Bowling is often called the king of pin games, but historically, its most ardent fans have worn blue collars rather than ones trimmed in ermine. From its development in Renaissance Europe to its embrace in the 13 Colonies, bowling and its various antecedents have been a pastime accompanied by equal parts alcohol and gambling, which evolved into its depiction as a game for dull-witted working stiffs, from Jackie Gleason’s loud-mouthed Ralph...Continue Reading