Please note that location entries may feature older photos or post card views that may not represent the current appearance, features, addresses, phone numbers, or contact names of the attraction. This site is intended to be a historical as well as current record of various attractions but it is not always possible to have up-to-date information due to the vast number of locations featured here. We ask you consult the propietor for current information.
From Frank Passic
Morning Star, January 13, 2008, pg. 13
One of Albion’s most popular sports through the years has been bowling. I grew up around it and I’m sure that many of those who are reading this column have a bowling photo someplace in their family photograph albums. One of my vivid memories as a child was being taken annually by my father to the American Bowling Congress national tournaments, which were held in different cities across the country.
A popular bowling establishment here in town for many years was Pickens Bowling Alley (they were called alleys back then, not lanes), located at 302 N. Superior St. This six-lane establishment operated here from 1941 to 1952, and was owned by local entrepreneur Vaud Pickens, Sr. (1887-1970). Today this is the site of the PS Citgo Gas Station. Vaud had originally operated his bowling alley at 108 E. Erie St. in 1936 before moving here in around 1941.
Pictures of this place are hard to find. I scrounged around and found one dated 1941, which we are featuring this week here in our Historical Notebook. It was taken when a paper-bundle truck tipped over in front, spilling it’s load. Just to the left in the taller building was Sebastian & Son Electric.
Our second photograph shows an actual bowling team inside Pickens, taken in the late 1940s. From left to right are: Walter Althouse, Herman Chlystek (1914-1949); Joseph Borek (he worked at Service Caster); Edward Chlystek (1912-1971); and my father, Frank Passic, Sr. (1919-1974). How many of our readers remember Picken’s Bowling Alley?