December 21, 1941 - Bowlium Holds Formal Grand Opening for Four Days.
The Bowlium, Chicago's newest half-million-dollar bowling enterprise, holds its formal opening this week, starting with two singles matches tomorrow night and continuing with a program thru Friday. One of the most ornate in Chicago, the establishment is located at Sheridan road and Montrose avenue. It features 30 bowling alleys in-line and without a post to mar the view of spectators. The alleys are open 24 hours a day, and the pin boys made 11¢ a lane working behind the alleys.
Bowlium has been in operation since October, but (Frank & Bill) Helsing's Vodvil Lounge (a restaurant & burlesque night club), to be run in conjunction with the bowling establishment, has just been made ready. The lounge capacity was 325 people with drinks starting at 50¢. It was also called "Time-In Vodvil Lounge" in later years.
Bowlium already has 23 leagues operating, newest of which is the Owl circut, begun two weeks ago and already has a membership of eight teams.
Compiled by Dr. Neil Gale, Ph.D.
This really brings back memories. We used to bowl there all the time. Most excellent old fashioned yellow & red popcorn machine inside. I can still smell it. Comedian Georgie Gobel got his start at Helsing's Vodvil back in 1948. Used to get hot dogs across the street and was there when I heard that the Beatles broke up.
ReplyDeleteI also have many memories. My Grand Mother worked the coat , hat check and shoe room. I bowled in a junior league on Saturday mornings. The large Rip Von Winkle mural was whimsical and was the perfect set up for the fun atmosphere of the place.
ReplyDeleteI believe the Harmonicats played in the Lounge.
ReplyDeleteJerry Murad's Harmonicats.
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