The History and Evolution of Rolle Bolle: From Belgium to America

The History and Evolution of Rolle Bolle: From Belgium to America
Discover the rich history and evolution of Rolle Bolle and its journey from Belgium to America.

Today, we will provide the history and evolution of Rolle Bolle, and explain how it came to be a traditional yard game enjoyed in America.

Introduction

Rolle Bolle is a fascinating yard game with deep historical roots, rich cultural significance, and a loyal following that has helped it persist through the centuries. Originating in Europe, the game found its way to the United States, particularly in areas with strong Belgian immigrant communities. While Rolle Bolle remains a niche activity, it has sustained a vibrant presence in certain regions, offering a unique glimpse into the cultural heritage of its players and the enduring appeal of traditional games.

This blog will delve into the history of Rolle Bolle, tracing its origins, evolution, and cultural significance. We will also explore its current status in the United States, where it has become more than just a game, but a symbol of community and tradition.

Origins of Rolle Bolle: A Glimpse into Belgian Heritage

1. The European Roots

Rolle Bolle, also known as “Rolle Bole” or “Rolle Bollen,” is believed to have originated in Flanders, a region in northern Belgium, and in parts of the Netherlands. The game has been played for centuries, and its exact origins are somewhat murky due to its age and the lack of comprehensive historical records. However, it is widely accepted that the game developed as a form of recreation among rural communities, where it provided a simple yet competitive pastime.

The term “bolle” in Flemish refers to a round object, often used to describe the wooden or metal disc-like object that is central to the game. The basic premise of Rolle Bolle involves players rolling these bolles towards a target, with the aim of getting their bolle closest to a peg or within a certain area. The game bears similarities to other traditional games like bocce in Italy or boules in France, indicating a shared cultural practice of outdoor games that involve skill and precision.

2. Cultural Significance in Belgium

In Belgium, Rolle Bolle was more than just a game; it was a social event. Villages would often organize Rolle Bolle matches as part of local festivals or gatherings, where the game served as a means of bringing the community together. It was not uncommon for entire families to participate, with different generations playing alongside each other. The simplicity of the game, combined with the skill required to master it, made Rolle Bolle an enduring part of Belgian rural life.

Over time, the game became a symbol of regional identity, particularly in Flanders, where it was celebrated as part of the local heritage. Rolle Bolle clubs were established, and informal leagues emerged, allowing players to compete regularly. The game’s cultural importance was such that it was often passed down through generations, with children learning to play at a young age.

The Migration of Rolle Bolle to America

1. The Belgian Immigration Wave

The story of Rolle Bolle’s journey to the United States is closely tied to the history of Belgian immigration. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, significant numbers of Belgians emigrated to the United States, seeking better economic opportunities and escaping political unrest. Many of these immigrants settled in the Midwest, particularly in states like Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa, where they established tight-knit communities.

With them, they brought their customs, traditions, and pastimes, including Rolle Bolle. The game quickly became a staple of Belgian-American communities, serving as a link to the homeland and a way to maintain cultural identity in a new country. The rural landscapes of the Midwest, with their open spaces and communal spirit, provided an ideal setting for Rolle Bolle to take root.

2. Establishment of Rolle Bolle Leagues

As Belgian immigrants settled and established themselves in their new communities, they began to form Rolle Bolle leagues and clubs, mirroring the structure they had back in Belgium. These leagues provided a sense of continuity, allowing immigrants to preserve a piece of their heritage while adapting to life in the United States.

Rolle Bolle courts, known as “alleys,” were constructed in many towns with significant Belgian populations. These alleys varied in size and construction, but they all served the same purpose: to provide a space for regular play and competition. Over time, some communities even began hosting annual Rolle Bolle tournaments, drawing participants from across the region and fostering a strong sense of camaraderie.

The Mechanics of Rolle Bolle: How the Game is Played

1. The Bolle

The most important element of Rolle Bolle is, of course, the bolle itself. Traditionally, bolles were made from wood, although in modern times they are often crafted from a combination of materials, including metal, rubber, and synthetic composites. The bolle is shaped like a disc, with a slightly convex surface that allows it to roll in a curved path. This unique shape is what gives Rolle Bolle its distinct challenge, as players must account for the bolle’s curve when aiming for the target.

