Bowling: Hall of Fame room showcases history, honors

Some of the items on display at the new Hall of Fame Room at the Greater Dayton United States Bowling Congress office at 50 Walnut St., in Dayton. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Some of the items on display at the new Hall of Fame Room at the Greater Dayton United States Bowling Congress office at 50 Walnut St., in Dayton. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

From plaques to pins and rings to records, the new Hall of Fame Room at the Greater Dayton United States Bowling Congress office showcases history and honors the local men and women who made their name in the sport.

The items on display — until recently buried in boxes — highlight Dayton-area bowlers who have found success not only on the local lanes, but the state and national levels as well. GDUSBC directors Dave Miller and Bob Galpin took the lead on the project. It was a labor of love — love of the sport — for the longtime bowlers and coaches.

“There’s a lot of bowling history in Dayton, and a lot of great bowlers,” Galpin said. “We needed to honor those who came before us.”

Miller agrees.

“This room is dedicated to those people who deserve a place of honor for all they have accomplished,” he said.

Vintage pins and a rubber bowling ball, circa 1975, are displayed alongside a framed scoresheet commemorating Betsy Corrigan’s national record 824 series — posted in 1979 — and Dayton Bowling Association Hall of Fame plaques.

While the displays offer a glimpse into Dayton bowling history, the room remains a work in progress.

“We know there is more stuff out there and we’d like to get in touch with bowlers who might have things to contribute,” Miller said.

The directors hope competitors or their families will be willing to add to the collection.

“We lack a lot of stuff that should be in there,” Galpin said. “With so many Hall of Famers, there has to be a lot more we can add.”

Galpin and Miller are quick to point out that their accomplishments will not earn a place on the walls, but that was never their motivation.

“We wanted this room to be a source of pride for the Dayton bowling community,” Miller said. “And we had fun doing it.”

Those who have objects to contribute to the Hall of Fame Room can call the GDUSBC at 222-2695. The display can be viewed at 50 Walnut St., Dayton.

Mark your calendar: The GDUSBC City Team Tournament wraps up Sunday at Pla-Mor Lanes. The Youth City Singles Tournament gets underway March 12 at Poelking Lanes and the City Seniors Tournament is slated for April 1-9 at Century Lanes.

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