All of the Hall of Fame members under
Extraordinary Service are listed below,
click on their names to read about their accomplishments.
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Silvio J. "Sil"
Angelotti It is especially appropriate that Haverhill, Massachusetts native Sil Angellotti is the sole inductee in the Class of 2002 in the category of Extraordinary Contribution to the Sport of Candlepin Bowling – his overall efforts on behalf of the sport do stand alone! Nominated by both Jean McColley, a long-time Pilgrim Lanes employee, and Bart Maderios, tonight’s recipient of the 2002 ICBA President’s Cup Award, Sil’s many contributions and innovations to the sport are copiously detailed by each. Sil Angelotti started his affiliation with candlepin bowling, officially, as the owner and operator of the Elite Lanes in Haverhill, Massachusetts. In 1967, Sil designed and built the showcase of candlepin bowling – Pilgrim Lanes in Haverhill, Massachusetts. This impressive establishment has served as the host sight for countless junior and adult MBA State Tournaments; moreover, it was the venue from which eight live telecasts of the Channel Five Live Championship shows emanated. Additionally, Sil hosted the World Championships in the 1970’s and it is from these tournaments that no less than five of tonight’s male inductees for competitive ability established the credentials that ultimately gained their acceptance and election into the ICBA Hall of Fame. Sil has especially championed the cause of the youth candlepin bowler. Jean McColley writes, "Sil has utilized many resources such as bumpers (which he has designed) and ramps (he built himself) to reinforce candlepins as a complete family sport". Sil is also a huge supporter of the Pro Candlepin Bowler. He hosted the entire first season of the WCBC Pro Tour and has hosted several individual tournaments in subsequent years. He has also hosted the Haverhill City Championship for twenty-seven seasons. A former MBA president, Sil has been a longtime advocate of standardization of the sport of Candlepin Bowling. He is responsible for regaining ICBA membership in Nova Scotia, Canada, and since then, several Hall of Fame inductees, including Skip Ayles of the Class of 2002, have assumed their rightful places in the ICBA Hall of Fame as representatives from Canada. Finally, Sil invented "Billiard Bowling" and with its invention, initiated several happy participants of the "sport". Because of Sil’s outstanding youth program, several champions have already been crowned and will likely grow up to be the Hall of Famers of Future ICBA inductions. Congratulations, Sil, on all you have accomplished and we welcome you tonight into the ICBA Hall of Fame. |
Haverhill, MA |
2002 |
| Christo Anton A decade after he launched Maine's most successful and long-running televised sports show as state candlepin bowling champion, Chris Anton enters the World Candlepin Bowling Council Hall of Fame for extraordinary service and game contribution. There could be no more fitting selection. Anton stepped aside as show ruler after a 12-week run highlighted by the still-standing record of 424 and stepped into the promotional-administrative aspect of the game. His record in that far more demanding field dwarfs his considerable bowling accomplishments. Three-time world tournament host, twice WCBC president, technical advisor for the first candlepin bowling textbook, Western Maine Bowling Proprietors Association and Maine State Bowling Association director and, most important at the world level, early zealous supporter and tireless promoter of the Hall of Fame - Maine Awards Night function. This showpiece of the candlepin industry has gained luster with such Anton innovations as annual Merit Awards, citations acknowledging the news media's role in candlepin expansion. It's a nice twist that he's being recognized for one of the chief awards he proposed several years ago. More than his aid in establishing Hall of Fame - Maine Awards night and special tributes to Maine's and the world's top men and women bowlers and personalities, Anton perhaps is proudest of the strong hand lent to introduction of the Candlepin Kids TV show. Anton's promotional efforts the past 20 years and his annual stewardship of Bowling's Big Night were noted last year in the form of a plaque of appreciation from the Maine State Candlepin Bowling Association. Further unceasing dedication prompted this latest honor, the second accolade in two months. Chris recently was overwhelmingly elected Maine State Board of Education chairman. The most bowling game partisan shouldn't begrudge Chris devotion to this prestigious post, though wife Betty could be pardoned a long sigh at further time lost from household chores. Chris's time in that field, though, will benefit in future years sons Tommy, Kerry, Shawn and Peter. |
 Biddeford, ME |
1970 |
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Sofokli "Mike" Anton Sofokli A. (Mike) Anton is a stranger to the Candlepin Bowling Association scene, yet his contributions to the game over a half-century glow as brightly as the highest-placed lane official or the most skilled performer. The local Big 20 Bowling Center he founded in 1950 as Maine's largest and most modern house was the state's first to host the World Candlepin Bowling Championships. Success of that venture promoted two returns of that prestigious event. Instrumental through manpower and finances in launching the Maine State Candlepin Bowling Association, he welcomed the Association's weekly television show to the Big 20 when the show was in need of a home, and financed erection of the required TV tower. He underwrote the show during less active summer months. Anton's house was the first to televise live the 90-minute head-to-head world championships. Dot Petty, Portland, a Big 20 representative, fittingly climaxed the three hour extravaganza with a title clinching strike as the clock struck midnight. Her timely shot was the high point of an incredibly competitive night reflected in fantastic show ratings. Junior TV bowling also had its inception at the Big 20. Other Anton 'Firsts' were, in Maine, installation of the automatic pinsetter; mandatory wearing of bowling shoes, and testing and adopting the all-plastic pin, a New England pioneering move now considered an industry stride second only to the automatic pinsetter. Bowling hardly loomed on the horizon when Anton, born in Korcha, Albania in 1905, arrived in this country at the age of five. He peddled milk and bread from the family bakery and dairy before going to school. Many a morning he was late for class and slept catnap fashion as the day wore on. Still, he graduated from Biddeford High in 1927 and, as a 127-pound end, played on a state championship football team. Though his father had just built Pastime Lanes in Biddeford, Anton elected to try his hand at radio repair. He later took over the bowling business, and it remained in the family for more than 50 years. In 1940 Anton built the 20th Century Lanes in Biddeford. Maine greats and Hall of Famers Nick Gillis and Theresa Desmarais were launched from Antons Biddeford establishments, and his Pastime manager for many years was late Hall of Famer Billy Manning. Mike and Edna, married 48 years, have three sons Chris a Hall of Famer prominent in the family bowling business and architect of several world council promotions and tournaments; Michael, Scarborough fire chief, and Marc, a member of the State Police attached to its crime laboratory. |
 Scarborough, ME |
1978 |
| Earl E. Bolton The late Earl Bolton, elevated posthumously to the Hall of Fame tonight for his contributions and service to candlepin bowling, came to sport by a strange route. On December 7, 1941, when World War II broke out, Earl was the U.S. representative for a Shanghai based firm producing brush bristles. Hard on the heels of the Attack of Pearl Harbor, the Japanese invaded Shanghai and that signaled the end of Bolton's bristle business. But just over one year later, Earl already was in the process of building Turnpike Bowladrome in North Cambridge, Mass., and by May 15, 1942, 20 lanes candlepin lanes were complete and operating. Earl, always an innovator, disagreed with the suggestion of friends that "nice people don't go into bowling centers." He made it his first order of business to prove differently. During his long and impressive career as a progressive bowling proprietor, Earl served one term as vice-president of the Massachusetts Bowling Association and also was president of Massachusetts BPAA. He led the fight for standardization of the game of candlepins and constantly pressed for improvement of the game. Earl died in September of 1976 after a long and illustrious career. His son, Bill, is currently a third-term president of the Massachusetts Bowling Association and is proprietor of the now 54 lane Turnpike Bowladrome. Deceased September 1976 |
 Cambridge, MA |
1978 |
| William Bolton For years, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, Bill Bolton made himself available to the Massachusetts Bowling Association and the International Candlepin Bowling Association. There wasn't much, if anything, about the industry he wasn't involved in. He was a proprietor and a promoter. At times, he was a peacemaker between warring factions that threatened the unity of the sport. He was an organizational genius, and with him as managing director, the MBA and ICBA reaped the benefit of his expertise. A feather in his cap was the role he played in helping get a candlepin display in the Sports Museum of New England. He worked closely with the museum trustees in the display's research and funding. For years, too, he undertook the task of organizing and promoting the MBA State Tournament. Another monumental undertaking was the ICBA convention. For decades, Bill was the proprietor of Turnpike Bowladrome on Route 2 in Cambridge. He has served three terms as MBA president and served on and chaired every committee possible. " My heart's in bowling, it's in my blood," he said. "I guess that's only natural when you work morning, noon and night at nothing else." |
