In the Summer of 2004 renovations were made to update things such as automatic scoring, new lanes and equipment and upgrades to the building and its amenities. Then in 2003 the City of Chicago dropped the eminent domain suit and it was decided by the owners and family, with talks to the alderman concerning it continued status that if Fireside was to continue over the long term it needed to get back to its roots of bowling. As time went on and the neighborhood changed neighbors became increasingly more vocal about the live music acts. For the next several years the cloud of eminent domain hung over Fireside, but it continued to host shows promoted by Brian Peterson and Dave Eaves. Gradually, more and more shows were held there until 1999 when the City of Chicago wanted to expand the nearby Haas Park. However, music was now the primary focus. There was still bowling on a few nights, in particular the Bucktown Bowling League made up of several neighborhood establishments took to the lanes every Monday night as they had been doing for many years. While the bowling lanes were used less and less, music was filling in on more nights. The neighborhood was getting rough and business slowed so Fireside began to showcase live music on a part-time basis in 1994. As the neighborhood changed and Fireside fell into disrepair Lapinski handed the establishment to his son Jim. From 1971 until 1990 Lapinski operated it as a thriving bowling alley. Lapinski and McGuire operated it together until 1971 when Lapinski bought out McGuire. The Fireside Bowl was owned and operated by Hank Sophie until 1966 when Rich Lapinski and Alec "Mac" McGuire bought the bowling alley from an ailing Hank Sophie. In 1956 it was expanded and AMF automatic pinspotters were installed and the remodeled Fireside was expanded by four lanes bringing the total to 16. It started as a twelve lane pin boy bowling alley and thrived throughout the 40s and 50s. In the summer of 1941 renovations began and the owner Hank Sophie converted it into a bowling alley, cashing-in on the bowling craze that began in mid-20th century America. anything you’re willing to spare (whether it is your time, your stories, some of you old artifacts, or just cold hard cash) is greatly appreciated.The building was an ice factory in its early days. e-mail is definitely going to get you a faster response, or if we're friends on facebook you can hit me up there, too. If you’d like to donate, or help in any way, feel free to get in touch with me here or at. it is a huge undertaking, but should be a pretty incredible resource for everybody once it’s up and running. there will also be a section where fans and musicians can write their own memories of each specific show, and of the fireside in general. each date will be a click-able link to a new window where users can upload photos, videos, set lists, posters, fliers, etc. The goal of the website is to list every show ever played at fireside. by buying one of these 10 pins, not only will you get a piece of history, you’ll be helping to preserve it. up until this point, every penny put toward production has come from my own pocket. as a thank you to everybody who has given me their time and sat down to do an interview on camera with me, i have given them an original bowling pin from fireside.įor the first time ever, i’m making a very, very small number of these available to the public to offset the costs of not only the documentary, but a brand new website as well. Many of you know i’ve been working on a documentary on the fireside bowl for the past year and a half.
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