Waltham, MA Wal-Lex Recreation Center photographs

Photographs of Wal-Lex Recreation Center, Waltham, Massachusetts

In March of 2002 the owner announced that he was negotiating to sell the landmark bowling alley and recreation center. Frederick Tortola Jr. stated that his family had considered selling the complex for years. At it's peak a regional recreation haven, it was among the first alleys to feature automated lanes. CVS, Staples, Burger King, and TJ Maxx are now on the site.

The Wal-Lex Recreation Center, or simply Wal-Lex, was an entertainment complex which operated from 1947 until 2002. Considered a landmark in Waltham and the surrounding area, Wal-Lex consisted of a 60-lane candlepin bowling facility, a rollerskating rink, billiard tables, and video games. It also featured mini-golf until 1985.

The Wal-Lex Recreation Centercelebrated it's 50th year in Waltham in the summer of 1997.

1946 - Frederick Tortola, John & George Rando, and Joe Russo begin constructionof a 20-lane bowling alley on an apple orchard on the Hardy Estate.
1947 - Wal-Lex Recreation Center opens on July 4.
1950 - Rollerskating rink opens.
1954 - 18-lane annex is added behind the main building.
1958 - The first weekly candlepin bowling show is broadcast on WCVB TV channel 5 on October 4.
1959 - A second story and 22 more lanes are added.
1960 - Second level, containing 22-lanes, is added to the main building.
1986 - Kiddieland ice cream stand and the miniature golf course replaced by Burger King.
1996 - The weekly bowling show is dropped after becoming the longest-runninglocally produced sports program in the country.
1999 - CEO Frederick Tortola dies