 Taylor explained that the pair spent time at the Lincoln Public
Library going through old-style microfiche files and found
documents, including advertising, that narrowed it down to 1963.
"We couldn't pin it down exactly, but believe we are within three
weeks of the actual date it opened," Taylor said.
He said they discovered the building was built by a couple who
owned all the property in the area. They were owners of the American
Legion building and the hotel building just to the north of it,
along with the bowling alley. Later it was managed by a Mr. Echoff
for a short time.
After that, the history of the building became clearer, and
Taylor explained that the bowling alley was purchased and managed by
Gene Kattner. Later Kattner's daughter and son-in-law; Diana and Jim
Haseley, would take over the bowling business and run it until 2000,
when it was purchased by Taylor and Hasprey.
Another interesting part of the ownership history is in Taylor
and Hasprey themselves. Taylor was born and raised in California and
in 2000 had a successful career in the Marino Valley area, working
for a company that owned multiple bowling alleys.
Taylor explained that there were three best friends who were from
California: Hasprey, himself and Chuck Taylor (no relation). Hasprey
met his wife, Vickie, who was Vickie Board from Lincoln, in the
National Guard. Hasprey and Vickie married and moved to Lincoln
about 20 years ago. A few years later Chuck Taylor followed his
buddy to Lincoln and began Taylor Made Construction in Lincoln. In
2000, the bowling alley came up for sale, and the two friends called
Shawn Taylor and told him there was an opportunity for him here in
Lincoln.
"And now we are all here and we'd never leave," Taylor laughed.
"We love the community." Taylor explained that when he was in
California, he ran bowling alleys that were 50 lanes and more. Here
in Lincoln, at a smaller alley, he has gotten to know everyone who
comes in, and that is part of what he really loves about being in a
smaller community.
Since owning the bowling alley, Taylor and Hasprey have invested
approximately $500,000 in making it a better setting for those who
visit. In 2003, they added the sports bar and the indoor golf
simulator. They have done remodeling and general improvements to the
building. This year they plan to redo the lanes and update the
upholstery, and there is a long-range pipe dream that Taylor would
like to see come to be some day.
He explained that he believes an indoor miniature golf course
could be successful. He said he knows there have been miniature golf
attempts in Lincoln that have failed, but he believes one reason is
that they are victims of climate. He believes a nice indoor course,
open year-round and promoted as a great place for special events,
would be something the community would use. Taylor said they have
the land space to build the course, but for the time being it is
just a dream, not fully developed into a plan.
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As for right now, Taylor said some of the most popular events
outside of leagues are the cosmic bowling parties they host. He said
the parties can be incorporated into any special occasion. They set
up fog machines and disco lights, turn all the other lights out, and
of course have some rockin' music going on. Taylor said it is very
popular with teens.
League bowling is a big part of the alley, but Taylor said open
bowling is also very popular, especially during the winter. He
explained that there are only two sports that are good for all ages,
golf and bowling. Bowling is something kids can start learning and
participating in as young as 3 to 5 years old, and they can continue
the activity into adulthood and senior maturity.
There are currently 15 winter leagues and six summer leagues at
Logan Lanes. Taylor explained that bowling loses a little of its
popularity in the summer months for a couple of reasons, one being
that folks want to get outside in the fresh air and warm weather for
their exercise. Another contributing factor may also be that for
years and years, bowling alleys typically closed in the summer
months because they were not busy and owners couldn't afford to pay
their staff.
"We're open year-round, and that is one reason why," Taylor said.
"We want to give our staff year-round jobs."
Simulated golf is also a big draw in the winter months, he said.
For avid golfers, once the temperatures start to rise, they want to
get outside on the real green, but in the winter months they enjoy
being able to hone their skills using the simulator. Taylor said
that in addition, the simulator offers the ability to experience
some of the best PGA courses, such as Pebble Beach, St Andrews or
approximately 40 other top-notch courses.
Taylor said living in this community and owning a business in
this community has been a real pleasure for himself and Hasprey,
which is one reason why they want to celebrate 50 years of the
bowling alley.
On Saturday from 11 a.m. to midnight they are going to have a
50th birthday bash for the lanes. To commemorate 50 years, they will
have 50-cent games and shoes and will offer special prices on
beverages. At 8 p.m. the popular Logan County band Vintage Daze will
set up and provide live music until midnight. That will be a free
event, with no cover charges, so anyone who wants to come out and
enjoy the band is invited to do so.
Taylor said the celebration is a good way to say thank-you to a
community that has been supportive of the business for the last 50
years, and to him and Hasprey in particular for the last 13 years.
"I want to thank the community," Taylor said in closing. "It has
been a pleasure to watch people go from junior bowlers to adult
bowlers. It's been fun to watch them grow up. I want to thank Logan
County for supporting Logan Lanes."
[By NILA SMITH] |
