From the 2006 Manning Quasquicentennial history book

Back: Tom Wittrock, Karie Cole, Dixon Cole, Reva Haskins
Front: Becky Rosener, Laurie Stein, Sandi Brinks, Dori Rotert
Not shown: Barb Doyel, Rachel Barnett, Steve Wiskus, Shelly Gruhn

From the 2006 Manning Quasquicentennial history book.
In 1958, Lyle Arp and Max Detlefsen purchased some old houses on the corner of Elm and Fifth Street and erected a modern eight-lane bowling center with the latest in automatic pin setting equipment and snack bar. The first season was in 1960 with Jim Mork hired as manager. Leagues were formed with open bowling during the week. On March 9 and 10, 1961, the grand opening was held. Pro bowler Carmen Salvino was on hand both days conducting bowling clinics. Some of the local bowlers got the privilege to bowl with the national bowling star.

After Jim Mork left the firm, Eldis "Bud" Weems was hired as manager with Ralph and Martha Hagedorn operating the snack bar. Later on, the houses on the west side of the building were torn down to provide a parking lot for the patrons.

On July 7, 1978, Glen "Red" Struve purchased the business and also became manager. The local school started using the center as part of their physical education program and junior leagues were formed.

In August of 1987, Dixon Cole of Lake View leased the business for two years until August 18, 1989, when he purchased the business from Struve. Leagues were added and the junior program increased. Remodeling began on the inside of the building with the demolition of the original wall that was located behind the bowling area and the removal of the seating, adding tables and chairs to provide more room for the bowlers.

The flood of 1993 affected L&M Bowl as the torrential rains ran through the east door, flooding the top level and kitchen area. It was caught just in time before reaching the bowling area. On May 19, 1996, a small fire erupted, causing extensive damage to the kitchen area and smoke damage throughout the interior of the building. Luckily only the kitchen equipment had to be replaced.

The most recent and exciting addition to the business was the installation of automatic scoring in August of 2000. New masking units were also added to the front of the machines for a more updated look.

With increasing technology and the flood of information for bowling, the scores and averages of bowlers have increased throughout the years. On September 14, 1995, Terry Seidelmann of Audubon, became the first bowler to roll a perfect game at L&M Bowl. Tim Rowedder was the first person to bowl an 800 series with an 805 bowled on November 12, 1997. On October 30, 1999, Karie (Haskins) Cole became the first woman to bowl a 700 series with a 714. To date there have been seventeen 300 games, eleven 299 games and four 800 series. Numerous 700 series have been bowled and several bowlers have held 200 averages.

The school continues to use the bowling center for their physical education programs. Leagues are run every night of the week with two junior leagues on Saturday afternoons. Bowlers continue to participate in numerous state and national tournaments including the Iowa Games held each summer.

With only 206 bowling centers remaining in Iowa, Manning and the surrounding communities should be commended for their support of the Manning business.

L & M Bowl construction 1959

footings

Lead Hargens home and backside of Thrifty's - back right

Max Detlefsen standing above to the northeast

Herb Hass, Max Detlefsen - Manning Motor to the south

Iowa Steel Construction Company

The old Manning Schuetzen Verein hall to the south - AKA Firemen's hall.
Another old structure that should have never been torn down.

Max Detlefsen, Herb Hass, Lyle Arp

Ron & Jan Arp on the ground

I contacted the library in Fort Dodge and this is the information they sent back. I had hoped that maybe the business would still be going but it apparently ended in 1962.
Iowa Steel & Construction in the city directory from 1961. But it's not in the 1962 directory. The only thing listed at the same address is a bar. The man listed as the owner in 1961 is still in the 1962 directory, but not the 1963 one. So I don't know if he closed up shop and moved in 1962 or if he retired or died or what happened. I suspect moved, because his wife isn't listed in the 1963 directory either.

Rafters going up

The Meat Locker slaughter house in the back.
You can see the overhead track that carried the hog or cow over to the meat locker to be made into cuts.

Rafters going up

Amos "Skip" Lohmeier - WWII Veteran who almost died during battle from his wounds.

South side

Margerie (Smith) Detlefsen

Skip Lohmeier on scaffold

Concrete floor poured on the north end.

Henry Grelck WWI Veteran who fought overseas

Max Detlefsen bending conduit

Cliff Wilson installing duct work - he worked for Detlefsen Electric several years.
Sadly he was found dead one day in one of the upstairs apartments on Main Street where he lived.

Bench assembly

Henry Grelck

Max Detlefsen reading the instructions

Max Detlefsen installing lights

Henry Grelck, Jon Grimm (grandson of Henry), ??

subflooring - man on right might be Rockie Palmer from Irwin - brother of Mildred Bennett
Jackie Meiers middle man in back - Jackie was father of Eddie Meiers

subflooring

Francis Bosche, Ron Bromert, Roger Hinz

Placing lane sections

Ron Arp, ??

Placing lane sections

Max Detlefsen with broom being silly

Placing lane sections

Max Detlefsen on right

Jon Grimm on left and maybe Jackie Meier on right
Note the early version of "cordless drill" called a Brace & Bit for those of you who are too young to know.

assembling pin machines

sanding the lanes

Jim Mork wiping down the lanes

Max Detlefsen, James Mork

Manager James Mork

Manager Bill Asmus

1961 Grand Opening