 Woburn, MA |
1999 |
| Suzanne Bolton Sue was the person behind the scenes, the person stuffing and sealing envelopes; the person verifying averages; the person sorting and packaging and wrapping hundreds of thousands of promotional cards. One year she rapped 1,400 individual boxes; imagine doing that at holiday time. And, here's the kicker: Bowling wasn't Sue's first love. Tennis was, and it was something she did up to four times a week. "Everything she ever did for bowling, she did for me", admits Bill. Her biggest undertaking was the $100,000 Massachusetts Bowling Association State Championships. The event would run over a period of two months and involve more than 5,000 youth and adult bowlers. Control central was the Bolton home in Woburn, where you would find more MBA paraphernalia than imaginable. From their home, Sue would send out promotional fliers, check and double check averages, compute the payoffs, write the checks, mail the checks, make the phone calls, arrange for trophies, set up the banquet, get the program ready for the printer and so much more. Another huge task she tackled was the MBA's "Say Yes to Bowling, No to Drugs" program. It was statewide and reached into New Hampshire and Connecticut. Not too many people realized how successful that program was, and still is, and in 1995, when it first started, she packaged 750,000 cards into those 1,400 boxes. It took the UPS driver more than two hours to haul them away. Not everyone in the industry knew what she was doing. They only knew that the task was given to her husband and that it would get done. "The responsibility fell on me, but most of it was borne by Sue" said Bill. She did it all. Some weeks she put 35 hours or more into it. I couldn't have done the job without her. We worked hand in hand. I guess it was a labor of love" Deceased August 9, 1999 |
 Woburn, MA |
1999 |
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Nicholas Cameles Nicholas Cameles, better known to many of us in New England as "Mr. Columbia Billiards." Since 1937, Nick has been building Bowling Centers and supplying them in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont. Ironically, the first establishment built by Columbia was the Lucky Strike Lanes in Lynn, owned then by Mike Faia and Joe Bonigli both Hall of Famers. He spent many years in Augusta, Lewiston and Auburn, Maine before moving to and settling in Dorchester, Massachusetts. After establishing Columbia Billiards, Nick became his own best salesman and spent much of his time on the road making regular visits to all of the Bowling Centers in New England. Those of us that have been in the game for some time will always be able to relate to Nick and his very famous Blue Band wooden candlepin, known for its scoring ability. Nick Cameles is 87 years old and still operates his building and supply company in Dorchester. He was involved in building more than 20 Bowling Centers at the height of his career, always implementing a flair for modernistic styles. He more than held his own in competing with the giants of the industry such as Brunswick Balke, J.E. Came, A.M.F. and many others. Many of the old time operators recognized Nick as a fine gentleman with a personable approach. Son Andy, a past President of the M.B.A. still operates the Sunnyside Bowladrome in Danvers, Mass. |
 Dorchester, MA |
1984 |
| Paul Cantin Paul A. Cantin, former owner of Canal Lanes, Southhampton, Massachusetts, has been affiliated with candlepin bowlers for 25 years. During that quarter-century, his contribution to the industry has been truly extraordinary. Cantin served two terms as M.B.A. president, was an M.B.A. representative on the now-inactive World Candlepin Bowling Council, and was a vital cog in the operation of the Western New England Candlepin Association. His behind the scenes promotional activities were varied and vigorous. He's had several tours of duty as a member of the M.B.A.'s board of directors, and chaired the M.B.A. bylaws committee. Other committee memberships included promotion, products and services, nominating and budget. He spent 20 years as a Western New England Association Director and also 12 years as its tournament director. The M.B.A. made him chairman of their delegation to the Centennial Celebration in 1981 and also serves on the Old Timers Convention which he was instrumental in organizing. Cantin also served for many years as M.B.A. TV show director for the Springfield area. Polished, polite and diplomatic, the soft-spoken Cantin has exerted tremendous influence on the game in a leadership role. He and his wife Barbara recently celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary. |
 Southhampton, MA |
1989 |
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Worthen "Bud" Cornish Bud Cornish, Taunton, Mass., native an a Portland, Maine newspaperman from 1922 until his death in 1954, was bowling's biggest booster in Maine. Various sports editor of the Portland Press Herald, Evening Express and Sunday Telegram for 30 years, slightly built Bud more than held his own with sports giants in a game requiring competitive keenness, nerve and skills far removed from mere muscle. In the era of the "non-action" pin, candlepin enthusiast Cornish was one of a handful in the state to score a quadruple strike. As a promoter of Portland, the Pine Tree State and Sports, Cornish was supreme. He set up state championship rolloffs in the immediate post-World War II period that focused sports world attention on the lanes. He researched newspaper files diligently for long-forgotten bowling records. How he managed to become and remain a proficient pin-picker was a mystery. He seemed far too busy with daily newswork, countless "On The Maine Stem" columns that enjoyed tremendous following, detailed and exciting coverage of the most important area and statewide high school, college and professional athletic activities, story contribution to leading national magazines, and even light and perky poetry. Sharply attuned to sports growth, Cornish quickly recognized the stepped-up importance of foul shooting contest. In 1947 Bud originated the state schoolboy foul shooting contest. This became Maine's most popular single schoolboy sports event. Cornish also conducted a twice-daily radio sports show on the Portland newspapers' sister news medium, Station WGAN. His signoff was a byword in Maine homes. It went, "If Your Boy's In Sports, He's Not In Mischief." Most-approachable "Uncle Bud" always had a sympathetic, encouraging word for youngsters who flocked to the newspapers' Sports Department. All left a bit buoyed by brief contact with the friendly newspaper and radio voice who championed their cause on local issues. Blaine Davis, fellow sports editor termed Bud a Maine institution, and his Maine Stem column a power for the right. Cornish merited Davis' description of the "Spirit of a Giant." Bud went out a fighting champion in a ceaseless battle against cancer. Deceased 1954 |
 Portland, ME |
1967 |
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Amos E. "Jack" Cowan Born in Melrose, MA ,January 6, 1892 his start in the bowling business was as a pinboy at Miah Murray's the oldest bowling establishment in the city of Boston. A past president of the old Suburban Bowling League and founder and president of the Greater Boston Inter-City Bowling League, a former Director of the MA Bowling Association and a member of the World Bowling Council, he owned and operated bowling alleys in and out of Boston. He formed and bowled on some of the best traveling bowling teams which traveled through New England for their matches. He was instrumental in starting publicity for the bowling game through Candlepin Hall of Fame sportscaster, Frank Fallon, who announced the Inter City League scores over the radio weekly. He was a key figure in getting Sunday bowling In Massachusetts, sold the Bowl-Mor pinsetting machine and worked closely with Bowl-Mor in perfecting a way to put a nylon cap on a plastic coated pin. In his later years, he built bowling lanes and went into the bowling supply business. He helped many bowlers and proprietors along the way, both with kind acts and knowledge of the bowling game and the bowling industry. Bowling was his whole life. He was very instrumental in starting New England and World Tournament competition and was active in its promotion and administration. He died July 27, 1972. Mrs Cowan still is active and lives with daughter, Ruth. Deceased July 27, 1972 |
 Boston, MA |
1978 |
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Anthony J. Czernicki Anthony J. (Tony) Czernicki might have remained in the shadow of wife Stasia, Queen of Candlepins Hall of Fame. Instead, he plunged into many facets of the sport not classified as competitive. His efforts toward game betterment fully merits Hall entry for long time contributions. Not that Tony couldn't post high numbers when stepping out of his background role. He crayoned a 196 high single in 1961. He's visible now as a lob line judge and referee for the TV show "Big Shot Bowling," and hour-long event of great viewing appeal on the New England Sports Network NESN. When he's not scrambling across the lanes in pursuit of deadwood, Czernicki is behind the scenes. He's been Tournament Director of the World Candlepin Bowler's Congress since the early '70s and its Executive Director since 1976, the year he retired as a postal supervisor. Czernicki was for 20 years coordinator for the Massachusetts Bowling Association state tournament at Fairway Sports World, Natick, MA. Because of the success and record number of entries, youth events were "farmed out" to another lane in 1975. Class A men's doubles transferred in 1976, Class A men's teams in 1977. The Czernickis reside in Webster, MA. They have three sons - Daniel, Edward and John. Ed and John were active on TV bowling shows and the pro tour. Stasia and Tony also have six granddaughters. When time permits, Tony enjoys fishing, golfing and gardening. |
