Chris Nichols is a writer and historian specializing in Southern Californian architecture and culture. He is the author of Walt Disney's Disneyland and The Leisure Architecture of Wayne McAllister, and is a long-time historic preservationist whose work has been profiled in Smithsonian magazine, The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, and LA Weekly. Nichols serves on the board of directors of the Hollywood Heritage Museum, and his live appearances, lectures, exhibitions, and tours have enjoyed sell-out crowds. He currently writes Los Angeles magazine's "Ask Chris" column.

An award-winning historian and advocate, Adriene Biondo grew up in the lost world of twenty-four hour bowling alleys and coffee shops. As a former chair of the Los Angeles Conservancy's Modern Committee and past president of the Museum of Neon Art, there's never a moment when she isn't working to preserve the magic of mid-century buildings and neon signs. She has initiated nominations for many key landmarks including the Capitol Records building in Hollywood, and Johnie's Broiler in Downey. Adriene has written four books with John Eng, and is a feature writer and photographer for CA-Modern architecture magazine.

Historic preservationist and Los Angeles Magazine senior editor Nichols delves into the midcentury heyday of bowling, including the 1951 advent of the first fully automated pin-setting machine, at the Bowl-O-Drome in Mount Clemens, Mich.; the widespread embrace of Jetsons-esque Googie architecture; and the glam lounges with cocktail waitresses, steak dinners, and live music. As well, he tracks the factors that led to the pastime's decline, lending additional heft to the meticulously sourced, evocative vintage photography.-- "Publishers Weekly" (10/7/2024 12:00:00 AM)

Publisher: Angel City Press

Pub date: 2024-09-10

Length: 206 pages