Ball Square bowling alley

[ron_newman]

Has anyone here ever been inside the Ball Square bowling alley? It's on Boston Avenue, on the Medford side of the square. When I've occasionally walked by it, it never seemed to be open, and no hours were posted on the door. It is not listed under "Bowling" in the Verizon or Yellow Book directories. When I call its phone number, (781) 306-0716, I hear one or two rings followed by silence (not even a click).

Is this place actually open? If so, when?

Comments

[frederic.livejournal.com]

I don't know when the last time the bowling alley was open -- I believe that sign and the one for the veternarian's office on the same corner are vestigial.

The only bowling alleys I know of within a few miles are the one in Davis Sq, the one near Rt2/16 junction, and the one in Kenmore near Fenway. There used to be a lot back in the day including one under the Somerville Theater.

[jennyelfenmass.livejournal.com]

There's also one right near Alewife.

[frederic.livejournal.com]

That's the same as the one that's at the Rt2/Rt16 intersection. I have taken the T there to play, but usually when I see it lately, I'm driving by...

[jennyelfenmass.livejournal.com]

Ah. I take the T everywhere so I have no idea what roads anything is near. It's all landmarks for me. :-)

[ron_newman]

That's the same as "the one near Rt2/16 junction" - Lanes and Games.

[kalessin.livejournal.com]

Lanes & Games used to be known (until sometime in the 80s I think) by the awesome name spelled out in huge letters across the entire length of the top of the building:

T U R N P I K E B O W L A D R O M E


:-)

[ron_newman]

That's because the official name of Route 2 is "Concord Turnpike". Even though it hasn't had a toll gate for at least the last 150 years.

(Somewhere at home I have a book called "Turnpikes of New England" which details the history of all these early 19th-century toll roads.)

[fanw.livejournal.com]

And of course there's Sacco's (http://www.saccosbowlhaven.com/) right in Davis Square. Of course, it's candepin bowling, but it's still fun!

[ron_newman]

Oh yes, I love Sacco's, which is just down the street from me. But I've long been curious about the Ball Square place.

(Say, perhaps we should have a davis_square meetup at Sacco's some time soon?)