Webster, MA |
1991 |
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Michael DiCarlo The late Mike DiCarlo's talents as organizer and innovator have earned him Candlepin Bowling Hall of Fame recognition for game contribution. DiCarlo became involved in bowling in 1932 at Rockingham Lanes in Springfield, Mass. Work experience before assuming a management role prepared him for top bowler status and provided insight into all facets of lane operation. He was one of the first operators to realize the impact women could have on the game, and encouraged their strong involvement. He also originated the game of "One Ball". DiCarlo hosted several major sweepstakes events. One attracted Hall of Famers Jim O'lindy, Art Bazata and Dominic (Musky) Muscolo. They finished in that order in topping a standout field. DiCarlo and his two brothers, Dom and John, in 1947 purchased the Mid Town Bowling Lanes of Springfield. He was active in Mid Town operations until his death in 1962. President of the Western New England Bowling Association, he helped organize the Western N.E. men's and women's pro bowlers' leagues. Deceased 1962. |
Springfield, MA |
1984 |
| Charles Dineen Charles Dineen's contributions to candlepins is best shown in his presence at two giant steps for the industry. In the bowling business for 33 years, the Worcester, Mass., game activist was a committeeman on the persistent group which persuaded Massachusetts solons to pass the landmark Sunday bowling bill. As president of the Massachusetts Bowling Association in 1959, Dineen ushered in another era for further candlepin advancement when he signed the first contract for the amazingly-popular weekly television lane show. That show originating in Boston, provided the game with maximum, quality exposure, attracted more participation and increased bowling interest tenfold. Dineen was for 18 years host to the highly-successful Worcester Telegram Gazette tournament. This event, which ended in 1960, was organized and directed by the late Oscar Silverman, another Hall of Famer. Dineen was MBA president in 1962 and 1963, its treasurer 18 years, on that group's board of directors and a member of many MBA committees. Dineen was a delegate to the World Candlepin Bowling Council and treasurer of the Worcester Bowling Association. He operates the 14-lane Metro Bowl in Worcester, but makes no claim to competitive fame. Wife Annette is a certified bowling instructor. However, Dineen has launched many a roller on the title trail. He has set up extensive boys' and girls' junior programs, and organized a flock of junior award programs. |
Worcester, MA |
1975 |
| Howard M. Dowd |
Littleton, MA | 1965 |
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Henry J. "Hank" Drozdowicz Henry J. (Hank) Drozdowicz has as hobbies work, golf, fishing and more fishing. Only in recent years has he been able to indulge the two sports. His intense occupation was the candlepin bowling business. Contributions were immense. First employed by Bowl-Mor Co. in 1950, he was instrumental in the design, engineering, and production of the first automatic candlepin pinsetting machines. Drozdowicz was responsible for installation of the new Bowl-Mor machines which marked the beginning of a new era in the small ball game industry. He worked diligently to develop the early Model "B" machines into a highly-marketable product. He supervised Bowl-Mor's sales and service department in New England, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia, and created a mechanics school to train new proprietors in machine maintenance. Drozdowicz installed, exhibited and promoted candlepin bowling in the early 1960's in Germany and Japan, and demonstrated bowling techniques at these foreign Fairs. With Bowl-Mor's exit from the industry in 1964, Hank formed Candlepin Machine Specialists, Inc., to carry on a business in which he'd been an integral part. Self-employment required many hours of work to meet growing customer demand. Service calls seven days a week was normal. He continued to develop innovative conversions that replaced worn and expensive parts, improved machine operation and minimized maintenance and expensive "downtime". He remained active in the business until November, 1983, when sons Stanley and Richard took over. Semi-retired, he spends winters in Florida. Married 47 years, the Drozdowiczes have six children and six grandchildren. Deceased May 31, 2006 |
Peabody, MA |
1989 |
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Royal Edgerly Jr. For more than 40 years, Royal Edgerly has been in the candlepin bowling business and for more than 40 years he has promoted the game. He learned from the ground up, starting as a pinboy when his father purchased Bowlaway Lanes in Rochester, NH back in December of 1954. Within 10 years, he was active in the New Hampshire Candlepin Bowling Association, serving as convention delegate, officer and a member of many committees. He was NHCBA president from 1971-1973 and then again from 1979-1987. There were also terms as secretary and vice president. In 1984, Royal, along with fellow New Hampshire proprietor Nick Genimatas, approached the NHCBA with the idea of forming an organization encompassing the entire candlepin industry. The goal was to unite and standardize all associations under one umbrella. Many hours were devoted to his goal and, in 1985 the first meeting of the International Candlepin Bowling Association was called to order at the Samoset Resort in Maine. With representatives of the Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick associations on hand, Royal was elected president pro tem and served in that capacity during 1985 and 1986. When the ICBA was firmly in place, he served as its secretary from 1990 to 1995 and was responsible for organizing and keeping record scores set throughout the industry. For the past 12 years, he has been New Hampshire's delegate to the Sports Museum of New England. Bowlaway Lanes has been Royal's pride and joy for more than 40 years and running it has become a family affair. Geri, his wife of nearly 35 years, sons Jeff and Curt and daughter Toni, all play key roles in keeping Bowlaway Lanes a successful candlepin operation. |
Rochester, NH |
1996 |
| Michael Faia Having arrived here form Italy at the age of 17, Michael Faia started out in the Candlepin Game as a pinboy. He became so fascinated with the sport that within a few years of his first pinsetting job, Mike leased an establishment in East Lynn at the age of 26. He has been involved in Candlepins ever since. In 1937 he opened the Lucky Strike Lanes in Lynn which houses 34 lanes. Mike Faia has been one of the states staunchest supporters in the promotion of tournaments. The Lucky Strike Lanes have always been very well represented in every state, sectional and New England tournament. His ability to promote a genuine interest in his Junior Bowlers was always a topic of conversation. Many times Mike would be known to subsidize travel, food, and Entry Fees for his young bowlers. Many developed into championship caliber through the patience and efforts of Mike Faia. Mike and his wife, Antoinette, recently celebrated 58 years of marriage. At age 80, Mike is still very active in the daily operation of his establishment. He has been called by many of his M.B.A. associates as the "Dean' of the North Shore Bowling Proprietors. One of the greatest tributes to Mike was bestowed upon him this year by the M.B.A. at its Annual Awards Night when they recognized him in a citation. In part the citation reads, "Known far and wide as a quality proprietor devoted to the highest standards, Mike has served M.B.A. well through the years, both as a multiple term Director and frequent committee member. It is in recognition of his many and valued contributions to the cause of candlepins that we offer our sincere thanks and this citation to Michael S. Faia |
Lynn, MA |
1984 |
| Frank Fallon Bowling and Fallon have been close companions for 40 years. The Boston native started in the bowling field in May, 1927, as a salesman for the Brunswick, Balke Callender Company. He traveled for five years in Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts, opened the Commonwealth Recreation Lanes in the Allston section of Boston in 1932, moved to Kenmore Recreation when it opened in July 1936, and branched into the radio field in May, 1938, as a sports announcer and sports director for Boston Station WMEX. The current WBOS sportscaster and Raynham, Mass., Park publicity director since has been the man at the mike at more than 16,000 sports programs. He's had and communicated, hundreds of thrilling athletic highlights to sports fans, and perhaps has relayed more play-by-play accounts to intent listeners than anyone in the broadcasting business. Fallon conducts the oldest continuous nightly sports program in New England, possibly in the U.S., and is an unruffled veteran when describing such varied, torrid action as baseball, football, hockey, basketball, wrestling, boxing, bowling and track. In 1946, he broadcast the first major league night baseball game in Boston's history, handled the Boston Celtics games their first four years, 1946-1949, and did the National AAU boxing championships from the Boston Garden 16 straight years. He has announced all Boston Bruins home games for ten years. Fallon reserves a special sports spot for bowling. In 1939, he broadcast a ball-by-ball report of the New England candlepin championships from the Medford, Mass., Daylight Alleys and the Record-American bowling tourney at Huntington Alleys in 1940 and 1941. Fallon bowled 30 years, and averaged 112 in league competition his last four years. He knew his favorite sports subject. |
