Wow! At 1:31, that lady is in the photo with Pete and Dick Weber!! I used to be a Brunswick mechanic and worked on A2 pinsetters for many years!! But now, in 2024, bowling is nearly extinct. I think all bowling centers will be closed within the next few years. Excellent video!!! Liked and subscribed, my friend!!
That is an old bowling ball polishing machine from the 80’s and 90’s. Been in a bowling alley since birth. My grandfather was a professional and my uncle owned a bowling alley in central New York. He had 12 lane center that was Brunswick pin setters. Thanks for the video
@@urbanexplorer260 Marty Piraino. He used to travel and room with Dick Weber and my Uncle Jay was the same age as Pete Weber so they were good friends. My uncle was good enough for the tour but decided to run the bowling alley instead of bowl professionally.
@@2Gr82Brk Really cool he won his first title by beating Dick Weber. Dick was one of the greatest. Looks like your grandpa had some other pretty interesting bowling accomplishments as well. ....I just found a vid of your grandpa bowling the 71 Tournament of Champions.
@@TheInsaneShecklador if you look up lane1 G Shock commercial here on UA-cam you will see a very young me when I was sponsored and bowling. Most of the shots striking were from me. Just a little bit of my past as well. Have 30+ 300’s but haven’t bowled in over 8 yrs now. Thanks for taking the time to look into my family members and why I was also a bowler. Marty Piraino taught me as well as the late great Mark Roth was also sponsored by lane1 when I was. His words will forever be remembered and appreciated more than anything. He was a legend
this brings so many memories of my childhood brought back. My Mom and Dad worked regular jobs thru the week, but we traveled on the weekend for them to bowl in tournaments. They were semi pros. The extra money paid for our travel and vacations. When my mom died and me and my brother cleaned out her house to sale it, we tossed 237 trophies they had won. I blew a chance to follow their footsteps. i bowled in 3 leagues with an average between 190-& 195. But this was the late 70's and i was lead astray by the times. Sex' Drugs' and Rock and Roll were my top three. Bowling was fourth on the list. While i had a hell of a time. I now at the age of 68 wished bowling would have been no. 1.
Well Sammie it sounds like you’ve had quite a time ☺️ It’s so unique to hear about your past experiences and how your love for bowling never went away!
Looks like they originally shut down but kept everything in turnover shape in case someone wanted to buy. Guess a buyer never stepped in, and entropy took over. Very cool find though!
@@urbanexplorer260 maybe back in the day when you could operate on a slim budget, If you haven’t noticed those days are gone.. The only thing happening in the USA is small business are slipping away. What do you think the matrix is all about ? Mr. Antichrist is at your door. Shit or get off the pot !
As someone who lived in shipshewana back when this place was still open this is really sad to see. Don’t worry I won’t spoil the location as you made it really clear by the way you filmed this that you don’t want people to know where it is. It’s on 9. That’s vague enough lol
I worked on AMF's for years, they were good machines. The Sure Pik returns were very dependable, rare to have an actual breakdown. The blue colored scheme was the rarer of the colors, I never saw one in person. Really disappointed you didn't go into the "pits" and show them from behind.
The good old Brunswick v. AMF debate. AMF was the first to introduce to automatic pinsetter, I believe that Brunswick came out with theirs 10 years later. Of course over time, both have done MAJOR updates to their designs. Brunswick pinsetters are more mechanical where as AMF are more circuit/electrical. Both are quality machines, just comes down to individual preference. I have worked on both AMF and Brunswick pinsetters. Me personally, I like AMF pinsetters.
There does seem to be an intense discussion between the two! I love to see my viewers going back and forth over a topic they have so much passion for ☺️🎳
Parts of this one remind me of our old Bowling Lanes that was taken out by the 1992 Kendallville Tornado. (I assume the 260 in your title is Northeast IN Area code, maybe?)
If those pins could talk my guess is they would tell you they are sad to have been forgotten. Where is the video of the pinsetters? Where is this old center located?
