July 24 at 7:00 p.m. – at the Andres Pico Adobe

Step back into the golden age of post-war America when bowling was more than a game-it was a lifestyle! Join us for a fascinating evening as author Chris Nichols explores the sleek, space-age style and social power of mid-century bowling alleys that once dotted the Valley — and American — landscape. From eye-popping Googie architecture to plush lanes and atomic-age refreshments, discover how bowling alleys became dazzling community hubs during the booming 1950s and ’60s.

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, the Jetsons-esque Googie architecture, and the glam lounges with cocktail waitresses, steak dinners, and live music. He will track the factors that led to the pastime’s decline and share evocative vintage photography.

You can order Bowlarama: The Architecture of Mid-Century Bowling on Amazon.