William Thompson

Pioneer

William Thompson
City: Chicago
State: IL
Inducted: 1993

A top bowler and premier organizer in his native Chicago, Thompson was best known as a bowling official, promoter, innovator, writer and visionary. In 1904 the Bowling Encyclopedia said: Few in tenpin history have equaled Mr. Thompson's combination of skills as a bowler, leader and administrator. A bowling equipment expert familiar with fair playing rules, he called for uniformity. He built the first regulation alleys in Chicago's Plaza Hotel in 1893.