Bolles come in various sizes and weights, depending on the preferences of the players and the specific rules of the local leagues. Some bolles are quite large and heavy, requiring strength and precision to control, while others are smaller and lighter, making them easier to handle but more difficult to master.

2. The Alley

Rolle Bolle is typically played on a long, narrow strip of ground known as an alley. The surface of the alley can vary; in Belgium, it was often simply a patch of level ground, while in the United States, dedicated alleys are often constructed from packed earth, gravel, or even concrete. The length of the alley can also vary, with some measuring as short as 30 feet, while others stretch over 100 feet.

At one end of the alley, a peg or stake is placed, serving as the target towards which players roll their bolles. In some variations of the game, a scoring area or “target zone” is marked out, within which the bolles must land to score points.

3. Gameplay and Strategy

Rolle Bolle is typically played in teams, with players taking turns to roll their bolles towards the target. The objective is to get your bolle as close as possible to the peg or within the designated scoring zone. The curved shape of the bolle adds an extra layer of complexity, as players must aim not just for distance but also for accuracy, accounting for the bolle’s tendency to curve to one side.

Points are awarded based on the proximity of the bolles to the target, with different scoring systems used depending on local rules. In some versions, only the closest bolle scores points, while in others, multiple bolles can earn points based on their relative positions. Matches are often played to a set number of points, with the first team to reach the target score declared the winner.

Strategy plays a significant role in Rolle Bolle, as players must decide whether to aim directly for the target or attempt to knock their opponents’ bolles out of position. The game also requires a keen sense of judgment, as the weight and curve of the bolle can vary depending on the playing surface and weather conditions.

The Decline and Resurgence of Rolle Bolle in America

1. Post-War Decline

Following World War II, the popularity of Rolle Bolle in the United States began to wane. Several factors contributed to this decline, including the increasing urbanization of Belgian-American communities, which made it more difficult to find suitable spaces for alleys. Additionally, the younger generation of Belgian-Americans began to assimilate more fully into American culture, with many opting for more mainstream sports and pastimes.

As a result, Rolle Bolle leagues saw dwindling membership, and many alleys fell into disrepair or were repurposed for other uses. By the 1970s, Rolle Bolle had become a largely forgotten game outside of a few isolated pockets where it had retained a loyal following.

2. Preservation Efforts

Despite the decline, a small but dedicated group of enthusiasts worked to preserve the game. These individuals, often members of the older generation who had grown up playing Rolle Bolle, recognized the cultural significance of the game and sought to keep it alive. They organized informal matches, maintained the remaining alleys, and passed on their knowledge to younger players.

In the 1990s and early 2000s, these preservation efforts began to gain traction, particularly in regions with strong Belgian-American communities. Local historical societies and cultural organizations also played a role, recognizing Rolle Bolle as an important part of the region’s heritage and promoting it as a means of connecting with the past.

The Current Status of Rolle Bolle in the United States

1. Rolle Bolle Today

Today, Rolle Bolle continues to be played in several Midwestern states, particularly in communities with a strong Belgian-American presence. While the game is not as widely known as it once was, it remains a cherished tradition among those who play it. Rolle Bolle clubs still exist, and annual tournaments are held in various locations, drawing players from across the region.

In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in traditional games and outdoor activities, which has helped to raise the profile of Rolle Bolle. Some communities have even started offering Rolle Bolle as part of their local festivals, introducing the game to a new generation of players.

2. The Role of Technology and Social Media

The advent of social media and digital technology has also played a role in the resurgence of Rolle Bolle. Enthusiasts have created online communities where they can share information, organize events, and connect with other players. Videos of Rolle Bolle matches and tutorials on how to play have been posted on platforms like YouTube, helping to spread awareness of the game beyond its traditional heartlands.

