History

The grand opening of Willow Lanes occurred November 6, 1955. Back then, Willow was a 12 lane bowling center with billiard tables filling the remaining space. The facility remained mostly unchanged until the flood of 1980. The facility was closed from July 2, 1980 through September 7, 1980 after more than a foot of water inundated the building. As a result, all new lanes and scoring systems were installed. During the late 1980's and early 1990's, the exterior of the building received a major facelift. The parking lot was expanded, a new street sign was installed, and a new entry into the building was constructed. To coincide with the improvements, a name change was in order, as Willow Lanes became Willow Bowling Center.

In 2000, CJ's Restaurant & Party Rooms were added to the front of the building. In 2008, the bowler's area floor was raised and the steps were replaced with ramps making all 16 lanes handicap accessible. The metal benches were replaced with black leather and suede couches.

CJ's Willow Bowling Center has been family owned and operated for more than 55 years. Pat & Mike Rayburn, the son's of Charlie & Jean Rayburn, now own and operate CJ's Willow Bowling Center.

1230 E Michigan St. Evansville, IN 47711  (812) 422-6682
© 1999 - 2012 CJ's Willow Bowling Center, Inc.  All Rights Reserved
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