SPORTS FLASHBACK 1963: Steinbach’s Deluxe Bowl brings new sport to town

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 04/02/2024 (456 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The car dealership a stone’s throw away may boast it is the brightest spot in town but it would be hard to argue that Bill and Katharine Kostynyk’s Deluxe Bowl is not about to become the busiest. Since the day it opened in December, all eight lanes at the new bowling alley have been booked solid for casual bowling, while people taking up the newest sport in town anxiously await the organization of bowling leagues.

Mayor L.A. Barkman snipped a ribbon draped across a lane between two ball return chutes (choosing not to risk damage to the floor by throwing out the first ball) for the town’s first grand opening of 1963.

After declaring the new facility officially open, Mayor Barkman told the huge crowd of impatiently waiting bowlers, the town had waited a long time for someone to build a bowling alley in Steinbach, and he complimented Bill Kostynyk on making it a reality.

Steinbach Chamber of Commerce president Eugene Derksen welcomed the new proprietor, saying the opening of a bowling alley is a significant step in the development and growth of recreational facilities in the town.

“Now people coming here, as well as those in town, can round out their activities with this sport, which is gaining in popularity so rapidly. After looking at this magnificent building and the equipment, I know it is the kind of place we in Steinbach will be proud to show off.”

RM of Hanover Reeve John Harms, also welcomed the new enterprise, saying that he was only sorry that Councillor Abram F. Wiebe had not lived to see this development, as he had been such a very ardent bowler.

Kostynyk said he had never made a speech and would not start now, adding that there would be free bowling for everyone, once the official ceremonies were concluded.

While the men spoke, scores of youngsters and others not so young, waited patiently to start the balls rolling.

Wally Jones, president of the Brunswick Bowling Equipment Co., acted as chairman. Also complimenting the proprietor on a plan well made, was contractor Bert Friesen.

The bowling alley is modernly built with proper cloak rooms, indirect lighting, automatic pinsetters and everything else needed to make it the last word in bowling facilities.

Leagues will be formed as soon as there is demand for them, Kostynyk said. But, until then, all eight alleys may be booked for casual games.