Raynham, MA |
1967 |
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Francis Feighery "He took special pleasure in covering the sport of bowling." That line was predominant in the obituary of Francis J. Feighery, who chronicled candlepin's mushrooming popularity from 1930 to 1953 for the Springfield, Mass. papers. His column, Strikes and Spares," brushstroked in colorful language many a standout lane figure while keeping the general pin populace fully informed of lane activity ranging from routine to special. Feighery, who enters the Candlepin Hall of Fame tonight, if present at such a star-laden gathering, would step quickly out of exalted role, copy paper folded into three sections, pencil poised and ear cocked for feature material and column notes. He'd cut up conversation touches with such lane luminaries as contemporary Fred C. (Stub) Emery, Athol, Mass. whose distinguished career Feighery covered and appropriately will march down the Hall aisle in memory as a fellow inductee. Feighery joined the sports staff of the Springfield Sunday Republican in 1930. Assignments varied from high school, college and Triple A sports. First editor post involved bowling news. His columns on bowling leagues and personalities were read widely throughout Western Massachusetts. He assisted in supervision of many tournaments. Feighery spanned the sports spectrum with his typewriter, from ice shows to football to basketball to all junior amateur sports programs and gave similar attention to the routine desk work brightened by a rare free hand in planning special picture layouts for the sport pages. Feighery's boss, Sam Pompei, termed him a "superior writer." He might have added, "champion of bowling." He joins those champions tonight. Deceased |
Springfield, MA |
1981 |
| Bob Fouracre Robert "Bob" Fouracre was born on November 22, 1937 in Worcester, Massachusetts. Bob graduated from Northboro High School in 1956 and, subsequently, from The Cambridge School of Broadcasting in 1962. Bob's illustrious broadcast career has encompassed many sports, including of course, Candlepin Bowling. At various intervals in his life, Bob has served as the TV voice of the Boston Celtics, the host of pre-season Patriot's broadcast, a Professional Tennis announcer and the host of many College Basketball games. Tonight we are honoring Bob for his affiliation with and his unbridled support of, the Sport of Candlepin Bowling. From 1970-1983, Bob hosted 676 shows on WSMW TV-27 on the popular Bat State Bowling show. It was during these telecast that Bob's colorful, and sometimes irreverent personality emerged, as he introduced the viewing audience to such program regulars as the late Earl Gaard and Reverend Bates. Bob's cohorts on the show, Jim and Lorraine Richard and color commentator Dave Adams, also became household names. Finally, it was on this program that Bob's overuse of the word Superlative gained him the nickname "Mr. Superlative". In 1985, Bob became the host of Big Shot Bowling on NESN. Along with ICBA Hall of Famer Dan Murphy, Bob hosted 364 shows from 1985-1991. This program was in affiliation with the WCBC Pro Bowlers Tour and showcased the top talent in the New England area each week. Accordingly Bob hosted over 1,040 Candlepin Bowling broadcast over his 20 year career with the sport, second only to the late Don Gillis in the history of televised Candlepin Bowling programs. Today, at the age of 70, Bob is in his 47th year of broadcasting. Presently, Bob serves as the Voice of Holy Cross Football and Basketball on WTAG 580 AM as well as on the Internet. Bob is single, but has three children from a previous marriage~ Robert Jr., 43, Elizabeth, 41, and Steven, 39.
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 |
2008 |
| Sam Friedman Sam Friedman, Worcester, Mass., bowling operator a record 55 years, has been elected to the World Candlepin Bowling Council Hall of Fame for extraordinary service. Friedman has been Massachusetts Bowling Association secretary-director 15 years, Worcester Bowling Ass'n. secretary 30 years and was an MBA rules committee member from 1944-1961. He helped correlate the several candlepin rule books into the first universal book. Friedman was steered into the bowling business in 1914 by William E. (Kitty) Bransfield, former star first baseman with three major league clubs. His first candlepin connection was under Maurice Barsky's proprietor wing. He then became manager of the plush Crystal Alleys in Worcester. When Friedman returned from World War I overseas service, the once-dazzling, Crystal lanes were no more. The war had dimmed bowling business. After two other lane hookups, Friedman found his "home". He and partner, the late Jack Maskell, opened the eight-lane Recreation Alleys in downtown Worcester Feb. 22, 1930. Friedman's still there. From this base, Friedman competed in a flock of New England tournaments. He was second in the 1939 pro-tourney. In 1932, during the days of no-action deadwood, he hit a career single-string high of 189. His high triple was 427. From 1954, women's teams representing Friedman's lanes won seven straight Worcester City and County Bowling League titles. Protege Ken Pratt long was known as Worcester's Mr. Bowler. Friedman's interests aren't confined to candlepins. The former area basketball-baseball standout has been senior vice commander of the Worcester Jewish War Veteran's and senior vice-commander of that city's Wheaton Post, VFW. Memorial Day 1919, Friedman began decorating graves of Jewish War Veterans. He has continued unbroken that custom. Also unbroken is a lifetime partnership with wife Irene.
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Worcester, MA |
1968 |
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Horace E. "Frosty" Frost When Horace Everett Frost is summoned front and center to join candlepin greats for longtime game contribution, there may be a pause in the night's celebration. The "Who's That?" buzz will end with the more "Hop To The Scoreboard, Frosty." For 20 years, whether it be world, state or big league match, Frosty's been the figure reliable, the dependable and accurate scorekeeper whose swift pencil neutrality provided immediate match update. Frosty's long operated out of Scarborough's Big 20 lanes. His helping hand to Chris Anton began as a hobby. As a participant in seven leagues one winter, Frosty found it no great trick to keep the mind and crayon deftly juggling figures. His bent for numbers led, naturally, from Western Maine men's and women's qualifying round sweepstakes and eliminations to state, then world arithmetical attention. Soon Frosty was official world tournament scorekeeper, a job he and Don Ridley handled with ease and dispatch. Physical problems the last two years forced Frosty to put down his pencil, but at 78, the retired Portland Terminal Company inspector envisions a crayoning come-back. In case there's any question of endurance, ponder Frosty's background. One wintry night in 1920, a friendly three strings with Eastland Hotel chef Joe Carbeau turned into 32 strings and 3,264 pins knocked down. Proprietor Henry Drisko persuaded the pair to call it quits and permit him a few hours' sleep. Frosty's been flashed the No Smoking signal, but the doctors can't dim the twinkle in his eye when a pretty girl passes by. Score One For Frosty. |
Scarborough, ME |
1975 |
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Garland Manufacturing Co Garland Manufacturing Company, a company over 100 years old, has been engaged in the manufacture of parts for textile machinery made from water buffalo hides. The same material is also currently used for the manufacture of soft-faced hammers and mallets. About 1956 a new plastic material was introduced from Europe which, in the textile trade, started to replace the parts made from rawhide. This new material (an untra-high molecular weight polymer) has the highest impact strength of any known thermoplastic, and at the present time Garland Manufacturing Company is the only successful converter of this material into all-plastic candlepins. Because of this property the fabrication of candlepins was considered during the year 1960. Experimental pins put out in 1961 were yellow. Working closely with Mr. Chris Anton, refinements were made, and actual marketing of the first all-plastic Garland Candlepin was done in April 1962. Those pins have been in continuous use since that time at The Big 20 Lanes in Scarborough, Maine. The World Candlepin Bowling Council recognizes the great contribution that the Garland Mfg. Co. of Saco, Maine made to the candlepin industry and therefore proudly inducts them into the Candlepin Hall of Fame for Extraordinary Service and Game Contribution. |
Saco, ME | 1969 |
| Don Gillis Johnny Most of the Boston Celtics, Jim Britt of the Red Sox and Don Gillis of Candlepin Bowling and WCBV-TV, Channel 5. Now that's a terrific broadcast triple play! Gillis has hosted the top-rated bowling program since January, 1959. He joined original mike man Britt three months into the show. Phenomenal ratings, often topping the fervid followings of Boston's Red Sox, Celtics, Bruins and Patriots, have prompted many newspaper articles. Most notable appeared in the staid, sports-shy Wall Street Journal in December, 1985. Gillis has been prominent in this continuing success story. He has received more awards including several as Mass. Sportscaster of the Year, than any other television sportscaster in New England. Gillis served as principal sports anchor on Channel 5 until appointed Sports Director in 1983. Before coming to WCBV, Gillis worked at WHDH-TV, Boston as a sportscaster from 1953 to 1972. He began his broadcast career in 1952 as general assignment reporter, with emphasis on sports, for WBSM, New Bedford, Mass. Gillis has covered the spectrum of sports events, including play-by-play of the Celtics and Bruins. Gillis was for 10 years, color man and play-by-play announcer for Boston University football games. He also handled Harvard, Dartmouth and Boston College gridiron action. A Nova Scotia native, Gillis lives in Falmouth, Mass. He and wife Kathy have 5 children, including channel 7 Boston sports reporter Gary and ten grandchildren. |
