Whatever happened to Liberty Lanes, the place where students had the option to bowl their way through gym class.

Located next to the Linden Street school was a golden opportunity to opt out of real gym class. Rolling a single game and maybe enjoying a soda from the fountain was a major thrill, but a reminder that next period you return to class and the hallways of LHS.

Liberty luncheonette was a popular spot prior to many football games along with a few games of pinball for a nickel. Owner Ed King and his wife patrolled the area ensuring an enjoyable night was at hand.

A few months back, LHS students organized a bowling club that competed at Stefko’s Town & Country Lanes. Unable to contact the organizer and find what participation was is a reason for jotting down a few of these bowling memories. Yes, bowling, was a favorite past time, especially during the long winter season.

Do you remember Schoenen’s Market on East Broad Street, how about the 2nd floor?

Home to Central Bowling Academy, it was a hot bed for keglers and a place local bowling hall of famer, Bob Shoemaker, was introduced to the game. “Shoe” as he was called, rolled many award scores when 700s were at a minimum and were few and far between. Owner Jerry Wartman organized many of the premier leagues and recruited the area’s best competitors.

The Saturday junior bowling program had 100-plus participants in three categories, bantams, juniors and seniors.

Speaking of junior programs, none were larger than the effort of the staff at Town & Country. T&C was fortunate to have coaches who varied in talent but spent their Saturday mornings with the kids.

A few names that refresh the mind were: Evelyn Moyer, Al Gorsky, John Hudak Jr., Paul Hubinsky and then later John Moyer and his wife. They are looking down from above and wondering what ever happened to the game we loved.

The 24-lane center was filled to capacity until early afternoon with boys and girl’s rolling a three-gamee block. The end of the season (April) was an extremely exciting time, qualifying for the Lehigh Valley Junior Masters Tournament.

Age and size was not important but your average determined what group you would be competing against. Top scores in various divisions would advance to the final round at Boulevard Lanes in Allentown.

This was the ultimate goal for any junior bowler to compete against kids from the entire Valley and be crowned champion. Again, the competition was determined by one’s ability proven over a complete season.

Ed Scheller, tournament chairman, crowned 24 winners after the two-week elimination event for both boys and girls. This was utopia and a memory that would live forever no matter how many strikes they may have thrown.

And then we ask ... bowling, whatever happened?