Met marty once in 77 at strike an spare lanes .told him i was from bath n.y. he said oh dean spoor from p.y. one time marty came to steubem bowl him an millie matorrlla from rochester them two an dean spoor an al butch obrochta From bath. Dean worked at center As mech but also ran the pro shop all 4 were darn good shooters.
I bowl at a place in Rochester, Domm's, that's run by Millie Martorella's step grandsons. It's a great place and she stopped in for a visit when I was bowling there last season. What a bowler she was! When I was a teenager I saw her win her first Queens title at Gates Bowl in Rochester.
I grew up in a 6 lane bowling establishment that was built in 1941. Pin boys employed at that time. I met a few of those fellas as a teenager lol that's was in the 1970's
Those are the AMF 8270 pinsetters. In my opinion, Brunswick are much easier to work on because they are all mechanical. AMF are mostly electrical. As far as the photos of all those pro bowlers I used to bowl with some of those guys -- Mark Roth, Marshall Holman and others.
@@urbanexplorer260 I've talked with Earl Anthony, Mark Roth and many others, including the women pros, but my favorite bowler is Parker Bohn because we are both left-handed. He taught me a lot about making spares.
Great find. When it comes to fully stocked places like this the first thing which comes to mind other than "how/why" is "who owns the place". If there was a legal owner then it'd be possible to barter for some of that stuff in there, like vintage game collectors or anyone who'd want to add something to their man cave. You have me curious about the place now. I'm on the fence about checking out that area if I'd ever make my way over to the National Car Museum over there in Auburn. Photographer of 29 years in me just craves getting out into the field again!
I seen the storm crux pearl man that ball was good and a undrill amf classic pro roll man and purple hammer i wish i can go there get those old balls and give a better life
Gateway Lanes Chesterton indiana 535 broadway. Closed 1993. Audrey J Coburn proprietor. Former successful Lady pro. She won the Chicago open in around 1978 she beat Sheryl Robinson in the title match. The place was built in 1941. The Lane beds are still there, just covered up with a floor. Martial arts studio now
I worked in a center that had those ball returns that’s vintage amf stuff worth ALOT of momey to the right buyer… Really curious to know what machines were back there. Most likely amf 82/70 s
@@urbanexplorer260 google the address and do a title search to find out who is the owner. Once you get that info you can reach out to them via letter email or even call. If you contact them ask would they be willing to sell. Orrr if not tell them you want to lease the building with all items inside as is…. Orr make an offer for all the equipment. Remove the stuff and or sell it individually. A win win on both ends
@@urbanexplorer260 If the building is still intact with the lease you can get power and possibly hire a local bowling mechanic to try and cycle the machines. And check the mechanicals to see If they’re not damaged.. Whatever you do don’t tell them you accessed the building, but tell them you’re “interested in leasing and or buying the property with all the contents included”. If it’s in dismay like that I don’t see why the owner wouldn’t accept an offer.
0:23 Is it really 7 lanes? That's pretty odd. Most bowling alleys have pairs of lanes which ends up making an even number. I've only ever been in one bowling alley with an odd number of lanes. It was a bigger place with around 23ish (I can't recall exactly) lanes. 9:56 That says 8 which would make more sense.
The machine for plastic and rubber balls is a ball cleaning machine. You put quarters in, put the ball on the bowl area and it gets rotated and scrubbed with either wire brushes or abrasive mateirals. NOT suited for modern equipment!
The AMF & BRUNSWICK poinsettias were designed by the same fella. AMF sold the rights to Brunswick many many years ago. First Brunswick was known as Brunswick A's. Very slow but very reliable. AMF had several versions. 4400's , 82/30's then later 82/70's. 82/30'were late 1950's
I am not entirely sure why the old alley closed down, John. However, my guess would have to be financial burdens or potentially health or safety hazards, it’s hard to say 😳
@@urbanexplorer260 Wow!! I am inquiring because I bowl and love the history of bowling. To know that those photos of hall of farmers are wasting away unnoticed in an abandoned alley is a sin.