Falmouth, MA |
1987 |
| Carl E. Greene Carl E. Greene entered the candlepin arena 28 years ago only after giving the game careful attention customarily reserved for the most delicate of pocket billiard shots. Cuemaster Carl's dedication to a sport comparatively new to him is being recognized in the form of introduction into the Candlepin Hall of Fame for extraordinary service. Greene's total commitment to bowling meant a complete switch in lifestyle. He pursued game knowledge as vigorously as he once eyed billiard ball "runs" in 100 category. In the process Greene made many timely contributions. An innovator Greene early recognized the need of expanded public education concerning candlepins. He made comprehensive studies of all bowling games, researched newspapers, magazines and libraries, and interviewed bowling officials and duckpin, tenpin and candlepin followers. Elaborate research convinced Greene that candlepin was "THE" bowling game, and he pressed that point to skeptical bankers when the State Bowl project was under consideration in 1959. Greene's assessment proved accurate. He's been State Bowl general manager the past 24 years. Greene's game interest never was limited to his establishment. A partial rundown of extracurricular activities include: Massachusetts Bowling Association committeeman; promoter, organizer and past president of the Western New England Candlepin Association; MBA education coordinator; past director of MBA Instructors' School (a first for candlepins), chairman of the World Candlepin Bowling Council rules and sanction committee; past tournament director for Western N.E. Candlepin Assn., MBA member of world tournament committee, which later organized the WCBC; WCBC vice president and executive board director; Hall of Fame committeeman; member of committee which arranged the first MBA TV show; member of MBA board of directors, 1950 to 1973; member of Junior Bowling committee, and an articulate spokesman for the game in radio and TV interviews. Greene wasn't afraid to depart from tradition in advocating "hitting the headpin" on the candlepin in contrast to "in the pocket" first ball technique favored by the tenpin set. He also petitioned successfully for adoption of the words "wood" and "wood shots" rather than playable "deadwood." Greene's game advancement wasn't without personal skill cost. The pool shark who in 1966 at State Bowl defeated world trick shot champion Bill Weber in a 100-point exhibition pocket billiard match and had the temerity in 1960 to take on (but not over), world cue king Willie Mosconi confesses, "I doubt now I could chalk up and proclaim with conviction 'Eight Ball In The Side Pocket-The Hard Way'." |
Springfield, MA |
1974 |
|
Florence Greenleaf Miss Florence Greenleaf, a Norway, Maine native and physical education instructor at The High School of Commerce, Springfield Mass., has devoted 30 years to candlepin promotion. Her book, "The Game of Candlepin Bowling," culminated 20 years of research of a sport long neglected in scholarly scrutiny. Carle E. Greene, Springfield, and Paul C. Tedford, Amesbury, Mass., collaborated in writing, while Steve Trinward, Norway, and Greene assisted in the arduous research effort. The 400 page effort was unveiled at the Candlepin Council's Centennial Celebration gala in 1981 at Worcester, Mass. While earning her Masters degree from Springfield College in 1962, Florence based her thesis on materials she compiled for candlepin instruction. She detailed styles of the champions in action during state and world tournaments. In 1967, with the aid of the Massachusetts Bowling Association and Greene, Greenleaf organized a statewide program of candlepin instruction for use in Massachusetts public school and college gymnasiums. Clinics were held throughout the Bay State in conjunction with the Lifetime Sports Education Project sponsored by the American Association for Health, Physical Education and Recreation. This challenge to the spread of tenpin instructions in schools was highly successful, and resulted in "1968 Candlepin Personality of the Year" designation by the World Candlepin Bowling Council. Candlepin bowling instruction was incorporated into the seasonal program for physical education classes at Commerce High. Greenleafs high school bowling teams hold the record for city championships. Greenleaf also served as bowling chairman on the Mass. Division for Girls and Women's Sports board, a division of the National Education Association. During this period, Florence became deeply involved in the game's historical research. This extensive project was eased by game founder-booster "Jack" Monsey's information loaded scrapbook loaned by daughter Irene Monsey Smith. Now retired from teaching, Florence continues to promote, through her book and allied activities, the sport she considers "the game for all ages." |
North Waterford, ME |
1984 |
| Roy E. Hardy |
Andover, MA | 1965 |
|
Benjamin Hubbart A pretty fair bowler in his own right. Benjamin Hubbart is honored here tonight for his service and contributions to the sport. Nicknamed "The Legend" to many on the bowling circuit, he introduced many people, especially minorities, to the sport of bowling. He was responsible for forming the first black male professional candlepin team in 1962. The fabled Huntington 55 All-Stars joined the West Roxbury Businessmen's League. In 1975, he organized the Boston War Angels and that team joined the Natick Open League and won the divisional titles in 1978 and 1979 and became the first black male team to do so. Ben Hubbard coordinated the bowling programs at Huntington 55, Matapan Bowladrome and more recently, at Columbia Bowling in Dorchester. He uses the sport as a tool to reach out to Community needs. Recently, he formed a Dorchester-based youth program at Columbia. Youngsters are invited to bowl a few strings and socialize with adult supervision. The program instills in the youth the importance of teamwork, self-discipline and cooperative efforts. His goal is to channel youthful energies from the self-destructive lures of gang violence and illegal behavior to a constructive basis. He hopes to have those in the program recognize their worth and to make the personal efforts to reach their full potential. He has found bowling to be the perfect outlet. |
Roslindale, MA |
1999 |
|
Edward "Ted"
Jones Ted Jones, who joins illustrious candlepin compatriots for game contribution, has been part of the bowling scene for 35 years. No matter that he came in the back door of a more demanding sport via initial association with duck pins. "A fella must start somewhere," was Ted's defense. The lifetime Lawrence, Mass. resident came on strong in what he describes as "the most challenging form of bowling." A partial rundown of bowling offices includes: Massachusetts Bowling Association president in 1960-61, vice president in '58-59, Bowling Proprietors Association of America executive board in '62-63, MBA board of directors 15 of the last 18 years; North Shore Bowling Proprietors Association, 1959-1956; current secretary-treasurer of that group; member of MBA's TV and insurance committees. That's just the first ball. His biggest contribution may have been early shepherding of the Mass. weekly bowling show. That superb exposure feature, displaying the best in competitors, has been viewed without interruption since 1959. That must be a national sports show record. Helpful though that showcase phase has been to the industry, perhaps Ted's chief contribution was his role in organization aid to the World Bowling Council. The Council applied uniform rules and playing conditions, launched the Hall of Fame and in countless ways backed the game and the bowler. Introduced to duck pin bowling in the late '30's, engineer-architect Jones recorded all tournament action at the Lawrence Recreation Center. In 1955, Jones assumed operation of Lawrence Recreation Center, the Theatre lanes there and Andover Recreation Center. Added duties as president and treasurer of these businesses sharply curtailed property appraisal and construction and repair vocations. A bowling buff on the administration side (he confesses to a "near 94 average"), Jones is more at ease behind a pool cue. A former vice president of the Mass. Billiard Proprietors Association, he's proud of long association with game whiz Willie Mosconi. Ted gives game promotion business priority, so it's natural he'd start with the youngsters. He admits to much satisfaction at kids' painfully gradual transition from awkward beginner to polished performer, and accompanying personal maturity. The Joneses have kept us in the population derby with James, 25 and Christine, 21. |
Lawrence, MA |
1973 |
|
Harold A. Johnson Harold Johnson broke into the bowling industry in 1938 as an apprentice to his father Anton as a lane builder widely known and respected throughout New England. Harold acquired his first candlepin establishment, Harvard Bowlaway in Cambridge, in 1954. Later lane acquisitions were Winchester Bowladrome, in 1960, and Andover Lanes, in 1970. He has been an MBA director and delegate to the World Candlepin Bowling Council, a member of the councils' standardization committee, and MBA lane inspector. He founded H.A. Johnson & Sons Inc., Bowling Lane Resurfacing Construction and Supplies. This firm now is operated by Harold's son, Fred, whose sons' involvement in the business makes for four generations of Johnsons associated with candlepin bowling. Harold served on many MBA committees and was highly respected by his fellow MBA member for his contribution to the state organization. |
Stoneham, MA |
1993 |
|
