Lanes full of memories

Opened in 1939, Day Street bowling alley to close in spring

By Elizabeth Bernardi

Walking into Sacco's Bowl Haven and Billiards is like walking back a half-century in time. The décor has not been updated in as long, and as evidence, a framed copy of The Tufts Weekly hangs in the entryway, the front page headline reading, “Tuition Raised $150.” A silver-and-blue Marlin hangs on one wall, a pink flamingo behind the counter, and framed photos of bowling games past dot the walls. And all of the scores are still kept by hand.

The bowling alley and billiards hall has been on Day Street since 1939, and four generations of the Sacco family have overseen it. At one time, there were 19 bowling alleys owned by Sacco's in the Boston area, a number that dwindled over time. Sacco's Bowl Haven is the last remaining, but as of this spring, its doors will close permanently.

Co-owner J.P. Sacco says his family has decided it's the right time for them to move on. The bowling alley, with prices that seem not to have increased in 50 years either, is not a lucrative business, said Sacco. He and his brother Damon, a co-owner, both hold other jobs that occupy much of their time. Their father, who is also a co-owner in the business, has retired to Florida. And although they all feel sentimental loyalty to the Bowl Haven, they are ready to let go of what Sacco called something of a “dinosaur.”

Shoe rental at the Bowl Haven costs $1.50, and a string of candlepin bowling goes for $3.00 ($2.75 on weekday mornings and afternoons). Sacco's father was adamant that the business remain uncomplicated, so there have never been food or alcohol sales, where Sacco says other bowling alleys make most of their money.

On a recent Saturday night, though, the lanes and tables were packed, with a waiting list for bowling lanes numbering half a dozen. The jukebox played loudly, nearly drowning out the sound of employees calling the names of those waiting.

First-time bowler Charlotte Johnson, a newcomer to Somerville, said she had discovered the Bowl Haven while driving home from dinner one night. “We're trying to find more places to hang out, and this was cool,” she said.

Sacco has not taken this decision lightly, and it has been a long time in coming, he said.

“I took over this bowling alley with my brother back in '95 and '96 and it was four generations - my father, grandfather, and great-grandfather - who were involved in this bowling alley thing…This is the last of the dinosaurs.”

Sacco, who grew up in Arlington, has memories of playing hockey in the streets of then-quiet Davis Square. Although he's never lived in Somerville, Sacco said he feels loyalty to the community his family's business has served.

“I know the importance of a place for people -- children, adolescents, and seniors -- to go to for leisure activities,” he said. “Somerville doesn't have a lot of outdoor space, and although I don't live in Somerville, I really like the place.”

And that, he says, is why he has continued to run the Bowl Haven all these years.

“The reason I kept it alive was for the community,” explained Sacco, not the profits. “King's in Boston charges exorbitant prices for the shoes,” he said, citing the upscale bowling alley, “and I think he's doing pretty well, so that's a money maker. This is more of a community business. Because of my attitude, I'm really more invested in doing what I think is right for the community.”

Sacco has entertained offers for his property over the course of the last decade, turning down corporate giants or real estate developers looking for luxury condo space or parking lots. He said he felt an obligation to the community to try to find a buyer who would use the space to contribute to the Davis Square neighborhood in a constructive way.

Enter Trish Blain, whose proposal to buy the Bowl Haven included a community center where residents could surf the Web or chat over coffee, said Sacco. Blain, who did not return phone calls for this story, is a four-year resident of Davis Square, and Sacco said she has been eager to engage her neighbors in conversation about what sort of space would serve them well.

In an October posting on LiveJournal, Blain described her idea. “The quick overview,” she wrote, “is that we want to develop unique spaces and services that (1) help people meet each other (2) expand people's homes and offices and (3) enhance the creative/renaissance lifestyle. (Features like flexible meeting space, unique social events, art and music salons are some examples).” At the time, she was calling the space “The Connections Center” but Sacco said that after some negative feedback about that name's ambiguity, she set it aside.

Blain also agreed to keep some of the bowling lanes and billiards tables available for use, and she decided to include a small exhibit space dedicated to the rich history of Sacco's Bowl Haven.

J.P. Sacco, who has signed a purchase-and-sale agreement, supports the plan Blain laid out to build the community center, although he said that once the deal has closed, of course, Blain will have the right to do whatever she chooses with the property, provided she can secure the necessary permits from the city.

