About

It all began in 1946 when Hobart Day and Russell Day purchased the property at 1715 W. Stewart Avenue.

At the time of purchase, the only other businesses in the vicinity at the time were Horak’s Automotive/George’s Restaurant located across the street from the bowling center and Zell’s Tavern which was located where Hollywood Video is today.

The Center is Built

Early in the construction of the center, Hobart and Russell encountered a tremendous set back. Hobart moved $40,000 (1946 value) worth of building materials, mainly lumber, to a warehouse at a different location. Unfortunately, he didn’t insure the materials and shortly thereafter a fire broke out at the location destroying the building and the lumber.

Day's Bowl-a-Dome is Born

During the construction and initial startup of the business, Hobart and Russell Day, received financial support from Alfie Behrendt. They operated the business under the name, Stettin Bowl-A-Dome. Eventually the Day’s decided to make a go of it on their own and purchased Alfie’s interest in the business, incorporated it in July of 1948, and changed the name to Day’s Bowl-A-Dome.

Why a Dome?

Initial plans were to have a Dance/Banquet Hall in the dome area of the bowling center – above the seating and concourse area. For support, steel girders would be needed to create the suspended ceiling/floor of the hall in that location. Unfortunately, the center was built shortly after World War II and steel was in high demand making the purchase of girders impossible.

Fun Facts

  • 1950’s Day’s first pro shop was run out of Lakewood’s Sporting Goods Store.
  • 1956 Automatic Pinsetters are installed. Prior to that, all pins are set by hand.
  • 1960’s Our Junior Bowling Program started out as an after-school program for the junior and senior high schools.
  • 1963 Fire damages two lane beds.
  • Russell started the first bowling classes for special education students in the area with Pete Mattiacci and Caroline Seefeldt. This program is now part of the Special Olympics.
  • Russell and Mark Zelich started the Channel 7 Pin Busters Tournament.
  • The first Mixed Couples Leagues in the area were started at Day’s Bowl-A-Dome.
  • 1976 Lane beds are replaced and under the lane ball returns are added.
"Had my daughter's Birthday Party here on March 3rd. I have to say one of the best places to have kids party's. The service is amazing and they're always willing to help when needed. Would recommend Days Bowl a dome to anyone."
Mary Dalbec
"Service is excellent, prices are reasonable, and the food is tasty. Oh, and you can also bowl here! Overall a definite asset to the community."
Ian Reese
"A great place for bowlers and non-bowlers alike. I often go here for business lunches (the food is fantastic -- try the grilled tuna steak with jalapeno mayo and mango salsa --yummmm!) Fun bar too. Excellent service and very friendly staff. As a "feel-good" bonus, the owners do a lot for the community and charitable organizations."
Mary John
"Great place to be!! Food was amazing and service was great!!! Very fun and amazing place I even got to ask love of my life to marry me in front of a lot of amazing people!! Thanks a lot!"
Jason Schmirler
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