New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1902-03-02
BOWLING POPULARITY.
NOT ENOUGH ALLEYS FOR THE CLUBS
OF MEN AND WOMEN.

1t has been winter OF bowling for young and
old, but especially for the young. Never have the
many alleys scattered the upper part Of the
city been so much demand a this winter. and
in the sister boroughs. where there not so
many alleys the bowlers have bid for the privi
lege of playing the game. Those who know say
that the increase in popularity is entirely due
the institution of the club idea. and any one who
has tried to hire alley in the residence district
Tor just game or two knows that they are right
No seems TO remember just when the idea
came to people that ii was more pleasant for men
and women to bowl with each other than sepa-
rately 1t is certainly development of the last
few years. since women began take active
interest in athletics and develop their muscles
There were few mixed clubs last year, but there
were of the old kind where women bowled
with women and men with men. This year moth
ing counts but mixed clubs and there not
alleys enough 10 go around.
When girl meets another girl these days they
DO not talk Of men, gowns or prospective spring
hats. Il is rather: You belong TO a bowling
club. OF course?" "Oh, my yes" says the maiden.
isn't # just too lovely for anything" How is
your scorer" asks the first girl Charlie and
second in our club, but we are going to bowl
all through Lent. and we have a good chance Of
winning out" Then the other girl tells of her
standing in the club and is congratulated or con
doIed with, as the may be. Perhaps they will
try each others muscles, and they are sure
10 discuss the relative merits OF the alleys they
know. Instead OF making engagement 10 go 10
the matinee together they decide afternoon
when they have practice game by them
selves
The mixed bowling clubs meet in the evening,
for the members, at least, have 10 work IN
the daytime. Last year Friday and Saturday
The club nights at alleys, but the vast IN
crease Of clubs this winter has forced OF
them to take earlier nights The membership
ranges from six 10 a dozen couples and in most
clubs the young people play with the partners
through the entire Some Of the clubs
were organized by girls. each asking the man
she desired.
Many stunning bowling costumes have made
their appearance this winter but the usual
tune for is a skirt OF medium length and
waist with sleeves which be rolled up OF
Il does not bowl IN her hat,
matter how badly her hair looks. The men usually
soft shirts with roll collars There is at least
bowling club where the dress suits
ard the women low cut gowns. but they do not
bowl for the sport Of bowling but because It is
fad TO have bowling club. Besides, they
duly proud and not worthy Of consideration
or course q chaperon is necessary, a there is
considerable time between turns at the alleys.
She is usually some matron who has not been
married long enough TO be out Of athletic form and
she takes her place in the tournament with the
girls who under her The only other
essary official is the scorer who also serves
announcer small boy is often impressed for this
purpose
Many of the bowling parlors have dancing floor
one side of the alleys. This gives the members
or the club something to do when it is their
turn at the alleys, and their devotion bowling
has not caused them TO forget their for dane
ing The dancing feature makes more trouble for
the boy with the megaphone, for he often has
before he can get them leave the intricate turn
fnES OF a dreamy waltz