At a December meeting of the Davis Square Task Force Blain said part of her plan was to build a 100-room hotel on Day Street after securing the Bowl Haven and other surrounding property.

   
Restrictions will prohibit her from building higher than 50 feet in Davis Square, and Sacco said he believes Blain can only expand upward on half of the building. The property abuts residential space, which will also limit Blain's options. The Somerville News last month reported that Blain announced her plan to build a “connection center that also has 100 hotel rooms.” In a comment posted on the Somerville News website later that week, Blain mentioned “the guest rooms/hotel aspect” of her plan, promising that “the guest rooms would not be rentable by the hour.”

Whatever Blain's plan, employees and customers at the Bowl Haven will be sorry to see it shut down if the closing succeeds in early April, after the dozen leagues that play there have finished their seasons. Sacco said he was sorry to see any of his employees put out of work, and his league teams displaced. “I don't want to put people out in the cold,” he said. But he emphasized that he is behind Blain's plan as he understands it.

“I think it would be such a great asset. I'm promoting her plan and when I stood up at the [Davis Square Task Force meeting last fall where Blain presented her plan], I told them I've considered many options and it's definitely not going to stay in our family. It's going to enhance the flavor of our square.”

One employee and longtime customer, Fred Blank, said he has been coming to the Bowl Haven since he  was four years old, and that it gave him a place to hang out.

“It's like if you closed a park in the city,” said Blank. “It's like taking down the Powder House - it's like taking a piece of history out of Somerville.”

Blank, who grew up in nearby Teele Square, said the Bowl Haven had been just that - a haven - to him and his siblings, a place to play on school vacations. He described both J.P. and Damon Sacco as “real good guys” who listened to his suggestion for a weekday bowling deal for kids and then made it happen.

“Look how many people are here,” he said, gesturing around him. “The lanes are filled, there are no open tables. It might be just one night a week, but still.”

Ten-year employee Mike Carey summed up the benefits of the Bowl Haven: “You can throw balls here without getting into a lot of trouble, as long as you aim at the pins.”

Comments

[JARfromWard3]

I'll be sad to see Bowl Haven go, but agree that it's probably time to move on. It, along with Speedy Pizza and the Somerville Theater, constituted the destination of many a high school Friday night date.

For a while during the late 50s and early 60s, my father used to work there part-time on weekends repairing the pinsetters, covering the counter, etc. Among his recollections, he speaks even today of knowing what Tip O'Neil's shoe size was from when he and his son Tom used to walk over from their house on Russell St. to bowl a few strings on Saturdays.

For me as a little kid, it was cool seeing the mechanism of the pin setters work from behind the wall.

Notwithstanding its closure, the Sacco family should be thanked for providing so many generations of locals a great recreational venue, and for their contributions to the community's culture.

73
JAR

[Sorry]

I think there are many who will be sorry to see Bowl Haven go. I can remember bowling there with my friends when I was in 4th grade. And my kids have bowled there, and had birthday parties there. And I don't think anyone realizes that the Sacco Family has been very good to many community events. Several years ago when several friends of Ryan Sullivan wanted to raise funds for a scholarship the Sacco family not only donated the space for a bowling fundraiser but also donated many valuable raffle prizes. I think it will be missed not only because of its' history, but because it is so valuable as a place to go - especially for the young and the elderly, and anyone looking for some fun and exercise on a budget. It is really the last place left in the city for indoor recreation that's fun for all ages (movie theaters don't count - no interaction or exercise there!). And although the prospective buyer says she will keep several lanes, it seems like most of the plan will be devoted to drinking coffee, going online, and art exhibits, all (NOT) very unique offerings in Davis Square. And I must say that I found her comment that 'the guest rooms would not be rentable by the hour' a little offensive. Maybe it was her attempt at a joke, but I think it speaks volumes to her feelings toward Somerville and her plans for the space.
If I won the lottery today, I'd purchase Bowl Haven and keep it exactly as it is! Any investors out there???

[somebody]

Sorry: I have actually heard that comment about renting rooms by the hour from others (I think on this message board). The people making such comments were speculating about how poorly a hotel would do in Davis Square, and how it would end up being rented by the hour. So to be fair to the prospective buyer, I think she made that comment as a defense, not to be offensive.

I agree, we don't need another coffee shop. I would prefer a bowling alley / pool hall type thing if it were upgraded a little to make it more enticing. I'm not excited about a hotel coming to Davis Square.