Roberta "Bobbie" Kline Roberta (Bobbie) Kline, who in the mid 1950s recognized the potential of candlepin bowling as a family recreational sport with the emphasis on increased participation by women, has promoted that theme to perfection at Lynn's Arco Lanes. She's happy though, that husband Bernard had strictly male bowling roots. "Bernie" learned the game and set pins by hand at Lynn Boys Club. At age 14, he was a regular bowler at several Lynn Lanes. First date of Bobbie and Bernie was at the Lynnway Lanes. Bernie paid for Bobbie's hope chest with money won in Saturday sweepstakes events. In the early '50s, Bobbie pushed sons Alan and Howard across the city in a baby carriage to watch Bernie roll well in sweepstakes action and supplement the family income. The Kline's bought Arco in 1955. Bernie worked days with his dad at the family's Lynn Ladder & Scaffolding Company, and nights, weekends, and holidays managed the lanes. Men dominated the competitive and social phases of bowling when the Klines entered the ownership scene. Bobbie quickly saw that there should be room for all, that a large market was eager to be tapped. She "suggested" she might be helpful with the family business. First step was the creation of the Mixed Nut League, formed so that the wives of Lynn's standout male bowlers could spend a night out (or in) with their spouses. This league still operates, with ten of the original couples reveling in the camaraderie. The success of this venture led to the formation in the 1950s of the Monday morning Eyeopeners League. Fifteen original members still are regulars. They've shared much of their lives with each other - - births, graduations, weddings and, inevitably, some passing of long time friends. In 1959, the Klines bought an auto dealership building and remodeled it into Lynne's premier family bowling center, King's Lynn Lanes. Susan and Judy had joined Alan and Howard in the Kline menage, but Bobbie found time and energy to form house leagues. Bobbie formed and ran the King's Harem League, the Jewels and the Candy League for children Saturday mornings. She switched the Mixed Nut League to a couples (Clambake) league that ended the summer season appropriately with a family clambake. Her stress on family ties were strengthened when King's Lynn was expanded to 14 lanes with a family style billiard room. She hired the first babysitter in Lynn bowling history, to watch the kids while young mothers were given free time for fun. She organized the George Washington Family Rolloff, pairing fathers and daughters and mothers and sons. This became an annual event. When King's Lynn Lanes in 1965 sponsored two women's Pro teams in the
MBA's travel leagues, the ten women selected and the two teams' alternates
were from one of Bobbie's leagues. |
Swampscott, MA |
1993 |
|
J. Donald MacWilliams Maine radio listeners and television viewers, if they were bowling fans, too, had a very special friend in J. Donald MacWilliams. Whenever there was bowling news to be reported, they knew they could get it by listening or watching his program. On Portland television station Channel 6 or radio station WCSH, he would give the result of any scores that passed by his desk. He was especially involved during state championship matches, often going on air with live reports from the site of the match. But television and radio weren't his only outlets. He also wrote sports columns, many dealing with bowling, for various Portland newspapers. While other television and radio personalities would give bowling the short end of the stick, J. Donald MacWilliams was the only sportscaster to regularly provide his audience with results. He would also keep them informed of any major competition coming up. In 1962 and 1967, he was honored as Maine Sportscaster of the year. In 1969, he published a book, "Yours in Sports," which featured basketball, baseball, boxing and of course, bowling. It's fitting that he be inducted into the ICBA Hall of Fame tonight because, since 1965, he has served on the ICBA Hall of Fame Selection Committee. This is his third induction into a Hall of Fame. He previously has been enshrined in the Maine Baseball and Maine Sports Hall of Fame. J. Donald MacWilliams has also served his community as six terms on the Portland City Council will testify. He is currently retired, living in Portland with his wife, Helen. The couple has seven children and 10 grandchildren. He retired in 1977 and recently wrote a book on track and field performances covering the period from 1976-1993. |
Portland, ME |
1996 |
| Earl McAuley In 1944, Earl McAuley was elected vice president of a Moncton, New Brunswick bowling league " because he was single and had lots of time". Forty three years later, McCauly's time remains Candlepins' time. He's never ceased league executive duties. What began as modest game entry in the sport in the early 40's as league participant, expanded to almost all facets of the industry. Soon after joining a second men's league in 1956, McCauley was asked to try his hand at scorekeeping. He found the work fascinating. Next step, in 1964, involved writing a weekly Candlepin Bowling column for the Moncton Transcript. That popular and informative news piece continues today. In 1975, McCauley was asked to explore the medium of television commentator for a new TV bowling show. McCauley quickly learned to relax and "have fun" with the various events. This led to a regular seasonal challenge program. Last year, the half hour "Earl McCauley" Show preceded the regular show. McCauley organized and conducted many leagues in Moncton. Obtaining Canadian Government funding, he organized the Moncton Golden Ages program. He has been the statistician for New Brunswick and Ladies' Provincial and Maritime tournaments for more than 20 years and does the stats for numerous leagues and special functions, along with all bowling records in the Moncton area. An accident in 1983 curtailed active bowling but didn't dim continued game interest and involvement. |
Moncton, NB |
1987 |
| Harry McLane Harry F. McLane, Exeter, N.H., who on made 75-millimeter shells for the French Field Artillery, burst like a bombshell on the bowling scene. The Exeter, N.H., native enters the Candlepin Hall of Fame for extraordinary service. Those two words capsule McLane's game devotion since he broke into bowling in 1946 with purchase of the Ferncroft Lanes, Hampton, N.H. Fittingly McLane becomes the first New Hampshire man to be honored by the W.C.B.C. The world group follows the lead of the New Hampshire association which in 1968 dedicated the first Awards Night program to its organizer and three-term president, and the next year voted him honorary lifetime membership. Before formation of the Granite State unit, McLane "infiltrated" Massachusetts BA meetings. At these sessions, he lobbied long and hard for an organization embracing all New England states, or MBA expansion to include out-of-state and Canadian groups. About the time the Granite State body was launched, McLane was elected first vice president of a small ball association which also embraced duckpins. McLane's been a wheelhorse of the WCBC's rules committee, advertising supervisor of its rule book, and N.H. lanes' sanctioning chairman and Executive Committee member. He expanded operating duties in 1958 when he acquired the Exeter lanes. Because of ill health, Mclane last year sold his Exeter and Hampton houses. Harry's biggest bowling thrill came last June, at the Big 20 lanes, Scarborough. Daughter Bette (Pray) rallied after a slow start to push Stasia Czernicki to her competitive best in the world championship title match. Stasia's sixth straight crown was hard earned. |
Exeter, NH |
1971 |
| John J. Monsey |
Worcester, NH |
1965 |
| Emilio Parrella The late Emilio Parrella brought color to the game of candlepins in the form of bright and attractive bowling balls. As supervisor of the Hard Rubber Division of Stowe-Woodward Co. (Ebonite) of Newton Upper Falls, Mass., in the late 1940's Parrella pioneered the repairing and refinishing of candlepin balls. This unique process played an important part in bowling center maintenance as automatic pinsetters evolved. His development and introduction in 1960 of the light and lively-appearing Paramount ball meant welcomed eye relief form balls which had been black or other dark shades. The precision balanced and high durability of Paramount, an industry standard, was followed by the Parrella Starline, the first translucent, pearlized bowling ball. Parrella's 34 years of dedication and contributions to candlepins were recognized in these awards: New Hampshire Candlepin Bowling Association Merit, 1973; Candlepin Bowling Hall of Fame Merit, 1978; World Candlepin Bowling Appreciation, 1979; Commonwealth of Massachusetts Commitment, 1980; and Medway, Mass. Business Council Service, 1986. Parrella's industry affiliations included Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Duckpin Bowling Associations. Sons John, Robert, Richard and Michael carry on the family business which has expanded greatly from bowling balls to a diverse group of bowling equipment and supplies. Wherever you hear the sharp click of candlepins or the somewhat duller sounds of duckpins, be it in the U.S., Canada, Argentina or the Philippines, there reposes the Parrella presence in the form of a sparkling, spinning ball... a shining salute to game advancement. Parrella was born June 16, 1912 in Ayer, Mass. Before his first birthday, Emilio and his parents returned to their native Montesarchio, Italy. In 1925, Emilio returned to the U.S. with brother James, 15 and settled in Boston. They later moved to Watertown, Mass. While there, Emilio married Palmina (Pamela) Fantasia in 1932. In addition to four sons, the Parrellas had daughters Rosemarie and Jeannette. Parrella passed away in September, 1985. |
West Medway, MA |
1987 |