One of the places I bowl at in a couple of leagues still has one of those machines and it gets used regularly. I cringe when I see someone putting modern balls in it.
Seems like the lanes may have been Brunswick in the early days of this bowling center, then switched to AMF later on. AMF, as a bowling leader, is no more. They were purchased by another company and are now known as Bowlero. Brunswick pinsetters and bowling balls and supplies are still going strong.
I retired as the head mechanic after 50 years. (48 lanes) The masking units are the Streamline 21. I can't believe you didn't show the machines.
What machines did they have... 82-70s, 82-30s...? Just curious.
do you know where this place is?
I’m not even gonna watch the video because now I know you didn’t even show the machines what an idiot
Judging on the look and style of the place, im almost convinced the place had the Qubica 8230 model machines along with the counters and everything ☺
Amf had they 82 30 s not qunbica
KEEP GOING BROOOO!!!
😭 Bowling is SO much fun. Makes me sad to see something like this.
Wow! At 1:31, that lady is in the photo with Pete and Dick Weber!! I used to be a Brunswick mechanic and worked on A2 pinsetters for many years!! But now, in 2024, bowling is nearly extinct. I think all bowling centers will be closed within the next few years. Excellent video!!! Liked and subscribed, my friend!!
@@robinbuckeye6841 ☺️☺️
That is an old bowling ball polishing machine from the 80’s and 90’s. Been in a bowling alley since birth. My grandfather was a professional and my uncle owned a bowling alley in central New York. He had 12 lane center that was Brunswick pin setters. Thanks for the video
Very interesting! What was your Grandfathers name?
@@urbanexplorer260 Marty Piraino. He used to travel and room with Dick Weber and my Uncle Jay was the same age as Pete Weber so they were good friends. My uncle was good enough for the tour but decided to run the bowling alley instead of bowl professionally.
@@2Gr82Brk Really cool he won his first title by beating Dick Weber. Dick was one of the greatest. Looks like your grandpa had some other pretty interesting bowling accomplishments as well.
....I just found a vid of your grandpa bowling the 71 Tournament of Champions.
@@TheInsaneShecklador if you look up lane1 G Shock commercial here on UA-cam you will see a very young me when I was sponsored and bowling. Most of the shots striking were from me. Just a little bit of my past as well. Have 30+ 300’s but haven’t bowled in over 8 yrs now. Thanks for taking the time to look into my family members and why I was also a bowler. Marty Piraino taught me as well as the late great Mark Roth was also sponsored by lane1 when I was. His words will forever be remembered and appreciated more than anything. He was a legend
@@2Gr82Brk hey, Marty Piraino! He called one of my games on TV back on WSTM. great guy.
This is so awesome. I hope no one goes in there and destroys it. What a beautiful and unique space
I completely agree Dylan 😊
Love your videos and glad to see your adventures as well. Thanks for posting this too. Have a nice day now.
Thank you!
this brings so many memories of my childhood brought back. My Mom and Dad worked regular jobs thru the week, but we traveled on the weekend for them to bowl in tournaments. They were semi pros. The extra money paid for our travel and vacations. When my mom died and me and my brother cleaned out her house to sale it, we tossed 237 trophies they had won. I blew a chance to follow their footsteps. i bowled in 3 leagues with an average between 190-& 195. But this was the late 70's and i was lead astray by the times. Sex' Drugs' and Rock and Roll were my top three. Bowling was fourth on the list. While i had a hell of a time. I now at the age of 68 wished bowling would have been no. 1.
Well Sammie it sounds like you’ve had quite a time ☺️ It’s so unique to hear about your past experiences and how your love for bowling never went away!
Bro all that bowling loot
@@alynhampton 👏🏼👏🏼
Looks like they originally shut down but kept everything in turnover shape in case someone wanted to buy. Guess a buyer never stepped in, and entropy took over.
Very cool find though!