Social media has also facilitated the organization of tournaments and leagues, making it easier for players to find others who share their interest.

As a result, Rolle Bolle has begun to attract a more diverse group of players, including younger individuals who may not have a direct connection to the Belgian-American community but are drawn to the game’s unique challenge and cultural significance.

3. Challenges and Opportunities

Despite the renewed interest, Rolle Bolle faces several challenges. The game’s niche status means that it lacks the widespread recognition and financial support that other sports enjoy. Many of the alleys where Rolle Bolle is played are aging and require maintenance, and there is a constant need for new players to keep the tradition alive.

However, these challenges also present opportunities. The uniqueness of Rolle Bolle makes it an attractive option for those looking for something different from more mainstream sports. There is potential for Rolle Bolle to be promoted as a heritage activity, drawing tourists and cultural enthusiasts to the regions where it is played. Additionally, partnerships with schools and community organizations could help to introduce the game to a broader audience, ensuring that it remains a vibrant part of America’s cultural landscape.

Conclusion

Rolle Bolle is more than just a yard game; it is a living link to the past, a testament to the enduring nature of cultural traditions, and a symbol of the communities that have kept it alive for centuries. From its origins in Belgium to its journey across the Atlantic and its establishment in the heartland of America, Rolle Bolle has survived through the dedication of those who value its history and the joy it brings.

As we look to the future, the continued preservation and promotion of Rolle Bolle will depend on the efforts of players, communities, and cultural organizations. By celebrating the game and encouraging others to take part, we can ensure that Rolle Bolle remains a vibrant and cherished tradition for generations to come. Whether you are a seasoned player or a curious newcomer, there has never been a better time to pick up a bolle and roll into the rich history of this unique game.

