Worked in this place many times years ago with my Dad. We use to refer to it as being owned by the “Politician.” A Chicago Alderman use to own it back then. Thanks for the pic, brought back some fond memories
I have an ad that shows this place operating as early as 1916. It was known as Hector’s Recreation then, with the proprietor listed as C.A. Hector. Some of the leagues mentioned in the ad–North American Indian, Immaculate Conception, Edison, Nip ‘n’ Tuck.
–JRS
Wow, I’ve just stumbled onto this. Based on what you wrote above, J.R., I can almost guarantee that my family had something to do with this place. My family is Hector on my maternal grandmother’s side. Late 19th century to mid 20th century, there were lots of attorneys and business people … all from the general vicinity of 33rd and Archer.
The place was called Johnny Walls, after the alderman John Wall. And the bowling alley on Throop St. Was in the rear of St. Barbara’s School. A nice little 6 lane place, and a hang out for us kids
My dad and uncle would stop in with me when I was a kid. Mainly they’d have a beer downstairs. I remember they had a great dane that was very particular over who walked in the door and would go nuts if he didn’t like them. I must have been about 7 years old at that time….1947?
February 25, 2011 at 6:55 pm |
Worked in this place many times years ago with my Dad. We use to refer to it as being owned by the “Politician.” A Chicago Alderman use to own it back then. Thanks for the pic, brought back some fond memories
February 27, 2011 at 8:23 pm |
I have an ad that shows this place operating as early as 1916. It was known as Hector’s Recreation then, with the proprietor listed as C.A. Hector. Some of the leagues mentioned in the ad–North American Indian, Immaculate Conception, Edison, Nip ‘n’ Tuck.
–JRS
May 21, 2014 at 1:27 am |
Wow, I’ve just stumbled onto this. Based on what you wrote above, J.R., I can almost guarantee that my family had something to do with this place. My family is Hector on my maternal grandmother’s side. Late 19th century to mid 20th century, there were lots of attorneys and business people … all from the general vicinity of 33rd and Archer.
May 21, 2014 at 9:37 am |
Glad to add to your family history!
–JRS
May 21, 2014 at 12:36 pm
Would love to see that ad, if at all possible! Thank you, sir.
January 3, 2016 at 8:17 pm |
Was there another bowling alley down the street on Throop ?
January 4, 2016 at 8:32 am |
There might have been, but I don’t have any listing of it in my files.
–JRS
February 12, 2016 at 5:13 pm |
The place was called Johnny Walls, after the alderman John Wall. And the bowling alley on Throop St. Was in the rear of St. Barbara’s School. A nice little 6 lane place, and a hang out for us kids
October 25, 2018 at 3:45 pm |
My dad and uncle would stop in with me when I was a kid. Mainly they’d have a beer downstairs. I remember they had a great dane that was very particular over who walked in the door and would go nuts if he didn’t like them. I must have been about 7 years old at that time….1947?