[CLOSED] Papp’s Bowling Center – A Family Affair Since 1964

October 2014 – SO SAD to report that I just randomly found out that Papp’s closed after 50 fine years of service. Our hearts are heavy but we wish Betty and Andy the very best for their well earned retirement. 

 http://www.nj.com/mercer/index.ssf/2014/08/papps_bowling_center_closes_its_doors_after_50_years_of_parties_and_tournaments_in_bordentown.html

Regular readers of Retro Roadmap may recall that a few years ago we made a quick little jaunt to Bordentown NJ – an area with a cute little downtown and vintage signs to spot, making it a fun destination. It was then that we spied Papp’s Bowling Center on busy Route 130, and I thought it could possibly be Retro Roadmap worthy.

It is!

And I could not be more pleased to share this gem of a place with you, especially since they’re celebrating their 50th year of being open!

Since I was to write about bowling for the National Trust for Historic Preservation, this gave me the perfect excuse to head over to Papp’s. But before I went there sight unseen, I wanted to make sure it was what I was looking for, so when I called I asked owner Betty Papp if they had electronic scoring. She said, “Well no…but it’s easy to learn!” and  I told her I was thrilled that they did not have electronic scoring, and made our plan to head over.

Owned by husband and wife team Andy and Betty Papp, Papp’s Bowling Center is a family affair. They opened the lanes in 1964 along with his parents, and are celebrating their 50th year of being open this year. Betty is the charming face behind the counter and voice on the phone. Andy runs the pro shop where you can get measured for your own bowling ball, and their son Ron is a bowling instructor.

We were delighted to find that the place has retained its original early 1960s charm. From the benches to the scoring tables, color scheme and especially the triangles above each one of the lanes. Betty said that there is knotty pine behind the carpeted walls (swoon!) but that the carpet helps reduce the loud sounds of bowling so I guess I can’t complain about that.

You can see more photos of Papp’s Bowling Center here on the Retro Roadmap Flickr Page!

There’s also a bowling Pro Shop attached to the alleys that is run by Betty’s husband Andy. Not only can you get your own bowling ball there, but get it drilled to fit your hand. Now I’m wondering if we could get Retro Roadmap Bowling League shirts here? How awesome would that be?!!

Mod Betty was totally charmed by Betty Papp and this darling bowling alley and hopes to get a Retro Roadmap Roundup together to go there!

Want to come along? Put your name in the comments below so I can start the invite list, and I’ll get the party started!