Friday, August 25, 2006

White Elephant Bowling Lanes, 1011 East Overland Avenue



The White Elephant Bowling Lanes closed at least ten years ago, earlier I think. I never got to bowl here, but the White Elephant, along with the Red Rooster Bowling Lanes near Five Points were two seriously old-school lanes. The White Elephant, I believe, dated back to the 1930s, and had only six lanes. The lanes themselves closed long before the delish dive restaurant that was attached to it. The lane area itself looked like it hadn't changed a bit in 60 years. Photos taken August 25, 2006.

14 comments:

changapeluda said...

I feel as if I've walked down these streets :)

even though I know I haven't.

Anonymous said...

Great site. Stumbled upon it by searching "el chuco," just out of curiosity since I know that's El Paso's nickname.

I was born an El Pasoan, but living out of state now. These photos bring me back home!

Chuck Fensch said...

Thanks for stopping by! Enjoy, and keep looking for new photo posts!

David Wilton said...

The White Elephant closed in the early 90s. A little more than 10 years ago. A downtown classic, too bad it had to go. Wonder what it looks like inside now ...

Anonymous said...

I have a picture of it from the early 50's. How do I post the pic?

Chuck Fensch said...

Would love to see the photo of the White Elephant from the 1950s!

Unknown said...

Does anyone remember Stan from Red Rooster?

Unknown said...

The White Elephant Bowling Alley was first the White Elephant Cafe. After the WWII, a lot business was lost. This was when bowling alleys were added in 1948

Unknown said...

Yes I do remember Stan from the red rooster... great man! Really nice all the time! Does anyone have a picture of the red rooster?
I used to bowl there as a kid my dad owned it, would love a photo.
Melinda

Unknown said...

Who own the white elephant bowling alley ?

Unknown said...

I left El Paso 55 years ago. I remember the flashing neon sign of the white elephant throwing the bowling ball with its trunk, from about 1958, when I was four.I googled it a few years ago, and saw a picture of the same sign, now taken down. I hope I saved it. Viva El Chuco.

Unknown said...

It was Benny Esparza

Unknown said...

Benny Esparza

Anonymous said...

The Esparza family