PATTERSON BOWL SCORES POINTS WITH FANS IN BALTIMORE

Did you know that Baltimore is home to the nation's oldest operating duckpin bowling alley? Patterson Bowling Center has been serving Baltimore's bowlers since 1927. Patterson offers league and open play duckpin bowling at its alleys in East Baltimore, just a few blocks south of Butchers Hill. It is owned and operated by Charles and Theresa McElhose, Catonsville residents.

Patrons of the center include locals and tourists. Most of the bowlers are walk in customers from the area. Since duckpin is an East Coast game, many visitors are curious about it and some come from other states to check it out. One of the many reasons the center is popular with locals is that patrons of age are welcome to bring their own beer.

Duckpin bowling is different from 10 pin bowling in a few ways. First, the balls are smaller and usually weigh about 3 1/2 pounds, and they do not have finger holes in them. Also, players get three balls instead of two during each frame. Duckpin is known to be less of a burden on the body, making it enjoyable for people of all ages to play. Most bowlers consider it to be a more challenging game than 10 pin. No one has ever bowled a perfect game of duckpin! The highest score on record is 278 (out of 300). It is a good form of low impact exercise.

Charles offers a few tips on playing the game. Start by gripping the ball in front of you with both hands, like you're grabbing someone's hand to shake it. Don't run to the line. Keep your throwing arm next to your body as you bring it back and forth. Lock your elbow to keep your arm straight and strong. Use a forward-backward-forward motion when preparing to throw the ball.

Although League Play isn't as popular as it used to be, Patterson Bowl still has plenty of leagues to join. One of the most popular options is the Las Vegas league, where every player wins the prize at the end of the league - a trip to Las Vegas including airfare and hotel. The best bowler also wins some spending money. Charles describes that league as a "budget vacation" since participants pay $26 a week to be in the league, in essence saving that money and putting it toward their trip to Vegas.

The snack bar at the center is reasonably priced and offers soda, coffee, chips, hot dogs, nachos, soft pretzels and ice cream. Patterson hosts parties for people of all ages. For example, a block of Chester Street recently held a neighbor party there. If you want to reserve a lane in advance, you can call ahead.

Patterson Bowling Center is located at 2105 Eastern Avenue, just past Chester Street. For more information please call 410-675-1011 or go online at www.pattersonbowl.com. For open play bowling, rates are $4/game per person. Shoe rental is $2. There is an online coupon for $1 off shoe rental online at their website. Summer open play hours are (in effect until mid-September): Monday and Saturday 1 - 10 pm, Wednesday and Thursday 1 - 9 pm, Friday 10 - 10, Sunday 2 - 9 pm.

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Source:  www.butchershill.org  September 2006 Newsletter