2023 Summer Rolle Bolle Schedule

2023 Summer Rolle Bolle Schedule

May 6: Marengo…Draw @ 1PM
May 7: Stephens Park…Team @ 1PM…Kickoff
May 13: Victor…Draw @ 1PM…Lane Conaway Graduation
May 20: Belle Plaine…Draw @ 1PM
May 21: Kewanee…Mixed Draw (4 games) @ 1PM
May 26: Marengo…Draw @ 7PM
May 27: Ladora…Draw @ 1PM
May 28: Belle Plaine…Draw @ 1PM
May 28: Stephens Park…Draw @ 1PM…B’s Western League
May 29: Victor…Draw @ 1PM…Memorial Day
May 29: Stephens Park…Draw @ 1PM…Friends Circle Western League
June 3: Marengo…Draw @ 1PM
June 4: Annawan…Mixed Draw @ 1PM…Annawan Fun Day
June 10: Victor…Newcomer/Comeback game @ 1PM…sign up as a twosome
June 10: East End…Mixed Draw @ 1PM
June 11: Annawan…Draw @ 1PM…Mineral Western League
June 16: Ladora…Draw @ 7PM…Iowa State Kickoff
June 17: Belle Plaine…Draw @ 1PM…Iowa State Draw
June 18: Belle Plaine…MIXED Team @ 11AM…Iowa State Team
June 23: Victor…Draw @ 7PM
June 24: Victor…Draw @ 1PM…Victor Fun Day
June 25: Geneseo…Draw @ 12PM
July 1: Blairstown…Draw @ 1PM
July 1: Hooppole…Mixed Draw @ 1PM…Hooppole Fun Day
July 2: Stephens Park…Mixed Draw (5 games) @ 12PM…Leonard Suhr Memorial
July 3: Marengo…Draw @ 7PM…play after the parade
July 4: Belle Plaine…Draw @ 1PM…Independence Day
July 4: Annawan…Draw @ 1PM…Annawan Western League
July 8: Ladora…Draw @ 1PM
July 9: Atkinson…Draw @ 1PM…Atkinson Western League
July 13: Empire Park…Draw @ 5:30PM…Chuck Naert Memorial
July 14: East End…Team @ 11AM…Illinois State Team
July 14: Manlius…Mixed Draw @ 12PM…Little World
July 14: Geneseo…Mixed Draw @ 7PM…3 games for points
July 15: Geneseo…Draw @ 11AM…Illinois State Draw
July 15: Atkinson…Team @ 7PM
July 16: Annawan…Team @ 11AM…World Tournament
July 22: Victor…Draw @ 1PM
July 23: Manlius…Draw @ 1PM…Manlius Western League
July 29: Blairstown…Draw @ 1PM
July 30: East End…Draw @ 1PM…East End Western League
August 3: Ghent, MN…Team…Belgian American Days
August 4: Ghent, MN…Mixed Draw @ 7PM…Belgian American Days
August 5: Belle Plaine…Draw @ 1PM
August 5: Manlius…Mixed Draw @ 1PM…Manlius Fun Day
August 5: Ghent, MN…Team @ 11AM…Belgian American Days
August 6: Kewanee…Mixed Draw @ 1PM
August 10: Ghent, MN…Team…International Weekend
August 11: Marshall, MN & Ghent, MN…International Weekend
August 12: Marshall, MN & Ghent, MN…International Weekend
August 13: Marshall, MN…Team @ 10AM…International Weekend
August 19: Marengo…Draw @ 1PM
August 20: Geneseo…Draw @ 1PM…Geneseo Western League
August 26: Ladora…Draw @ 1PM… Ladora Fun Day
August 26: Atkinson…Mixed Draw (3 games) @ 6:30PM…Atkinson Fall Fest
August 27: Kewanee…Draw @ 1PM…Kewanee Western League
September 1: Ladora…Draw @ 7PM
September 2: Blairstown…Draw @ 12PM…Sauerkraut Days
September 2: Kewanee…Mixed Draw (4 games) @ 1PM…Kewanee Hog Days
September 3: Blairstown…Draw @ 12PM…Sauerkraut Days
September 3: Empire Park…Draw @ 1PM…Hand N Hand Western League
September 4: Victor…Draw @ 1PM…Labor Day
September 4: Stephens Park…Mixed Draw (3 games) @ 9AM…7th Street Open
September 4: Stephens Park…Draw @ 1PM… Center for Belgian Culture Western League
September 9: Belle Plaine…Draw @ 1PM
September 9: Stephens Park…Start @ 11AM…Western League Championship
September 16: Marengo…Draw @ 1PM
September 17: Stephens Park…Mixed Draw (3 games) @ 11AM…Belgian Fall Fest
September 22: Ghent, MN…Mixed Draw @ 7PM…Tri-State Kickoff
September 23: Marshall, MN…Mixed Draw @ 11AM…Tri-State Draw
September 24: Walnut Grove, MN…Team @ 10AM…Tri-State Team
September 30: Ladora…Draw @ 1PM

2022 Iowa Summer Rolle Bolle Schedule

2022 Summer Rolle Bolle Schedule:

May 2022 Schedule

May 1: Stephens Park…Team @ 1PM…Kickoff
May 7: Marengo…Draw @ 1PM
May 14: Victor…Draw @ 1PM
May 15: Kewanee…Mixed Draw @ 1PM
May 21: Blairstown…Draw @ 1PM
May 27: Ladora…Draw @ 7PM
May 28: Belle Plaine…Draw @ 1PM
May 29: Victor…Draw @ 1PM
May 29: Stephens Park…Draw @ 1PM…B’s Western League
May 30: Victor…Draw @ 1PM…Memorial Day
May 30: Stephens Park…Draw @ 1PM…Friends Circle Western League

June 2022 Schedule

June 4: Marengo…Draw @ 1PM
June 5: Annawan…Mixed Draw @ 1PM…Annawan Fun Day
June 11: Blairstown…Draw @ 1PM
June 11: East End…Mixed Draw @ 1PM
June 12: Annawan…Draw @ 1PM…Mineral Western League
June 17: Ladora…Draw @ 7PM…Iowa State Kickoff
June 18: Marengo…Draw @ 1PM…Iowa State Draw
June 19: Marengo…MIXED Team @ 1PM…Iowa State Team
June 24: Victor…Draw @ 7PM
June 25: Victor…Draw @ 1PM…Victor Fun Day
June 26: Geneseo…Draw @ 12PM

