History of Bowling Timeline

By 2015037
  • Rules and Equipment Standards Set

    New York Clubs organize to make rules and equipment standards.
  • ABC Established

    The American Bowling Congress organized at Beethoven Hall in N.Y. The max score was set to 300; the distance between pins was 12 in.; and then letters of interest were sent around the world for publicity.
  • 1st ABC Approved 300 Game

    Ernest Fosberg rolls the first ever perfect game approved by the American Bowling Congress.
  • Handicaps in Bowling are Introduced

    E.D. Peifer incorporates handicaps into bowling
  • Max Weight Set; First Rubber Ball Created

    The maximum weight for a regulation bowling ball is set to 16 pounds. The first ever rubber bowling ball is created.
  • Brunswick Opens

    Brunswick opens up for buisiness selling wooden bowling balls to the public.
  • WIBC Founded; Limit to Whites from ABC

    The Women's International Bowling Club was founded in 1916. Also the American Bowling Congress changed their constitution to only white male members.
  • Prohibition Brought Bowling Publicity

    The prohibition law shows people want to bowl even if they are unable to drink.
  • First WIBC Perfect Game

    Jenny Kelleher bowled the first ever WIBC approved perfect 300 game.
  • Inspection Rules Adopted

    In 1939, ABC approved a rule requiring annual inspection and certification of lanes.
  • ABC Hall of Fame Instituted

    The American Bowling Congress built a Hall of Fame directed towards the sport of bowling.
  • WWII Impacts Bowling

    World War II brings more publicity to bowling. 4500 lanes are built for recreation for the soldiers to pass time.
  • Dots and Arrows Introduced

    Brunswick introduced dots and arrow markers to their lanes. This increases accuracy for many players.
  • ABC Removes "White Only" Rule

    The American Bowling Congress no longer holds its limits to only white men inside their clubs.
  • PBA Founded

    The Professional Bowling Association is founded by Eddie Elias.
  • PWBA Founded

    The first professional women's bowling association is founded. It no longer exists today due to dispanding.
  • Wheelchair Bowling Association Founded

    The PBA adds wheelchair bowling to its association.
  • First Black Man in Hall of Fame

    J. Elmer Reed Becomes the first black man inducted into ABC Hall of Fame.
  • LPB formed

    The 'Ladies Pro Bowler' Tour is formed.
  • Merge of Youth Bowling

    Young American Bowling Alliance through a merge of the American Junior Bowling Congress, Youth Bowling Association, and the ABC/WIBC Collegiate Divisions.
  • ABC Removes "Male Only" Law

    The American Bowling Congress removes the 'male only' law from its constitution to avoid woman activists.