Throw a stone in the Milwaukee area and you’re sure to hit one of the oldest bowling alleys in the country. The oldest is Holler House (we think?), but travel south to South Milwaukee and you’ll find another still-operating old-timer, the South Milwaukee Arcade.
Located at 1200 Madison Ave., the South Milwaukee landmark will celebrate its 100th year on Saturday, August 29 with an open-to-the-public bowling event and block party. At noon, there’ll be a special ceremony that will honor “record-setting bowlers and historic achievements from the Arcade’s first 99 years.” City officials, bowling dignitaries, and former owners will be in attendance. After that, until 6 p.m., guests can purchase one game of bowling for $1 (a.k.a. 100 cents). Oh, and there’ll be a Tent Block Party along 12th Avenue all day long, featuring music, food trucks, and outdoor bar service.
“Reaching 100 years is an extraordinary milestone that reflects the support of generations of bowlers, families, leagues, employees, and community members,” says current co-owner Todd Andreska. “We are honored to celebrate our history while looking forward to the next century of serving South Milwaukee.”
Here’s more info on the history of the South Milwaukee Arcade:
Construction of the South Milwaukee Arcade began on March 1, 1927. The bowling center officially opened on September 1, 1927, and on September 27, 1927, the Mayor of South Milwaukee rolled the first ball to officially open the lanes before the first league competition.
Throughout its history, the Arcade has remained a cornerstone of the community under the stewardship of several dedicated owners:
• The Kowalewski Family (1927–1946)
• Frank Dziuba (1946–1959)
• Erv Ludwiczak Sr. and Clarence “Lindy” Lazarski (1959–1972)
• Ed Vahradian Sr. (1972–2001)
• Ed Vahradian Jr. (2002–Present)
• Todd Andreska (2017–Present)
Over the decades, the facility has continued to evolve while preserving its historic character, including the installation of automatic pinsetters in 1962 and underground ball returns in 1990.
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