Community and tradition come alive at a neighborhood center 

Though the Rich Sarrazin Bowling Center (RSBC) is located in an unassuming place, it has united many around a mutual love of the sport. The hidden gem, housed inside Most Precious Blood School in the Bloomingdale neighborhood, is more than just a place to bowl or socialize. It’s the sum of many parts, including community, history, and family legacy. 

Established in 1932, the facility has weathered nearly a century of change. Larry Sarrazin is Rich Sarrazin’s son and grew up steeped in bowling culture and a Catholic upbringing. 

Larry now oversees the center, leading the charge in functions like operations and maintenance. He says it’s a point of pride to carry on the family tradition and preserve its unique charm.

“My dad ran the Bowling Center for 49 years before he passed away,” says Larry. “It’s always been a staple for the parishioners and the surrounding community — a place to have fun.”

The Center’s origins are deeply tied to the local parish, Most Precious Blood. During the Great Depression, parishioners built the bowling alley as a means to support the school financially. It quickly became a hub of activity, hosting leagues six days a week and even serving Friday fish dinners during Lent.

Fast forward to modern times, and Larry took over the center in 2022, after his father died. 

“When my dad passed, nobody really stepped up, so I went ahead and took the mantle,” he says. “My sister and brother-in-law were interested. Now, we’re a small team. Along with our volunteers, we run the business.”

The Center operates as a nonprofit, with all proceeds reinvested into the facility and the Precious Blood community.  Larry, who attended the school, says it supports the church and school through monthly contributions and a scholarship fund in Rich’s name. Every year, teachers can access funds from a $3,000 account to help pay for classroom needs.

Speaking of finances, Larry is conscientious about honoring the Center’s rich past by investing in its future through various projects. Recent upgrades include a new bar area, flooring, paint, and machine improvements. Despite these modernizations, Larry is committed to preserving the Center’s nostalgic atmosphere. 

“I want to make it an experience,” he says. “I want you to walk into the 1930s, even with the music.”

To Larry’s knowledge, the Center is one of the last remaining facilities in Fort Wayne of its kind. Its wooden lanes draw both seasoned bowlers and curious newcomers, plus the aesthetics leave a lasting impression. In Larry’s words, “Not all bowling alleys are full of animations and vibrant colors.”

That element of novelty might appeal to some bowlers, though it’s no secret that bowling culture in Fort Wayne has seen a decline over the last century. According to Larry, there were 19 centers in 1932, and now there are just a handful today. Despite this downward trend, Larry remains optimistic. 

“There’s a new kind of movement in the bowling community in the nation. It’s called two-handed bowling, and it’s injecting a lot of young people into the sport, which is great.”

According to New Hampshire’s WMUR, two-handed bowling means instead of putting your thumb into a ball hole, it stays outside. Bowlers also put their second hand on the other side of the ball to help guide the release.  Despite this new style and a renewed interest in bowling, WMUR’S Sean McDonald opines that the future of the sport is “uncertain.”

However things shake out, Larry hopes the Center will continue to draw people in. Looking ahead, he hopes to grow its volunteer base and connect with the next generation of bowlers. 

“I really want to make it to 100 years, in 2032,” he says. “It would be a cool milestone for the church and the school as well.”

Because it lacks air conditioning and is all-volunteer run, the Center closes every year at the end of April for maintenance and re-opens on Sept. 1. To inquire about a private rental, contact Larry Sarrazin via email or reach him via phone at (260) 710-7677.