Wal-Lex Recreation Center
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The Wal-Lex Recreation Center, or simply Wal-Lex, was an entertainment complex located in Waltham, Massachusetts 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 name is a portmanteau of Waltham and Lexington.
[edit] History
Wal-Lex first opened its facilities on July 4, 1947 and at the time consisted only of a twenty lane candlepin bowling alley. The rollerskating rink located immediately next door to the bowling alley was first opened in 1950. In 1954, the eighteen lane annex was opened behind the main building. A second floor containing twenty-two lanes was added to the main building in 1960, bringing the total number of candlepin lanes to sixty. The facility remained a local landmark until it was closed and demolished in 2002. The former site of Wal-Lex now houses a CVS and a Staples store.
The Wal-Lex bowling alley was the filming site for the television show Candlepins for Cash after the show moved to WXNE-TV Channel 25 in 1982.
