The history of the Greater Tacoma Bowling Association is a long one.  Founded on August 21, 1935 at the Broadway Bowl, the GTBA first consisted of sixteen members.

The president elected at that meeting was Bill Herdman.  He served that position for four years.  Since that time there have been 34 presidents, including the current president, Don Gabrielson.

The secretary elected at that meeting was Vance McClure who held the position for twelve years.  He was succeeded by Ernie Stowe who held office for 24 years.  The next two secretaries were Art Childers (14 years) and currently, Don Norrell, who has held office for 17 years.

The GTBA started with three officers and the league presidents as the board.  This continued until 1940 when a 2nd and 3rd vice president were added.  In 1941, a 4th vice president was added while 1944 saw a change to six line officers and four committeemen.  This concept of officers and directors has continued with modifications until today's current system of five line officers and 15 directors.

Six Greater Tacoma Bowling Association presidents and directors have gone on to become presidents of the state association; Red Wakefield in 1955; Ocky Sciacqua in 1960; Art Childers in 1971; Joe Nole in 1978; Don Smith in 1983, and Dick Orr in 1989.

Art Childers, Secretary of the GTBA from 1972 to 1986, and a member of the GTBA Hall of Fame, passed away in 2000.

The office of the GTBA was the secretaries' home until the mid 1960's.  Office space was rented at 5471 Steilacoom Blvd. until 1983  when the current building was purchased at 4517 South M Street.  The mortgage was paid off in 1994.  At this time, it houses not only GTBA, but the Tacoma Women's Bowling Association and the Greater Tacoma YABA making for one-stop shopping in our bowling community.

The Tacoma area has a rich bowling history from PBA rookies of the year to the all-time champion and right through to the bowling centers and their state tournaments.  Tacoma has also been host to the BPAA US Open at Narrows Plaza Bowl in 1987.

The highest three game series ever bowled within the GTBA is 878 rolled by Dave Hanson in 1991.  This has been the Washington State Record until just recently.