Venerable Howell Lanes marks 50th anniversary
BY TOYNETT HALL
Staff Writer

HOWELL - It's as American as apple pie, it never goes out of style and it's a place where the young and old spend their leisure time. Howell Lanes, a 32-lane bowling center on Route 9 south, has been entertaining residents of Monmouth County since 1957.

And over 50 years, Howell Lanes has remained an independent operation. Patrons and employees say it is the family-like atmosphere that has helped the business establish its landmark status.

According to owner Neil Feingold, the bowling center has been in the Feingold family for 49 years. Howell Lanes opened in 1957. A year later Feingold's father, Morris, purchased the business.

The rest is bowling history.

Feingold said Howell Lanes is one of the few bowling centers left that is privately owned. He said he believes the business has been a success because of a commitment to the customers.

"This is a very family-oriented business. Most of the people who come here know each other. It is like their second home and we are committed to taking care of our customers," Feingold said.

Howell Lanes employee Jack Jackson said, "This is not a corporate atmosphere where you walk in and it's just the bottom line. The owner is more conducive to the individual rather than the corporation. I think people get a sense, a feeling that they are wanted here. They are not treated like a number."

Frank Simacek of Millstone Township has been bowling in the Freehold Church League at Howell Lanes for five years. He said the service at Howell Lanes is superior and the staff is dedicated to their customers.

Professional bowler Parker Bohn III started bowling at Howell Lanes at the age of 8. He said in a telephone conversation from Japan that he commends the Feingolds for keeping the center family oriented and for maintaining the integrity of Howell Lanes.

"I still practice there. It's a place I still call home," Bohn said.

Howell resident Diana Rocher said she has been bowling at the center for five years and said she is glad it has lasted for 50 years. She said she has found bowling to not only be fun, but universal, and said it gives area residents something to do.

According to Feingold, "A community loses 75 percent of their entertainment when a bowling alley is closed."