The end of an era

Bob Talbot, owner of Fort Scott Fun Center on National Avenue, uses a saw to cut a section of bowling alley Thursday. The sections are being sold off and the building demolished to make way for a Dollar General store. The demolition project has a 30-day time frame and is being directed by Johnnie Walker. (Ruth Campbell/Tribune)

Bob Talbot, owner of the Fort Scott Fun Center, holds up a section of bowling alley with Jim Cowlishaw, who is working for Johnnie Walker, hired to demolish the building. Walker said he owns the land the former alley sits on. Built in 1968, the 16-lane bowling alley closed around 2007 due to the economy. Talbot, who ran the alley for 14 years, said pieces of it are being sold in eight and 10-foot sections for $200 each. He said they are made from maple and pine and good for tables and workbenches, for example. The alley's bowling pins and bowling balls are also for sale, he said.