Mid-Century Bowl-O-Rama

 

Bowling was taking over America in 1941. An enjoyable pastime to take one’s mind off of the looming war in Europe, this covers by Lonie Bee showed that it was an activity that could be pursued by women as well as men.

 

 

Bowling was popular enough in the 1940s to serve as an effective enticement for a four-year Post subscription.

 

 

Who could resist signing up for the Brunswick Bowling Carnival?

 

 

In 1942, this Camel ad featured bowling champ “Low” Jackson. “Light up a slower-burning Camel and watch this champion of champions in action.”

 

 

“Even in 1911, when lady bowlers wore clothes like this, the fine, distinctive flavor of Beech-Nut Gum made bowling more pleasant.”

 

 

“For ‘strike-bowling’, you need the extra freshness that keeps you going—results in  accuracy, rhythm and timing. In blackouts, man-made or natural, WINCHESTER Batteries too, keep going—now remain FRESH 50% LONGER!”

 

 

The idea for this Post cover came to Stanley Ekman when he was having a very tough night on the alleys in his neighborhood Glen Oaks Acres League at Wilmette, Illinois. “To top it all,” Mr. Ekman says, “my wife was trimming me badly.” The interior details of the cover were sketched in the King Pin Alleys in Wilmette and the Arena Alleys, Chicago.

 

 

What do you do when your date blithely kicks off her heels, grabs a ball, skates forward on her slippery nylons, lets fly, and all ten pins rise into the air and disappear in clattery triumph?