MEMORY LANES
Rick Reeder's young grandsons, Easton and Brandt, are completely into bowling. They're third-generation regulars at Family Bowlaway Fun Center.
“There's a lot of families like us with multiple generations who've been involved here,” said Reeder, who first was attracted by league play in 1975, and ultimately became involved with the junior bowling program from 1985 to 2013.
“We just really enjoy bowling. It's something your whole family can do, and you can do your entire lifetime,” Reeder said.Family Bowlaway, a community staple since 1954, is marking its 65th anniversary with a nod to the past and a glance to the future.BackAlley, the latest addition to the Fairground Hill Road complex, opened July 26 to launch new activity offerings, including bocce, pig skins and pins and duckpin bowling.In addition to the traditional bowling lanes, the 10,000-square-foot facility offers laser tag in its “Laser Storm” arena, family dining at the 11th Frame Bar and Grille and conference or party rooms that can accommodate small crowds or groups of up to 100.
“The bowling industry has changed,” said Tricia Pritchard, director of sales, marketing and events. “When it started years and years ago, bowling was founded in leagues. It's no longer founded in leagues. With cultural changes over time, we are now in the family fun and entertainment industry. Bowling brings people together of all ages and backgrounds. Everybody can bowl and it's affordable. But today, bowling is only one product or service we offer our customers.”Family Bowlaway's history began when Joe Caparosa, Sr., bought Penn Lanes, a 10-lane, two-story bowling alley across from Penn Theater on the city's Main Street.“My father was an entrepreneur and go-getter,” said Joe Caparosa, Jr., who now co-owns the business with his brother, Kevin Caparosa. “He was always building new businesses and finding new ways to make Butler better.”
The business relocated a number of times, including a first move just two years after the Caparosa family entered the business. Bowlaway Lanes, a 16-lane alley was built on Lyndora's Hansen Avenue.A second 12-lane location, Bowlaway Annex, was added in 1963. That site was home to the original 11th Frame dining area.The family added more lanes to the Annex in 1970. But a fire three years later damaged the building, and only the bar was rebuilt.The original 11th Frame was rebuilt again after a second fire in 1975, but ultimately, Tanglewood, as it's known now, was sold for use as a banquet facility and then to a seniors group.
In 1983, Caparosa purchased Family Lanes, and relocated his equipment from Hansen Avenue to Route 8.And finally, in 1992, the current location of Family Bowlaway was built with a new bar named the Spare Time Lounge.Since then, the facility has continued to expand entertainment choices, prompting owners to rename it Family Bowlaway Fun Center.A 2014 renovation of the dining space led to a name change from Spare Time to the 11th Frame Bar and Grille.
“The 11th Frame now offers a more family friendly atmosphere,” Pritchard said. “It's smoke-free with nightly entertainment like DJ trivia and live bands and activities.”The new BackAlley area features activities the owners' families enjoyed while traveling, said Hanna Boozel.There are three lanes each of bocce, duckpin bowling and pig skins and pins.What is pig skins and pins?To play, Boozel said, pins are set up on opposite sides. Teams throw a football, attempting to be the first to knock over the opposing team's pins.
“There is nothing like this in Butler,” Pritchard said. “This is a new thing to do in Butler.”Boozel said the BackAlley — which incorporates vintage bowling machines, wood from previous lanes and doors and siding from a tractor trailer — offers “a historical look, with emphasis on different activities related to bowling.”Chandeliers are crafted from pin setting machines. Other lights are crafted from bowling pins. And wood originally from gutters is on the service bar wall.Most of the BackAlley activities, which replaced a dozen of the facility's bowling lanes, can be removed to make space for business gatherings or family reunions.
“Our center is all about creating memories, and we will be extending that into the BackAlley,” Boozel said.Still, Family Bowlaway has not forgotten its roots.Today, more than 2,000 children participate annually in the Kids Bowl Free Program during summer months, and the facility continues its 60-year tradition of hosting the Butler County Special Olympics.In July, Family Bowlaway announced an upgrade to the scoring system in the bowling area.“Bowling is challenging, and there's always a lot of people to talk to,” said Frank Farkas, whose been a regular at Family Bowlaway since he moved to the area in 1999. “That's what's really important. Score isn't important. Being around good people is important.”
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