A Trip Down the Memory Lanes

Classic architecture doesn't have to astound to be worth remembering. Sure, the Gateway Arch turns heads, as it should, but there are other examples of wonderful works in our midst, buildings that are completely functional and that blend in a bit more, so much so, in fact, that sometimes we might forget to appreciate them for their design elements. In the case of Tropicana Lanes (7960 Clayton Road, Richmond Heights), we've often been too focused on achieving the right balance of beer to bowling — we need enough suds to loosen up but not so many sips that we get sloppy — to notice the mid-century modernism going on there. Fortunately, we will have a chance to celebrate the bowling alley's 50th anniversary along with its stylish aesthetics during Modern StL's Tropicanniversary: Celebrate 50 Years of Bowling at Tropicana Lanes, held from 6 to 9 p.m. Admission to the affair is free, and celebrators can expect drink specials, cheaper bowling and even a history lesson. To learn more about the party or the group throwing it, visit www.modern-stl.com.
Wed., Feb. 2, 2011