Description
The Duval’s College Bowl Neon Sign, Oakland, California, late 1970s, scanned from a Kodachrome original transparency.
Located on College Avenue in Oakland, College Bowl was owned by bowling pioneer Helen Duval, who passed away in 2010; obituary here. She was a highly regarded bowling instructor who spent countless hours helping disabled veterans learn to bowl as part of their rehabilitation.
The face of BVL for more than 30 years, former professional bowler and owner of numerous titles in bowling, Helen Duval passed away in her sleep on July 29. She was 94.
Thousands of veterans will remember Helen as the impetus for their love of or return to the sport of bowling. For decades, Helen traversed the country for BVL, giving bowling clinics to veterans hospitalized in VA Medical Centers. She soon became known for her refusal to take “no” for an answer – whatever challenges the recuperating veteran was facing, Helen took it as a personal mission to get everyone out on the lanes and learn to be successful in the game.
Image is 2816 pixels in height, scanned at 2400 dpi. Image copyright Jim Bunte.
