Vernon Lanes, known for its vintage charm and long history in the city of Louisville, is one of the oldest bowling alleys in the United States. General Manager Bruce Jarrett took LEO Weekly on an exclusive tour, highlighting the expansive history of the bowling alley and the machinery that helps make the magic happen.
The Vernon Lanes building is a mansion that was built in 1886, and its first use was for the Delmont Club, which operated until 1898. It was then purchased by St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in 1918, using it as a recreational hall.
The original bowling lanes were located downstairs in the basement of the building, as opposed to the ground floor location you see in the space now. The dance floor and more social space was located on the ground floor…