Nowata, Oklahoma: Chris Barbee's Bowling Ball Yard (Closed)
Bowling Ball Man Chris Barbee has filled his yard with art made from old bowling balls. There's an American flag, a pyramid, a bowling-ball-size billiard table, and more. Sept. 2019: Chris moving closer to family; attraction closed.
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The bowling ball shed is complete!
[Del Clark, 04/12/2010]Wow, has this attraction been expanded! We had the pleasure of meeting Chris and his daughter, signed the guest book and off we went on a personal tour of the yard. Croquet Set, wind chimes, pool table, flowers inside a corn patch, Alphabet, Rosary, Cross and the newest 1/2 finished gem, a storage shed covered with bowling balls! This shed, when finished, will hold the rare collection too valuable for weathering. What a fun experience!
[David McBee, 10/12/2009]The fence not only encompasses the front and side yards but also includes sculptures in the hay, the aforementioned rosary and now a bowling ball alphabet that has gotten to the letter "V".
[Jenner Bestor, 12/14/2007]
After he retired in May 2006, Chris Barbee decorated 80 feet of his fence with bowling balls and bowling ball accessories. He has also made some religious icons out of bowling balls. Chris is always looking for new sculpture ideas. You can bring him your bowling balls and pins to add to his objets d'art. A friend of mine is his daughter, and she just knew I was the right person with whom to share this gem.
[scott laman, 01/13/2007]Barbee plans to make a bowling ball Rosary as soon as he gets his hands on 40 black bowling balls. Jan 2007: Chris's daughter Elaine writes: "He now has the black bowling balls he needs to finish the Rosary. He is still taking donations of used bowling balls to incorporate into other pieces. Per Chris; 'If I'm not home, they can kick the balls out into my yard. I'll find 'em!'"
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Chris Barbee's Bowling Ball Yard
- Directions:
- From downtown, drive north one mile on US Hwy 169. Turn right onto E021 Rd (a gravel road). Drive a little over a mile. Bowling Ball Yard on the left.
- Hours:
- Sept. 2019: Permanently closed.
- Status:
- Closed
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The shed, according to bowling-ball-repurposer Chris Barbee, has 344 balls on the walls and 140 pins on the roof.