Thank you, Joseph 😁
@@urbanexplorer260nobody going to buy a 6 lane bowling alley.
@@harveywallbanger2899 Hey Harvey, I think somewhere out there could definitely be someone with the means to restore this old alley ☺️
@@urbanexplorer260 maybe back in the day when you could operate on a slim budget, If you haven’t noticed those days are gone.. The only thing happening in the USA is small business are slipping away. What do you think the matrix is all about ? Mr. Antichrist is at your door. Shit or get off the pot !
It was actually an 8 lane center. The video shows that.
The pins are USBC certified pins, USBC was formed from the ABC and WIBC in 2005. So this bowling must have closed down after then.
As someone who lived in shipshewana back when this place was still open this is really sad to see. Don’t worry I won’t spoil the location as you made it really clear by the way you filmed this that you don’t want people to know where it is. It’s on 9. That’s vague enough lol
This is in fact a tragedy to see such a historic alley go to waste 😞 and thank you for respecting my location decisions
I worked on AMF's for years, they were good machines. The Sure Pik returns were very dependable, rare to have an actual breakdown. The blue colored scheme was the rarer of the colors, I never saw one in person. Really disappointed you didn't go into the "pits" and show them from behind.
I know exactly where this is. Sad that the last owner closed it without even trying to sell.
It was eight lanes too.
The good old Brunswick v. AMF debate. AMF was the first to introduce to automatic pinsetter, I believe that Brunswick came out with theirs 10 years later. Of course over time, both have done MAJOR updates to their designs. Brunswick pinsetters are more mechanical where as AMF are more circuit/electrical. Both are quality machines, just comes down to individual preference. I have worked on both AMF and Brunswick pinsetters. Me personally, I like AMF pinsetters.
There does seem to be an intense discussion between the two! I love to see my viewers going back and forth over a topic they have so much passion for ☺️🎳
@@urbanexplorer260 Thank you. I didn't think I'd get a response from you since the video had been out for a while by this point.
@@Greggys10Pins I respond to every single comment 😇
@@urbanexplorer260 That's my goal to ever since I started my channel.
Long live the (Brunswick) A2! Pinchased, and later became head mechanic at 2 centers about a million years ago. I still miss it.
This place closed after 2006,the USBC didn't exist in 2005.pins had usbc on them
Very interesting 🎳
Parts of this one remind me of our old Bowling Lanes that was taken out by the 1992 Kendallville Tornado. (I assume the 260 in your title is Northeast IN Area code, maybe?)
I have heard many Kendallville residents talk about that tornado back in ‘92 🌪️ And yes that would be correct, 260 is the area code 😎
If those pins could talk my guess is they would tell you they are sad to have been forgotten.
Where is the video of the pinsetters? Where is this old center located?
Met marty once in 77 at strike an spare lanes .told him i was from bath n.y. he said oh dean spoor from p.y. one time marty came to steubem bowl him an millie matorrlla from rochester them two an dean spoor an al butch obrochta
From bath. Dean worked at center
As mech but also ran the pro shop all 4 were darn good shooters.
Im glad you met some great people 😁 good to keep the sport alive 🎳
I bowl at a place in Rochester, Domm's, that's run by Millie Martorella's step grandsons. It's a great place and she stopped in for a visit when I was bowling there last season. What a bowler she was! When I was a teenager I saw her win her first Queens title at Gates Bowl in Rochester.
I grew up in a 6 lane bowling establishment that was built in 1941. Pin boys employed at that time. I met a few of those fellas as a teenager lol that's was in the 1970's
Those are the AMF 8270 pinsetters. In my opinion, Brunswick are much easier to work on because they are all mechanical. AMF are mostly electrical. As far as the photos of all those pro bowlers I used to bowl with some of those guys -- Mark Roth, Marshall Holman and others.
@@robinbuckeye6841 thank you for the information, Robin! And in your opinion, who is the best bowler you’ve ever seen in person?