July 2022 Schedule

July 2: Victor…Draw @ 1PM
July 2: Hooppole…Mixed Draw @ 1PM…Hooppole Fun Day
July 3: Ladora…Draw @ 1PM
July 3: Marengo…Draw @ 7PM…play after the parade
July 4: Belle Plaine…Draw @ 1PM…Independence Day
July 4: Annawan…Draw @ 1PM…Annawan Western League
June 9: Ladora…Draw @ 1PM
July 10: Atkinson…Draw @ 1PM…Atkinson Western League
July 11: Empire Park…4 games for points @ 6:30PM…Western League 100th Anniversary
July 12: Kewanee…4 games for points @ 7:00PM…Western League 100th Anniversary
July 13: East End…Team @ 11AM…Illinois State Team
July 14: Stephen’s Park…3/4 games for points @ 10AM…Western League 100th Anniversary
July 14: Empire Park…Draw @ 5:30PM…Chuck Naert Memorial
July 15: Manlius…Mixed Draw @ 12PM…Little World
July 15: Geneseo…Mixed Draw @ 7PM…3 games for points
July 16: Geneseo…Draw @ 11AM…Illinois State Draw
July 16: Atkinson…Game @ 7PM
July 17: Annawan…Team @ 11AM…World Tournament
July 23: Blairstown…Draw @ 1PM
July 24: Manlius…Draw @ 1PM…Manlius Western League
July 30: Marengo…Draw @ 1PM
July 31: East End…Draw @ 1PM…East End Western League

August 2022 Schedule

August 6: Belle Plaine…Draw @ 1PM
August 6: Manlius…Mixed Draw @ 1PM…Manlius Fun Day
August 6: Ghent, MN…Team @ 11AM…Belgian American Days
August 7: Kewanee…Team @ 12PM
August 11: Ghent, MN…Team…International Weekend
August 12: Marshall, MN & Ghent, MN…International Weekend
August 13: Marshall, MN & Ghent, MN…International Weekend
August 14: Marshall, MN…Team @ 10AM…International Weekend
August 20: Victor…Draw @ 1PM
August 21: Geneseo…Draw @ 1PM…Geneseo Western League
August 27: Ladora…Draw @ 1PM… Ladora Fun Day
August 27: Atkinson…Mixed Draw @ 6:30PM…3 games for points…Atkinson Fall Fest
August 28: Kewanee…Draw @ 1PM…Kewanee Western League

September 2022 Schedule

September 2: Victor…Draw @ 7PM
September 3: Blairstown…Draw @ 1PM…Sauerkraut Days
September 3: Kewanee…Mixed Draw @ 1PM…4 games for points…Kewanee Hog Days
September 4: Blairstown…Draw @ 1PM…Sauerkraut Days
September 4: Stephens Park…Draw @ 1PM…Center Belgian Culture Western League
September 5: Belle Plaine…Draw @ 1PM…Labor Day
September 5: Stephens Park…Mixed Draw @ 9AM…3 games for points
September 5: Empire Park…Draw @ 1PM…Hand in Hand Western League
September 10: Marengo…Draw @ 1PM
September 11: Empire Park…Start @ 11AM…Western League Championship
September 17: Ladora…Draw @ 1PM
September 18: Stephens Park…Mixed Draw @ 11AM…3 games for points…Belgian Fall Fest
September 23: Victor, IA…Mixed Draw @ 7PM…Tri-State Kickoff
September 24: Marengo, IA…Mixed Draw @ 11AM…Tri-State Draw
September 25: Marengo, IA…Team @ 10AM…Tri-State Team

