Crescent Lanes first opened on Ottawa Street in 1944 at 1055 Ottawa Street, opposite Lanspeary Park, in the building just west of Master Cleaners, in a 12 lane bowling alley. That building in 1957, was the first bowling alley in Canada to have automatic pin setters. In 1965, the alley relocated to the building shown above to a larger 24 lane facility.
The bowling alley was operated by Harry and Evelyn Slobasky. Helen is shown above in 2004, the last year of operation for Crescent Lanes. In 1975 the location at 871 Ottawa Street received a liquor license, the first licensed bowling alley in Ontario. Harry passed away in 1977.
The building was demolished in 2005 and a new mixed use development rose in its place at the south west corner of Ottawa and Parent.
Above is an interior view of the alley at the grand opening in August 1944.
This is the building at 1055 Ottawa street when it still looked in original condition. It is still standing but has been painted black. The building was designed by architect A. H. McPhail, who did the former Windsor Star offices on Ferry Street as well as the Canada Building on Ouellette. At least this one is still standing. Next time you find yourself on Ottawa Street you can point out this building as the first bowling alley in Canada with automatic pin setting machines.