@@urbanexplorer260 I've talked with Earl Anthony, Mark Roth and many others, including the women pros, but my favorite bowler is Parker Bohn because we are both left-handed. He taught me a lot about making spares.
Bowled since I was 5 years old Bowled bantom leagues at Idle Hour Lanes on Saturday mornings. Great memories 😢😢. Those days gone forever 😅😅
It’s awesome to hear how bowling even had an influence in your early years 😄 never to late to go lace up those shoes 🎳
This whole video is VINTAGE
Great find. When it comes to fully stocked places like this the first thing which comes to mind other than "how/why" is "who owns the place". If there was a legal owner then it'd be possible to barter for some of that stuff in there, like vintage game collectors or anyone who'd want to add something to their man cave.
You have me curious about the place now. I'm on the fence about checking out that area if I'd ever make my way over to the National Car Museum over there in Auburn. Photographer of 29 years in me just craves getting out into the field again!
There is more than enough things inside to add value to someone’s collection 🏆 As a fellow photographer myself, I know exactly what you mean 📸
No way, Mr rick stealsmith is a bowling coach at my citys university and i met him trying to see the requirements to join his team
No kidding, I’m not into bowling but is he well known? Sounds like he might have quite a history with bowling 🎳
I’m a bowling mechanic on 8270s and I have a UA-cam channel! I would love to do this!! Exploring an abandoned bowling center would be amazing!
@@MellowMechanic87 This is the old Albion Bowl, located in Albion, Indiana. The address is still publicly listed online :)
@@urbanexplorer260 that’s awesome! Thank you!
That closed after 2008 just by researching the Pepsi cup and fountain drink dispenser. They changed that logo design then.
I would have to agree 👍🏼
Cool old place it would be cool to visit.
I seen the storm crux pearl man that ball was good and a undrill amf classic pro roll man and purple hammer i wish i can go there get those old balls and give a better life
Gateway Lanes Chesterton indiana 535 broadway. Closed 1993. Audrey J Coburn proprietor. Former successful Lady pro. She won the Chicago open in around 1978 she beat Sheryl Robinson in the title match. The place was built in 1941. The Lane beds are still there, just covered up with a floor. Martial arts studio now
Why didn’t you show the machines
A lot of viewers have asked that, I didn’t realize so many people were so interested in the machinery! 😊
I worked in a center that had those ball returns that’s vintage amf stuff worth ALOT of momey to the right buyer… Really curious to know what machines were back there. Most likely amf 82/70 s
I think if everything was sold from this alley people would flock 😳
@@urbanexplorer260 I’d be there in a heartbeat. Do you think the building is for sale? I’d definetly make an offer to buy it.
@@LongtowerNyc I am not sure if this alley is for sale, where would I find out if it were?
@@urbanexplorer260 google the address and do a title search to find out who is the owner. Once you get that info you can reach out to them via letter email or even call. If you contact them ask would they be willing to sell. Orrr if not tell them you want to lease the building with all items inside as is…. Orr make an offer for all the equipment.
Remove the stuff and or sell it individually. A win win on both ends
@@urbanexplorer260 If the building is still intact with the lease you can get power and possibly hire a local bowling mechanic to try and cycle the machines. And check the mechanicals to see If they’re not damaged.. Whatever you do don’t tell them you accessed the building, but tell them you’re “interested in leasing and or buying the property with all the contents included”. If it’s in dismay like that I don’t see why the owner wouldn’t accept an offer.
0:23 Is it really 7 lanes? That's pretty odd. Most bowling alleys have pairs of lanes which ends up making an even number. I've only ever been in one bowling alley with an odd number of lanes. It was a bigger place with around 23ish (I can't recall exactly) lanes.
9:56 That says 8 which would make more sense.
I must have not remembered to say 8 lanes lol, sometimes I get lost in the mix of editing 😂
@@urbanexplorer260 👍
The machine for plastic and rubber balls is a ball cleaning machine. You put quarters in, put the ball on the bowl area and it gets rotated and scrubbed with either wire brushes or abrasive mateirals. NOT suited for modern equipment!
