Bowlarama!

Historic preservationist and Los Angeles Magazine senior editor Nichols delves into the midcentury heyday of bowling, including the 1951 advent of the first fully automated pin-setting machine, at the Bowl-O-Drome in Mount Clemens, Mich.; the widespread embrace of Jetsons-esque Googie architecture; and the glam lounges with cocktail waitresses, steak dinners, and live music. As well, he tracks the factors that led to the pastime’s decline, lending additional heft to the meticulously sourced, evocative vintage photography.– “Publishers Weekly” (10/7/2024 12:00:00 AM)

Chris Nichols is a writer and historian specializing in Southern Californian architecture and culture. He is the author of Walt Disney’s Disneyland and The Leisure Architecture of Wayne McAllister, and is a long-time historic preservationist whose work has been profiled in Smithsonian magazine, The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, and LA Weekly. Nichols serves on the board of directors of the Hollywood Heritage Museum, and his live appearances, lectures, exhibitions, and tours have enjoyed sell-out crowds. He currently writes Los Angeles magazine’s “Ask Chris” column.