[loves to bowl]

I don't understand why it's necessary to create "unique spaces and services" where they already exist. I'd much rather see a buyer succeed who wants to keep the bowling alley and make it a little more lucrative. I know I'd go a lot more if they had food and drinks. There really are enough community space type businesses in Davis, we really just need a cool place to hang out.

[Ron Newman]

I'd love to see the bowling alley stay, but it's quite obvious that the Saccos want to leave the business after many decades of faithful service. I can't in any way blame them for this decision.

If someone else thinks they can keep Bowl-Haven going while paying whatever price the Saccos are asking, they'd better show up quickly.

[Imux]

Awwww...just wicked pissa! Just what we all need -- another libaloon inspired business. Let's see a "connection center", still some bowling/pool, a memorial to the Saccos and a hotel. Where is she going to put all that?

Also, the moonbat vision to "..enhance the creative/renaissance lifestyle..." I almost spilled my beer laughing. You just can't make stuff up this good. If you moonbats didn't exist I swear I'd have to create you... just for the entertainment value alone.

Oh... and the hotel! She better charge per hour as that's the only way those rooms are getting used. Who goes to Davis and actually wants to stay overnight? No one.

[Ron Newman]

It's fine to criticize, Imux, but can you come up with a plan that's economically feasible and keeps the bowling alley intact, while letting the Sacco family exit the business and get a fair price for their property?

[Imux]

Yes. They should sell the property to the highest bidder regardless of what is to go in there. I have nothing against Trish, but she better focus her plan better and not try to be everything to everyone. In other words, she's better off ignoring you libs and just put something in there that will make her some money.

[Ron Newman]

I don't think "us libs" have much to say other than "please please keep some of the bowling lanes intact and open". If she can do that and make money, more power to her.

I salute the Saccos for not selling out to CVS or some other big chain.

[Imux]

Ronald, why would you want to tell someone who is buying property what to do with it (keep the bowling lanes!)? Unless they get a liquor license - then bowling lanes will never make anyone enough money to prosper. Want to go bowling? Go to the turnpike lanes up on route 2.

In the meantime, the Saccos should sell for the most cha-ching they can get and move on.

[Ron Newman]

She's the one who says she wants to keep some lanes. This was her initiative, and presumably was one thing that made her offer attractive to the Sacco family. I agree with you about a liquor license, but the Saccos have always opposed having one.

[Imux]

They should just throw condos up. They'd make a killing. Maybe I'll make a counteroffer.

[Frank Bucca]

I remember that bowling alley well....

At one time, back in the late 1940's, as teen-agers, I and one of my friends, worked there as as "pin-boys"....in "the pit", where most of the pins that were knocked down ended up and had to be re-set by hand after each box was completed. Some pins, of course, ended up in the gutters;...and sometimes in the next alley.

Yes---the automatic pin-setters came later; they put pin-boys out of a job. [In retrospect, a blessing in disguise]

Talk about "heat"....some of those "900 pound gorilla" customers....threw fast-balls that would "explode" and/or "splinter" some "wood."
[I came home with the bruises to prove it; from flying pins; or a ball coming into the perch where a pin-boy "cowered" hoping not to get hit either by a pin or a ricoheting ball]

We jumped down from our perch to re-set the pins by hand; and if you weren't paying attention and jumped down too soon, a live thrown ball would serve to remind you of your mistake.

No hourly wages were paid. At that time we were paid .05 cents a string....no customers, no pay!!

Frank

[D. Jordan Berson]

If I had known the building was up for sale, I would have done anything in my power to buy it and KEEP IT 100% AS IS. While it is nice that the new owner wants to memorialize the place with an exhibit, I think there is enough history in museums. I want LIVING history. I want to have an experience, not a photograph. This is really bollocks.

[Ron Newman]

In that case you'd better hurry up and talk to Joe Sacco within the next few weeks, and make a counter-offer.

[Real Estate Market]

Mr. Berson makes an interesting comment. Was this building ever put on the market? Or did the proposed new owner simply approach the Saccos about purchasing their property because she saw a chance to pick up some property in Davis Square and make a killing (she can do almost whatever she pleases once she buys the property, regardless of her current plans)? Perhaps if the property were on the market, others would have made offers, too. Perhaps these others would have felt as Mr. Berson does and, outside of some upgrades, leave the business as is. Why not put it on the market and find out? I wish I had a few hundred thousand hanging around......