Today in History - 1901

The American Bowling Congress installed six lanes in Chicago's Welsbach Building and 41 teams (a total of 205 bowlers) showed up to shoot for a $1,592 prize fund in the first ABC National Championship Tournament.

Under the leadership of the ABC, bowling quickly became both popular and respectable as indicated in the 1905 Milwaukee tourney pictured. Gambling was virtually eliminated--partly because of prize money offered not only by member leagues, but also in ABC-sanctioned regional and national competition.

With the sport cleaned up, women were attracted to bowling in large numbers. The Women's National Bowling Association, founded in 1916, conducted its first national championship the following year.