| Robert Parrella He has a long history of service to the industry and is a member of the Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine and International Candlepin Bowling Associations, as well as the Duckpin Bowling Council. Over the years, he has served on various committees and sat on many executive boards. One of his biggest accomplishments was serving as chairman of the Sports Museum of New England candlepin bowling exhibit committee. He spearheaded a fundraising drive and when the museum opened, the candlepin industry exhibit was a highlight. He now sits as a museum trustee. Bob is president and treasurer of Paramount Industries, Inc., a business founded by his father in 1952 with the invention of repairing and refinishing bowling balls. He has worked with his brothers, John and Dick, in the manufacturing company, E. Parrella Co. Inc., in the production and manufacture of Paramount brand bowling balls. In 1968, they accepted the responsibilty to develop new and innovative products for the bowling industry. Ten years later, Paramount Industries, Inc. was formed as the sales and distribution company for bowling products. Bob's contributions to the bowling industry have been recognized with the ICBA President's Cup in 1993; the Western New England Candlepin Bowling Association Distinguished Leadership Award in 1990; the Duckpin Bowling Proprietors of America Distinguished Leadership Award in 1989; and the Massachusetts Duckpin Bowling Proprietors Association of America Distinguished Service Award in 1987. |
Medway, MA |
1999 |
| James Pine Jim Pine, an Eastport native who built lanes in Portland in 1882, enters the Candlepin Hall in the oldtimers, category. Inventive Pine was prominent in development of the first candlepin, and reportedly was the first to bore holes in the ball for gripping and control. This advantage made the game a graceful sport, and was a boon to women rollers. The few who dared enter the alleys had to run halfway up the alley, and launch the big ball two-handed fashion from several folds of skirts. Pine built lanes in Portland in 1882, and was an operator at Peaks Island, three miles from Portland. Son Fred was Maine's first recognized candlepin king, in 1900. |
Portland, ME |
1969 |
|
Vernon E. Putney Vernon E. Putney, a Portland, Maine sportswriter, spent 35 years writing for the Portland Press Herald, Evening Express, and Maine Sunday Telegram newspapers. He was instrumental in getting candlepins on the front pages of the sports sections throughout Maine. His news releases covering important candlepin events appeared in many of the New England Newspapers. He wrote for four decades covering the 50's, 60's, 70's, and until his retirement in 1981. Vern reported on three World Tournaments held at the "Big 20" Bowling Center in the 50's and 60's from the promotion end of it, the coverage, and finally the wrap up. He was instrumental in distributing this information throughout New England. He served two terms as Executive Secretary of the World Candlepin Bowling Council and authored every biography written about every Hall of Famer that appeared in the 16 Induction Dinner programs. Vern shared that responsibility once during the Centennial Year Celebration of 1981 with the late Hall of Famer Paul Tedford. The W.C.B.C. recognized his candlepin contributions by honoring him with its Personality Award given to a person that has unselfishly given of himself for the betterment of the Candlepin Industry. He also received recognition from the Maine State Candlepin Bowling Association for his endless contributions to the promotion and coverage of the Maine scene. Vern, an ardent southpaw golfer and a one-time amateur boxer, is currently the Associate Editor of a national publication - Golf Course News. He has served on the Candlepin Bowling Hall of Fame Committee since its establishment in 1964. He is married to the late "Al" Doone". |
Portland, ME |
1989 |
|
Phillip S. Rubin Phillip Rubin has been director at WCBV-TV, Boston, since 1972 when the station first went on the air. He is currently producer/ director for WCBV-TV's weekly program, "Candlepin Bowling," the top rated, regularly scheduled weekend sports program in New England, which has been on the air for more than a quarter of a century. He has also directed telethons, including " The Annual Jerry Lewis Labor Day Telethon for Muscular Dystrophy" and "The United Cerebral Palsy Telethon." Before joining WCBV-TV, Rubin was a director at WHDH-TV in Boston for two years, from 1970 to 1972, and an assistant director for three years, from 1967 to 1970. A native of Boston, Rubin received his Bachelor's degree from the Boston University School of Public Communications in 1964. After graduating from college, he served in the U.S. Army Reserve, and in 1975, transferred to the U.S. Navy Reserve. There he served as Public Affairs Officer before he retired in 1990. Rubin is a member of the board of Holliston Cable Access Television, Inc. He lives in Holliston, MA with his wife Laurie and daughters Sarah and Jessica. |
Holliston, MA |
1991 |
| Dan Ryan Dan Ryan's involvement with the sport of Candlepin Bowling dates back to the age of fourteen and continues to the present day. His enthusiasm still abounds and his efforts to enhance the viability and popularity of Candlepin Bowling throughout the years are recognized this evening with his induction into the ICBA Hall of Fame for his extraordinary contributions to the Candlepin industry. Dan worked for his brother Jimmy at the Needham Bowlaway in 1960. Dan so enjoyed working in this establishment that in 1972, along with his brother and his father Jim, Dan purchased the former Randy's Bowlaway in Watertown, Massachusetts. Dan went on to own several Bowling lanes throughout the years including Granada Lanes and Malden Square Lanes to name a few. He also became involved with Riverside Lanes in Watertown in 1982 and ran the Class Events out of this venue in several MBA State Tournaments. During his years as an MBA proprietor, Dan has served on several MBA Committees. At various junctures, Dan has been on the Rules, Budget, Standardization, and Awards Night and Promotion committees. Additionally, worked on the TV Committee and was instrumental in negotiating the contract for the Channel Five Bowling Show. Dan has served as an MBA Director for several years and served on the original committee for the New England Sports Museum. In 1988, Dan was elected Vice-President of the MBA and served in this capacity through 1989. In 1990, Dan assumed the presidency of the MBA and served through 1991 in this important role. Dan's involvement with Candlepin Bowling has not been exclusive to the MBA alone. Dan has worked diligently for the ICBA as a member of its Executive Board and as its Vice-President. Finally Dan is a long-standing member of the ICBA Hall of Fame Selection Committee and has provided knowledge and insight to the selection process throughout his years on this committee. Please join Dan's wife Eileen and his children in congratulating Dan Ryan as the ICBA warmly welcomes him into its Hall of Fame tonight. |
|
2005 |
| Joseph Saco |
Belmont, MA | 1965 |
| Helen Sellew Sellew's attractiveness camouflages a powerful personality. World Candlepin Bowling Council directors who have done philosophical battle with the co-owner of the thriving Fairway Sports World, Natick, Mass., would nod vigorous assent to the term "Velvet Steel" applied to Sellew. For almost 20 years, she's more than held her own in verbal exchanges and ideas with an otherwise all-male candlepin contingent. Ever the lady, she's remained true to principal. Respect, at first grudging, became freely volunteered and widespread. She took her proper place in the forefront of those responsible for industry advancement. Game input initially accepted gingerly and with reservation has fittingly placed her on the Candlepin Hall of Fame platform. Sellew is being saluted for extraordinary service and game contribution. Helen entered the candlepin scene in September1955, in company with father George P., Sr. and brother George, Jr. expanding a golf range and ice cream complex by opening 16 lanes. Another 16 lanes were added in September 1960. And what action has transpired on these surfaces! As chairman of the Massachusetts State Bowling Tournament for 20 years, Sellew has shepherded remarkable tourney growth. The event has been staged at Fairway the past 19 years. Other lanes have hosted smaller portions of the tourney in recent years. Chairman and director of the MBA Certified Bowling Instructors School for 20 years, she has developed many teaching ideas, including the use of films as instructional tools. She was the MBA's Promotion Committee chairman two years, MBA vice president one year and MBA president from 1979 to 1981. Not content with executive direction, Sellew was equally as enthusiastic - and efficient - as a participant. She paired off with Webster whiz Stasia Czernicki for four Mass. State Ladies doubles titles. Their combined ten-string 1,227 in 1972 still stands. Deeply involved in civic affairs, interest outside the bowling field include: Natick School Committee 12 years; trustee, Middlesex County 4-H Clubs and Extension Service ten years; president, South Middlesex Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Children; chairman, Natick Heart Fund, four years; corporator, Natick Five Cent Savings Bank, and treasurer of the Women's Golf Association of Massachusetts, 1980-81. Ah, golf! The graduate of Natick Schools and the University of Massachusetts, who worked for several years as County 4-H Extension Agent in Middlesex County before making the transition to bowling which translated into a ten-strike for the business, knew failure on the fairways. Frustration had dogged all shots at the Framingham CC women's club championships. The sad script again seemed in effect in the "Summer of 79." However Helen came from 12 strokes off the pace to win the 54-hole test - the hallmark of a champion. |
