  (414) 383-0560.

And now, check out the reason for this blog...


America's Swankiest Bowling Alley's

HERE