That is very interesting! What are the modern ones like?
@@urbanexplorer260 Bowling pro shop cleans the ball. I will not use the machine at all.
@@liasneal1144 I see, it would certainly make a nice vintage/antique piece in someone’s home!
The AMF & BRUNSWICK poinsettias were designed by the same fella. AMF sold the rights to Brunswick many many years ago. First Brunswick was known as Brunswick A's. Very slow but very reliable. AMF had several versions. 4400's , 82/30's then later 82/70's. 82/30'were late 1950's
@@mikedonzero2692 very nice! 👍🏼
@@urbanexplorer260 we should get together sometime & share some stories. Wanatah Indiana.
@@mikedonzero2692 I am located in Kendallville, IN, my e-mail is fayediv09@gmail.com
The ball master machine is what shines the ball or dulls it
😎
That machine you showed was a conditioner that would clean and condition the ball.
This place will be perfect for one of the filming locations of one of my movies.
🎬🎬
@@urbanexplorer260 It will spark a renewal for the bowling alley thanks to the movie.
@@reneastle8447 you should post the movie on your channel!
Fascinating. So why did the place close and why did they just leave everything behind?
I am not entirely sure why the old alley closed down, John. However, my guess would have to be financial burdens or potentially health or safety hazards, it’s hard to say 😳
@@urbanexplorer260 Are the photos of the professional bowlers still on the wall?
@@johnpetro9308 yes, they are!
@@urbanexplorer260 Wow!! I am inquiring because I bowl and love the history of bowling. To know that those photos of hall of farmers are wasting away unnoticed in an abandoned alley is a sin.
@@johnpetro9308 Say, if you reach out to me e-mail wise, I might be able to hook you up with some of those!
Nice video - makes you wonder what happened to these old places! Great guitar music on the outtro, too -- who's the artist?
Thank you Martha! It is always a mystery as to what the heck went wrong or if something tragic happened 😳 as for the outro I’m not sure
@@urbanexplorer260 Found it - it's "Pull" By Oak and Cherry. You've got good taste in music!
@@marthajean50 oh my gosh, I’m surprised you found that! And thank you for the kind words!
you didn't show the Pin Setters? UGH!
My apologies 😌, next time I will have to include those!
1:33 looks like a very young Pete Weber
I believe that is Pete and his father
@@urbanexplorer260 I believe you are correct. Two legends of the sport
for $3 a game, this hasn't been abandoned all that long
Where is this place?
This is located in Northern, Indiana 🌽
Its a shame the place will probably be trashed and vandalized when more people find out about it
You’re probably correct, the more word gets out unfortunately bandits and drug addicts will come through and destroy the place 🤯
Curious as to why the owner didn’t take anything
I was thinking the same thing Steven, it’s like everyone up and left 🤯
If owner went bankrupt, there's likely an unpaid bank loan. Bank would be entitled to all assets.
Definitely is a ball cleaner
Ball master would wax/polish the ball. You dont see them anymore.
I am uneducated about bowling 🎳 any cool tips like that are appreciated 🇺🇸
One of the places I bowl at in a couple of leagues still has one of those machines and it gets used regularly. I cringe when I see someone putting modern balls in it.
tens of thousands of dollars left there
Absolutely!
Seems like the lanes may have been Brunswick in the early days of this bowling center, then switched to AMF later on.
AMF, as a bowling leader, is no more. They were purchased by another company and are now known as Bowlero. Brunswick pinsetters and bowling balls and supplies are still going strong.
Ladies watch this too
That statement would be correct 👍🏼
I think its a ball cleaner
I believe it was 🎳
$1 for a soft drink
Indeed🥤
Nothings last forever but the glory of god.
Amen🙏
AMF is the best brand of equipment for bowling. Brunswick copied AMF’s design for their newer pinsetters but they are still inferior as always.
I’ve been told AMF is the godfather of all things bowling, I believe it 🎳😎