DECATUR — David Small has wanted his own bowling alley since he was in junior high.
Tom Adcock bowls with the ADM mixed league at Victory Lanes in Decatur on Nov. 25, 2025.
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Aidan Hodgson, 9, of Atlanta, bowls with family while visiting for Thanksgiving at Victory Lanes in Decatur on Nov. 25.
A variety of bowling balls can match any bowler at Victory Lanes in Decatur on Nov. 25.
Members of the Decatur Bowling Association got together for their annual award banquet in October, a time to see old friends and spend time together.
Timothy Goodhue says he's not very good at bowling, but he enjoys it as a social time with friends and family of all ages.
Makayla Roof doesn't have as much time to go bowling as she did when she was younger, but she still enjoys spending time with her family and bowling when she can.
This bowling pin was autographed by professional bowler Tom Adcock, who is part of the Decatur Bowling Association, and was on display among other memorabilia at the group's annual award banquet.
Old-fashioned bowling pins and a bowling ball were among the memorabilia on display at the Decatur Bowling Association's awards banquet.
From the archives: Spare some time for these 10 photos of bowling in Decatur 🎳
Decatur Women's Bowling Association
1981: Three important workers in the state tourney: Marlene Coffman, president of the Decatur Women's Bowling Association; Eileene Pfeifer, city association secretary and Aileen Barger, city association vice president.
City Association Tourney
1961: Decatur bowlers in action at City Association Tourney.
Illinois Women's Bowling Association
1976: Attending were from left, Mary Jane Sporar of Joliet, tournament's publicity chairman; Hilda Schroeder of Peoria, secretary of the state association; Paula Hill of Decatur, secretary of the Decatur Women's Bowling Association; Marlene Coffman, president of the Decatur association; Betty Rambo of Decatur, assistant tournament director and Frances Hubbard of Urbana, first vice president of the state association.
Arthur Gray and Dick Werner
1966: Arthur Gray, Springfield, throws a ball down a bowling alley at Pla-Mor Lanes while Dick Werner, assistant manager of the alley watches. Gray was one of several blind people receiving instruction on a bowling technique for blind persons.
Bob and Rob Zakowski
1991: Bob Zakowski of Shelbyville offers his son Rob some tips at The Eldorado Bowl. Zakowski is head of the junior bowling program in Shelbyville, which last year included 90 members between 5 to 18 years old. Zakowski just purchased new bowling balls for Rob and his other son, Chris.
Snoopies Girls
1977: Snoopies Girls, a Moweaqua bantam team, won in the Illinois State Junior Bowling Association Tournament, Elgin, with 2,458. From left: Stacey Schmahl, Cindy Quincy, Jill Cole, Paula Pearson and Terri Miller. Jill Cole had the best scratch score among the team members, 352.
Matt Eckert
1987: 88-year-old Matt Eckert, with his ever-present cap and jacket, bowls in Friday Senior League at Eldorado Bowl.
Luanna Weakly
1987: Luanna Weakly of Shelbyville uses body English in Senior League action at Eldorado Bowl.
Beals Five and Wild Kids
1976: Mrs. Marcella Lindgren poses with members of the Beals Five and Wild Kids in the Eldorado Bowl bantam program.
Jumpin' Jacks team
1976: Jumpin' Jacks are in first place in the Golden Age Senior Citizen League. From left, captain Carl Coffman, Fred Ruthrauff, Ed Highcock, Roy Tucker. Not pictured: Charlie Stack.
Contact Valerie Wells at (217) 421-7982. Follow her on Twitter: @modgirlreporter
Valerie Wells
Education Reporter
