A trip down memory lanes

The best way to attract customers' hard-earned entertainment dollars is to provide a good product.

Holiday Bowl at Goods Lane and Plank Road has been doing that for 50 years.

Founded by John W. "Jack" Rich, president of the Gilberton Coal Co., Holiday Bowl opened its doors Sept. 8, 1959, as a 32-lane alley. Shortly after opening, Holiday Bowl was expanded to 40 lanes.

Today, the business is owned by Rich and family members Robert M. Ryan and Gloria Curran, all of Gilberton, Schuylkill County.

"Bowling was a popular sport, and I think the idea was to provide an outlet for the people who were working third shift with the railroad or other industries. We were open 24 hours a day at the time," said Terence Ryan, vice president of Holiday Bowl, who oversees operations of the bowling alley. "Most bowling centers were catering to the blue-collar industries."

A lounge was added to the business as part of a renovation project in 1983, and a larger $350,000 renovation project was completed in 1991.

The outside of the building was redone, and the focal point was a drive-in canopy covering the front entrance. The main counter was located in the center of the concourse overlooking 40 lanes so workers could see all lanes and bowlers, which meant better control and more efficient and better service.

The lounge was made separate with waitress service and a service window. There was also an outside entrance to the lounge. A snack bar with a kitchen and grill was added adjacent to the lounge.

A new pro shop and new restrooms with handicapped-accessible facilities also were added.

"Adding the pro shop enabled people to buy balls here rather than at a free-standing pro shop," said Scott Zimmerer, Holiday Bowl manager. "It just provided more convenience."

Holiday Bowl installed Brunswick AS-80 colorvision automatic scorers in 1986, and the scoring system was updated to Brunswick Framework in 2002.

Holiday Bowl had all wooden lanes until 1999 when it became half-wood and half-synthetic lanes. The lanes became all synthetic in 2008.

"The synthetic lanes provide more consistency," said Matt Caporuscio, assistant manager, who has worked at Holiday Bowl for 32 years.

Zimmerer credits Holiday Bowl's owners for the business' success.

"The owners have been willing to spend money to keep the building up. We strive on keeping the place clean," Zimmerer said. "We also keep updated as far as technology."

Zimmerer said bowling is a sport anyone can enjoy.

"This is a sport you can do any time; there are no weather restrictions. You can bowl as long as you can walk and we even have people bowl from wheel chairs," Zimmerer said. "Bowling is a bargain; it provides family time. When you come here as a family, you are cheering for each other and having fun."

The number of people competing in leagues has decreased - about 2,700 people weekly - but the number of people bowling during open hours has increased during the last couple of years.

"Leagues take a commitment," Zimmerer said. "A lot of people don't want to make that big of a commitment; it is harder for people today."

Caporuscio and Zimmerer try to provide a personal touch.

"The main key is friendliness," Caporuscio said. "Scott and I walk up and talk to the bowlers and shake their hands."

"We are not afraid to talk to the bowlers. We try to create a personal relationship with the bowlers. We need to keep them happy; if they are not here, we will not be open," Zimmerer said. "We are trying to provide the best service we can to provide the best experience for people so they keep coming back."

Holiday Bowl officials are pleased to reach the milestone of 50 years in business.

"For any business to survive that long, you have to be doing something right. It is very impressive for any business to survive for that long," Zimmerer said.

"It is nothing short of fantastic. It has been nice to own and operate a business in Altoona and change and grow with the community over the years," Ryan said. "It has been well-received and we have enjoyed the support of the community."

Mirror Staff Writer Walt Frank is at 946-7467.