Natick, MA |
1981 |
| Oscar Silverman Silverman has drawn upon a wealth of bowling experience from the spectator-keen observer standpoint. As a veteran Massachusetts newsman, he wrote extensively and learnedly of the sport. He helped found the Massachusetts Bowling Association in 1946, was field secretary until 1952, helped set up associations in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, and assisted in formation of the first world candlepin tourney in 1950. Associated with Bowl-Mor Corp. since 1952, Silverman has been tapped frequently by WCBC board members in a consultant capacity. Oscar's broad bowling experience and communications skills blend as pleasantly as the clouds of smoke his pipe diffuses at Council sessions. |
West Boylston, MA |
1966 |
|
John B. "Jack" Stafford Stafford crammed a full sports life into 66 years. The robust Bostonian always was a leader. He was first president of both the New England and Massachusetts Bowling Associations. He was widely known in Massachusetts legislative circles, and operated several bowling establishments. Most prominent was the "Huntington Club," equipped with a record 72 lanes, all on one floor. He helped promote bowling to the number one family sport in the Bay State. Stafford's booming voice was heard 'round the land long before the era of the public address system. He announced major boxing, track and field events, and came through loud and clear without electronic amplifying hookup. A fierce competitor, Stafford had a strong edge in the almost-daily diamond arguments which raged during his years as a semipro baseball campaigner with the Warren A.C. of Cambridge. Partisanship became stern neutrality when he swapped his baseball glove for an umpire's chest protector and mask. Baseball officials recognized Stafford's unyielding qualities, and his umpiring climb form semipro, New England and International League ranks was rapid. Stafford's strict enforcement of diamond law reportedly backfired in his first - and last - year as an American league umpire in 1907. Normally gentle-mannered manager Connie Mack raised a point of baseball order. The rookie umpire gave the early league organizer one minute to repair to the dugout. Mr. Mack made it, but Stafford's contract not renewed. Ouster meant to Stafford a change of scenery equally pleasant and profitable, if minus the pressure. He umpired all Harvard University baseball games. When the United States declared war on Germany in 1917, he was commissioned a Captain in the Quartermaster Corps. Upon army discharge, he returned to umpiring in the New England League and for Harvard. Stafford died in harness. He was stricken while attending a meeting of the Massachusetts Bowling Operators Association. Deceased. |
Boston, MA |
1967 |
| Paul C. Tedford Paul C. Tedford of Newburyport, Mass., and Washington, D.C., has ample Candlepin Hall of Fame qualifications as a topflight bowler, but even more outstanding have been his contributions through extraordinary game service. Like most industry pioneers, there were crushing setbacks. After working 100 hours a week in the early 1960s to give candlepins its finest bowling magazine (Candlepin Bowler), he lost everything in a disastrous fire at the business plant. Tedford operated the 12-lane Port Recreation Alleys in Newburyport, the first successful establishment built for pinsetter bowling machines. After this 1952 venture, Tedford helped operators convert to mechanization by demonstrating ease of operation and promoting the revolutionary method that became so swiftly a means of establishment survival. Among those quick to sense the machine possibilities were Bill Genimatas, Ron Crowley, Helen Sellew, Joe Bonigli, Tony Baldinelli, Carl Jones and Mike Faia. Tedford was at his bowling best in doubles matches. He teamed with Hall of Famer Tony Baldinelli, Amesbury, Mass., defeated the late Francis Chiminiello, also a Hall member, and George Gastonguay in a $4,800 purse match. He captured a world championship sweepstakes in 1939, but preferred the duo dueling involving such standouts as Tracy Sanborn, Joe Bonigli, Joe Cawlina, Ron Crowley and Charlie Jutras. Individual highs were 191 single, 451 triple, 702 five-string and 1,301 ten-string. He was a member of a team that crayoned a record 1,819 at that time. Tedford promoted candlepins in the United States and Canada as an editor and writer. |
Newburyport, MA |
1975 |
| Fred R. Tortola It's appropriate that Fred Tortola be ushered into the Candlepin Hall of Fame for game contribution. "Contribution" has marked the career of the Waltham, Mass. resident, not only in the bowling business but in almost every facet of society. Tortola in 1947 teamed with brothers George and John Rando to open the 20-lane Wal-lex setup, a slick suburban operation in its newness and brightness a far cry from the dingy, in-town basement installations then in vogue. Eighteen lanes were added in 1956, 22 in 1960. The second expansion project made the Wal-lex facility the biggest in the game. It remains so. In addition, the eight-acre Wal-lex Sports Complex for years has embraced New England's biggest roller skating rink, an immense miniature golf course and one of the Bay State's busiest fast food outlets. Wal-lex is a giant in the recreation business, a factor Tortola say is due in large part to partner George Rando. There can be no overlooking, however, Tortola's deep involvement in bowling industry progress, nor his unstinting support of civic enterprises in the Waltham area. In 35 years at his Waltham base, Tortola's tireless promotion of bowling hasn't prevented extension of activity in time, effort and money to aid the handicapped and retarded. At Wal-lex, Tortola promotes, organizers and administers leagues for the blind, retarded and those confined to wheelchairs. He conducts the largest bowling program for youngsters, senior citizens fill his lanes twice weekly, and muscular dystrophy patients are regular league competitors because of Tortola's interest and encouragement. A longtime counselor to retarded persons, Tortola headed the drive to remodel a vacant school as an active workshop for the retarded. In 1980, he arranged for purchase of a large house to serve as headquarters for teaching the retarded in home, rather than institutional, surroundings. Tortola has been an active member of the Massachusetts Bowling Association since 1948. A member of the MBA's Board of Directors for more than 25 years, he was president in 1966 and 1967. He was a member of the MBA team launching the first Candlepin TV Show, "Fun For All Ages," and arranged subsequent programs. He organized and staged statewide tournaments that developed attractive presentations offering top prize money. Legislated gains the past 30 - all-day Sunday bowling, liquor control, etc. - found the Waltham entrepreneur in front lobbying ranks. Tortola has managed an active family life with wife Katherine, two children and six grandchildren despite such outside interest as director of Waltham Chamber of Commerce, Waltham Boy's Club and Waltham Savings Bank. A Waltham Hospital trustee, Tortola was vice chairman of the building committee which recently shepherded a $15 million wing. |
Waltham, MA |
1981 |
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Louis T. Vaughan Louis (Lou) Vaughan was a top-notch bowler, as a 202 single in 1971 at Saint John Bolorama Lanes attest, but he made his biggest mark in the candlepin game as a standout organizer and promoter. Vaughan who died in 1987 at age 50, was a whirlwind backer of the sport he first came in contact with as a pinboy. He devoted his life to advancing the candlepin cause. Earl McAuley, Moncton, N.B., who in 1987 became the first Canadian to enter the International Candlepin Bowling Hall of Fame, wrote of Vaughan, "Lou was number one in Saint John with this game. It will be very difficult or impossible to find anyone in that area to take his place and be as devoted to the game as he was. Lou was considered the best in the area for his organizing abilities and officiating at various events." Always in the top ten in tournaments and a member of five provincial championship teams, Vaughan recognized early the greater need for promotion of the sport. He initiated the first mixed bowling tournament in 1981. Twenty teams entered. The number is now near 100. Vaughan in 1983 organized 200 bowlers into an association. The New Brunswick Candlepin Bowling Association now list 6,000 members. As long time sidekick Charlie O'Brien notes, "Lou is the driving force behind the NBCBA. His ideals are incorporated in the constitution, a fitting tribute to a great man. Typically, objectives include: aiding and assisting youth, senior citizens, blind and any handicapped bowlers in New Brunswick. Bill Donovan, managing editor of The Telegraph Journal and The Evening Times Globe and former sports editor of the two Saint John newspapers, grew up with Vaughan on the city's North End. Said Donovan: "He was one of New Brunswick's great bowlers, who put something back into the game. He worked unselfishly for bowling to make it what it is today. Adds Bruce Munford, sports writer and editor of these same papers, "Vaughan started the Youth Bowling Council in Kennebecasis Valley, which covers various areas on the outskirts of Saint John. Thanks to Vaughan, kids in these areas have a place to meet and bowl Saturday mornings. They also compete against other YBC programs in N.B. for provincial championships. Vaughan cannot be replaced. He can only be remembered." Mary LeBlanc, NBCBA Regional Representative and a Vaughan protégé, is especially appreciative that Vaughan's memory will be preserved in the tournament he created. The prestigious Alpine Golden Light Mixed Classic now bears Vaughan's name. Vaughan is survived by wife Mary Frances and son Paul L. Deceased 1987 |
King's County, NB |
1991 |
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Justin "Pop" White |