So often,  MyInwood readers write in to share their memories of the old neighborhood.  Not only do I appreciate these valuable personal histories, I’ve decided to actively encourage them.

Flipping through a 1972 issue of “Heights-Inwood,”   a former neighborhood weekly newspaper, I came across a steady stream of advertising for a bowling alley called Inwood Lanes, once located on 651 Academy Street at the corner of Broadway.

If you have memories of the old bowling alley, fond or otherwise, please share them in the comment space below.

Again, this is your Inwood as well and some things you just can’t look up in a history book.

Inwood Lanes, 1972 Advertisement

I look forward to hearing from you.  Scroll down a bit further to leave your memories in the comment box below if you can spare the time.

I put out the call and My Inwood readers responded.

Steve Harris was kind enough to send in this description and photos from the 1960′s.

“I had the Pro Shop called Strike and Spare Shop on the corner of Broadway and Academy from 1963-68. I drilled balls, sold bags, shoes, trophies, did the engraving and in the summers sold uniforms to most of the many softball teams in the Inwood Bar league. I also played for Dolans and Ray-Vans Nest.

I bowled at Inwood from the age of 14 and am still friends with John Kourabas. His Father Chris owned the bowling alley and Al Morik was Chris’ son in law.

Inwood Lanes, late 1960's.

I have a few old pictures and so many memories of the days and nights I spent there. Chris Kourabas had a smile that could light up a room without needing light bulbs. John owns Paradise Lanes now in Yonkers.”

Thank you Steve and everyone else for contributing to this Inwood bowling time capsule.

For more Inwood history, click here.