October 2022 Schedule

October 1: Blairstown…Draw @ 1PM

2021 Iowa Summer Rolle Bolle Schedule

May 2021 Rolle Bolle Schedule

May 1: Marengo…Draw @ 1PM
May 2: Stephens Park…Team @ 1PM…Kickoff
May 8: Victor…Draw @ 1PM
May 15: Ladora…Draw @ 1PM
May 16: Kewanee…Mixed Draw @ 1PM
May 22: Belle Plaine…Draw @ 1PM
May 28: Ladora…Draw @ 7PM
May 29: Marengo…Draw @ 1PM
May 30: Belle Plaine…Draw @ 1PM
May 30: Stephens Park…Draw @ 1PM…B’s Western League
May 31: Victor…Draw @ 1PM…Memorial Day
May 31: Stephens Park…Draw @ 1PM…Friends Circle Western League

June 2021 Rolle Bolle Schedule

June 5: Marengo…Draw @ 1PM
June 6: Annawan…Mixed Draw @ 1PM…Annawan Fun Day
June 12: Belle Plaine…Draw @ 1PM
June 12: East End…Mixed Draw @ 1PM
June 13: Annawan…Draw @ 1PM…Mineral Western League
June 18: Marengo…Draw @ 7PM…Iowa State Kickoff
June 19: Victor…Draw @ 1PM…Iowa State Draw
June 20: Victor…Team @ 1PM…Iowa State Team
June 25: Victor…Draw @ 7PM
June 26: Victor…Draw @ 1PM…Victor Fun Day
June 27: Geneseo…Draw @ 12PM…Dick Chipman Memorial

July 2021 Rolle Bolle Schedule

July 3: Hooppole…Mixed Draw @ 1PM
July 3: Ladora…Draw @ 1PM
July 3: Marengo…Draw @ 7PM…play after the parade
July 4: Belle Plaine…Draw @ 1PM…Independence Day
July 4: Annawan…Draw @ 1PM…Annawan Western League
June 10: Marengo…Draw @ 1PM
July 11: Atkinson…Draw @ 1PM…Atkinson Western League
July 15: Empire Park…Draw @ 5:30PM…Chuck Naert Memorial
July 16: East End…Team @ 12PM…Illinois State Team
July 16: Manlius…Mixed Draw @ 1PM…Little World
July 16: Geneseo…Mixed Draw @ 7PM…3 games for points
July 17: Geneseo…Draw @ 11AM…Illinois State Draw
July 17: Atkinson…Team @ 7PM
July 18: Annawan…Team @ 11AM…World Tournament
July 24: Victor…Draw @ 1PM…sign up as 1 current & 1 new/comeback player
July 25: Manlius…Draw @ 1PM…Manlius Western League
July 31: Ladora…Draw @ 1PM

August 2021 Rolle Bolle Schedule

August 1: East End…Draw @ 1PM…East End Western League
August 7: Victor…Draw @ 1PM
August 7: Manlius…Mixed Draw @ 1PM…Manlius Fun Day
August 7: Ghent, MN…Team @ 11AM…Belgian American Days
August 8: Kewanee…Team @ 12PM
August 12: Ghent, MN…Team…International Weekend
August 13: Marshall, MN & Ghent, MN…International Weekend
August 14: Marshall, MN & Ghent, MN…International Weekend
August 15: Marshall, MN…Team @ 10AM…International Weekend
August 21: Belle Plaine…Draw @ 1PM
August 21: Atkinson…Mixed Draw @ 6:30PM…3 games for points…Atkinson Fall Fest
August 22: Geneseo…Draw @ 1PM…Geneseo Western League
August 28: Ladora…Draw @ 1PM… Ladora Fun Day
August 29: Kewanee…Draw @ 1PM…Kewanee Western League

