Toledo union journal. [volume] (Toledo, Ohio) 1942-current, 1943-09-17

ying a game decidedly similar
cooked hat, which called for fewer
pins, was substituted. This state
of affairs continued for quite a
while, when some genius hit upon
the idea of adding another pin to
the nine-pin set, creating a ten
pin combination with pins set in
triangular formation, thus circum-
venting the law pertaining to nine
pins.
The game of tenpins, thus
brought into being, now is practi-
cally universally played by millions
of men and women, not only. in
the United States and Canada, but
in other countries as WELL, all Of
whom have adopted the American
Bowling Congress regulations per-
tanning to tenpins as a standard.
First Uniforms Specifications
and Rules Adopted
No real effort to set up uni
form code of specifications or play
ing rules for playing the game of
American tenpins was made until
1875, when the National Bowling
Association was formed in New
York. AS a result of this body's
action, a foul line was established
dead wood was removed from the
alleys, and the 60-foot measure
ment from the foul line to the
center of the head pin spot was
adopted. Even though this body
had progressive ideas, it apparent
ly was too limited in scope, and
disintegrated in a few years.
In 1890, the American Amateur
Bowling Union was organized, but
owing to the lack of initiative and
foresight, it also failed to func-
tion.
A. B. c. Organized
No other attempt at organiza-
tion was made until 1895, when.
after several meetings of the best
minds in bowling circles, the Amer
lean Bowling Congress was Gre
ated, on September 9Th, for the
purpose of promoting and elevat-
ing the game, adopting a uniform
set of playing rules and regula-
tions, and establishing uniform
specifications for the building of
bowling alleys, as well as equip
ment pertaining thereto. 1t took
upon itself the task of controlling
and supervising the game wher-
ever played in North America.
As result of the wisdom, fore
sight and practical judgment of
the founders, and by strict applica-
tion of the principles of its consti-
tuition and bylaws through ex-
ecutives of proven business ability
and true sportsmanship, we find
ourselves heir to the most popular
and fascinating sport in which the
masses participate. Bowling has
today a governing body in the
American Bowling Congress, and
the game probably is the best
organized of all sports.
Conducts Worlds Largest
Sports Event
The Congress conducts an an
nual Worlds Championships Tour
nament, recognized as the greatest
Of all sports events, from the
standpoint of participants, its fl
nancial prize list and duration.
This tournament attracts more
than 27,000 actual participants
each year from more than SOC
cities in the United States and
Canada, the total prize list to the
winners aggregating close to
100000 at each annual tourna-
ment.
At, Chicago, in 1901, the Amer
lean Bowling Congress conducted
its first national championship
tournament. The entries for the
tournament consisted of Al five
man teams, 7S doubles, and lis
individuals.
Each year the American Bowl
ing Congress arranges to lease
and rent, in the Tournament city,
the largest building available and
suitable for the purpose of staging
this great sport event. As many as
40 new alleys have been installed
especially for the tourney. A set of
new pins is provided for each five
man team entered. All equipment
is leased by the Congress for the
duration of the tournament. Every
bowling ball used by the partici-
pants must be weighed and in
spected for size, weight, balance
and officially approved before the
bowler may use it in bowling in
his scheduled events in the tour
nament.
Succeeding the selection of the
American Bowling Congress Tour
nament City for 1941, the newly
adapted rota-plan is effective for
seven years. This definitely as