The History of Bowling
Today, one out of every three Americans bowl -- over 72 million men, women and children.
Bowling is one of the oldest and most widely played of the world's games. Today bowling is arguably one of the most popular sports in the world. Bowling’s history has even been traced back to the Stone Age.
In the 1930’s, A British anthropologist, Sir Flinders Petrie, discovered what appeared to be toys used to bowl in a child's grave in Egypt. If Sir Petrie’s observations were correct, then people were bowling in Egypt around 3200 BC! Bowling has been traced to ancient Babylonia and to Northern Italy around Julius Caesar's time. Bowling first moved indoors in London as far back as 1455. A popular game reserved for nobility, bowling made its way to America with the first Dutch settlers.
Through the years, the game has changed continually. In Europe, it was played with 9 pins. You may remember that Rip Van Winkle awoke to the sound of “crashing ninepins” in Washington Irving’s classic story. It wasn’t until bowling’s introduction in America, that a tenth pin was added. Popular legend has it that the tenth pin was added because the Connecticut Legislature outlawed “nine-pins” in the 1840's due to widespread gambling on the game.
The most significant technological advancement in the game of bowling was the introduction of the automatic pinspotter in the 1940's. The automatic pinspotter revolutionized the sport and the industry of bowling. Innovations continue to improve our enjoyment of the sport. The introduction of "bumpers", devices that are placed in the gutter lanes, prevent gutter balls for children and inexperienced bowlers. Now, no matter the skill level, everybody could look forward to knocking down a few pins. Galaxy Bowling lanes equipped with the Quibica system raise and lower gutter guards depending on the requirements of the current bowler. Automatic gutter guards allow mom and dad to bowl without gutter guards on the same lane with the kids who need them! Talk about family fun!!!
“Galactic Bowling” has been another popular innovation. In the mid 1990's, many centers began offering black light bowling with pins that glowed in the dark, special lighting effects and music. Galaxy Bowling centers offer a special version of this popular format called “Cosmic Bowling”. Imagine a black light bowling party with state of the art light show, state of the art sound system and fantastic snacks and beverages … that’s Galaxy Bowling!
Galaxy Bowling opened it’s first bowling entertainment center in December of 2003. Since then Galaxy Bowling has grown to 5 bowling entertainment centers. Our center in Athens, Tennessee also includes a beautiful indoor roller-skating rink, arcade, party rooms and snack bar. Our professional staff has over 50 years of combined experience in both management and the sport of pro bowling. We look forward to serving you.
Galaxy Bowling …
Family Fun That’s Out Of This World!