Highlights in Jaybowl History

Feb 14, 1947: The K Union, the official bulletin of the Kansas Memorial Union, reports the upcoming construction of the north extension of the Union building and spoke of additional plans, ". . . .It is designed primarily to enlarge present facilities and to add several additional ones for student use such as a bowling alley, . . "

Around the same time: Dr. Henry Shank of the physical education department agrees to pick up the salary of the recreation manager for three years in exchange for allowing bowling classes to be taught in the facility. B.A. Fearing, a retired army recreational specialist, is hired to fill the new position.

November 1950: Construction begins

Feb. 27 - March 1, 1953: South Union expansion is unveiled at an open house.

March 1953: The corporation minutes describe the new facility:

"The sub-sub basement contains (six) bowling alleys, two billiard tables and two snooker tables. It is opened afternoons and evenings and used for instructional purposes in the morning. The recreation area is a self-supporting enterprise. A full time employee is in charge of the concession, working out of a combination office-equipment room to the right of the entrance.

The sidewalls of the bowling alley are a soft yellow to afford a high degree of illumination in the area. The alleys and tables were supplied by Brunswick-Balke-Collender. A superior type air-conditioning and heating plant were necessary to effectively control temperature in a n underground recreation area of this type."

The new Jaybowl uses semi-automatic pinsetters. During bowling classes the students alternate bowling and setting pins. During open bowling, the number of lanes available depends on the number of pinboys.

September 28, 1956: From Union Executive Committee Minutes:

"Mr. [Frank] Burge and Mr. {Lawrence] Woodruff outlined and discussed in some detail, proposals for enlargement of the Union Building towards the North, particularly to accommodate larger eating areas and a new recreational area to include increased facilities for bowling, billiards, and ping pong. The present space occupied by the recreational department to be allocated of the Book Store."

September 17, 1960: More than 12,000 people visit the Union open house in celebration of the new addition. The new Jaybowl features 12 lanes of bowling, 5 billiards tables and 1 snooker table. Six new lanes complement the original six lanes, which had been cut in thirds and moved from the old Jaybowl. New Brunswick Model A pinsetters, the first generation of automatic pinsetters are installed.

1963: The men's bowling team wins national championship.

1966: Fearing retires and is replaced by Warren Boozer.

1970: The Union fire results in some smoke damage but neither the flame nor the water reach the facility. After one week of cleaning, the Jaybowl reopens.

1973: Pinsetters are upgraded to a Brunswick Model A-2 at a cost of $20,000. New above-ground ball returns are installed.

1977: At the request of students, the Union and the Jaybowl start selling beer, following fierce debate that required the Kansas Legislature to settle the issue.

The Pladium, 9th and Mississippi, closes, creating a boom for the Jaybowl that lasts two years, until the opening of Royal Lanes at 33rd and Iowa.

1981: The above-ground ball returns are replaced with below-ground returns.

1982: The video game boom results in removing two billiards tables and the snooker table and replacing them with 15 video games.

1984: Boozer retires. The Jaybowl is reorganized, joining with SUA to become the programs department. Michael Fine is hired as a program adviser/recreation manager. The position now included advising responsibilities with SUA along with operation of the Jaybowl.

1986: The number of bowling classes grows from six to 12.

1987: The pinsetters receive another update, significantly improving performance. Other improvements included masking units, pin decks, carpet and a new manager's office.

1988: As the Jaybowl continues to grow, the program advisor/recreation manager position becomes recreation coordinator, with a reduced emphasis on advising SUA.

1991: The Jaybowl takes over the operation of the Wilderness Discovery Camping Equipment Rental Program from SUA. The Jaybowl runs this program until 2001.

1994: Jaybowl Engraving Service begins operation.

1996: Fine moves to SUA as program coordinator; Greg Bollinger replaces him.

1998: Fine returns to the Jaybowl.

2001: Lanes close at the end of the summer session for renovation.

2002: The Jaybowl reopens Sept. 3.

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