Altoona Scrapbook of Bowling Memories - Year 1930 to 1978
Publisher: Herman R. Nagle
Published: Year 2005
Place of publication: Altoona, PA 16601
Number of pages: 90
Description: Detail of bowling leagues and teams in Altoona, Pennsylvania bowling alleys from around 1930 to 1978.  Old Trialto and Metro Alleys in downtown Altoona along with YMCA & Church Leagues.  Many photos of old timers teams.  Copies are available for the public to review free of charge at the Blair County Genealogical Society in Hollidaysburg, PA. and the Altoona Public Library in Altoona, PA.  This was the era before the new bowling balls were drilled special and the alleys were not covered with oil like they are today.  A 300 perfect game was a rare thing back then.  Today you see 300's being bowled every day of the week.  Back then you were lucky to see a 300 game more than once a year.  This book contains many personal stories of the old days with interviews with fellows from the 1930's and 1940's.  Almost every bowler wore a dress shirt and a tie and it was a special night when your team was scheduled to compete.  Bowling greats from that time in Altoona, were Elwood Figard, Red McMahon, Dave Nagle,  Bruno Pieranunzio, Paul Ramazzotti, Frank Goss, Chuck McConahy, Bill Love, Larry Grossman, Sam Cataldo  and many others.  Helen Dively topped the lady bowlers in those days locally.