Authors on Architecture: Nichols on Blowlorama

New book on the architecture of bowling alleys!

Date: Jul 20, 2025

Location:

Los Angeles , United States 2379 Glendale Boulevard, Silver Lake (Los Angeles)

Join SAH/SCC as author Chris Nichols discusses his new book, Bowlarama: The Architecture of Mid-Century Bowling (Angel City Press, 2024), co-written with Adriene Biondo.

Bowlarama takes aim at the bowling obsession that swept the post-war nation. More than just a sport or a hobby, bowling became the ultimate modern lifestyle for Americans savoring the boom years that followed World War II. Bowling alleys were modern palaces; operators were constantly trying to outdo each other, whether competing for the most spectacular architecture, the most luxurious lanes, the snazziest bowling balls, or the most exciting refreshments they could offer. Bowlarama brings back in living color all the excitement in its lavishly illustrated pages, packed with vintage photographs, exciting ephemera, and detailed hand-drawn architectural renderings that capture all the optimism, enthusiasm, and joie de vivre of the era.

Nichols is a longtime preservationist and senior editor at Los Angeles magazine. For many years he worked with the Los Angeles Conservancy Modern Committee, serving a term as chairman of the group. In addition to creating tours, exhibitions, and lectures about historic Los Angeles, Nichols has advocated for endangered buildings all over Southern California, including the Cinerama Dome and the world’s oldest McDonald’s in Downey. His books include Walt Disney’s Disneyland (Taschen, 2024) and The Leisure Architecture of Wayne McAllister (Gibbs Smith, 2007). He writes the “Ask Chris” column in Los Angeles magazine and has served on the board of Hollywood Heritage.

Bowlarama—Sunday, July 20, 2025, 1-2:30 PM Pacific; Neutra Office Building, 2379 Glendale Blvd.; $5. Go to https://www.sahscc.org/site/index.php?function=event_details&id=548; Zoom link sent upon registration.