Popular in various forms the world over, bowling became one of America's favorite pastimes as early as the 1800s. Bowling rules were standardized in New York in 1895. But it wasn't until after World War II that bowling really swept the nation, and by the 1950s and '60s, bowling was ubiquitous in towns and cities small and large. Local and national competitions, television specials, and the Professional Bowlers Association helped fuel the fire. Soon, adults and children alike were participating in bowling on a regular basis, often in weekly leagues. Though popularity has waxed and waned over...