Historic Highland Park bowling alley opens after massive refurbishment

HIGHLAND PARK, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A historic bowling alley in Highland Park has been restored to its original glory, and now it offers more than just bowling.

The Highland Park Bowl, which first opened 89 years ago, received a massive restoration. Mechanical pin machines come down to collect pins instead of human labor. But many Highland Park residents remember when that was a paying job.

"They would sit behind and put the pins into the place and put the lever down and set them all down. I find that to be pretty fascinating," Monica Olive said.

Bowling was the sideshow when the alley opened in 1927. Booze was its business and a clever way to serve it legally during Prohibition.

Upstairs there were doctor's offices who could write patients alcohol remedies.

The alley is open Monday through Friday from 5 p.m. until 2 a.m., Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. until 2 a.m. It's located at 5621 N. Figueroa St.

For more information, visit www.highlandparkbowl.com.