September 2021 Rolle Bolle Schedule

September 3: Ladora…Draw @ 7PM
September 4: Marengo…Draw @ 1PM
September 4: Kewanee…Mixed Draw @ 1PM…4 games for points…Kewanee Hog Days
September 5: Belle Plaine…Draw @ 1PM
September 5: Stephens Park…Draw @ 1PM…Center Belgian Culture Western League
September 6: Victor…Draw @ 1PM…Labor Day
September 6: Stephens Park…Mixed Draw @ 9AM…3 games for points
September 6: Empire Park…Draw @ 1PM…Hand in Hand Western League
September 11: Victor…Draw @ 1PM
September 12: Annawan…Start @ 11AM…Western League Championship
September 18: Marengo…Draw @ 1PM
September 19: Stephens Park…Mixed Draw @ 11AM…3 games for points…Belgian Fall Fest
September 24: Atkinson, IL…Mixed Draw @ 7PM…Tri-State Kickoff
September 25: Manlius, IL…Mixed Draw @ 11AM…Tri-State Draw
September 26: Annawan, IL…Team @ 10AM…Tri-State Team

October 2021 Rolle Bolle Schedule

October 2: Ladora…end of season potluck, eat at 12PM…Draw @ 1PM
October 3: Rolle Bolle Golf Outing

History of Rolle Bolle in Iowa – Archives

Playing a friendly game of Rolle Bolle during the fall of 1943.

Arthur DEBROWER, John VANGAMPLEARE, Marcel HUYVAERT, Emiel BLOMME,
Gene VANGAMPLEARE, and Delbert VANGAMPLEARE are getting geared up
to play a friendly game of Rolle Bolle during the fall of 1943.

History of Rolle Bolle in Iowa - Archives 1

Every Sunday and on holidays, the VANGAMPLEARES would have a party at someone’s farmhouse. And the men would undoubtedly play Rolle Bolle.

The game of Rolle Bolle is played on a dirt court. The bolle is made of hard wood or hard molded rubber or similar material, formed into a disc 6 to 8 inches in diameter and about 4 inches thick. It is slightly beveled to one side so that the bolle will turn towards the stake when rolled.

The game can be played with 2 to 6 players on the team, with each player having one bolle. Teams usually consist of 3 players. The object of the game is to roll your bolle as close to the stake as possible. After everyone from each team has bolled, the end is complete, so the winning team starts again by bolling to the opposite end in the same manner as before. The team scoring 8 points total wins the game.

History of Rolle Bolle in Iowa - Archives 1

Who's the winner?

Just Who Is The Winner?
Marcel HUYVAERT, Albert VANGAMPLEARE, Emiel BLOMME, Delbert VANGAMPLEARE, John VANGAMPLEARE, and Gene VANGAMPLEARE at a 1942 Rolle Bolle Game.

Rolle Bolle Champion

Bill DEBROWER (son of Arthur and Evelena DEBROWER) has been a Rolle Bolle player since he was a very young boy. He and his partners – Josh VAN THOURNOUT and LeRoy SUHR – finished second out of 35 teams in the World Rolle Bolle Tournament held July 16, 2000, at Annawan, IL. They also won the International Rolle Bolle tournament held August 13, 2000, at Marshall, MN, where 39 men’s teams competed with players from Canada, Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, and Belgium.

History of Rolle Bolle in Iowa - Archives 1

1960 - Rolle Bolle tournament in Brooklyn, Iowa.

1960 — Young Jon WAGNER, flanked by his partners, Gene VANGAMPLEARE (left) and Albert VANGAMPLEARE, had a hand in rolling his team to first place money in the Rolle Bolle tournament held in Brooklyn, Iowa. More than 90 players participated.

Friends Circle a retreat for members | Archives

Curt Chapman rolls a rolle bolle Curt Chapman, left, rolls a rolle bolle toward the stake in the basement of the Friends' Circle Club in Moline.a friendly game in Moline, Iowa
Dispatch/Argus Photo By Chuck Thomas

MOLINE — The men were drinking beer at the horseshoe-shaped bar while the women played cards in the adjoining banquet hall.

Friends Circle long has been a popular weekday retreat for the local retirement set. The Belgian social club, a staple on Moline’s 7th Street, is one of the few places in town that still stocks Hamm’s beer and serves Pabst Blue Ribbon on tap.

It is perhaps one of the few social clubs where you can play rolle bolle in the basement or try archery upstairs. While the estimated 800 members of Friends Circle now include both women and non-Belgians, the club’s roots still are planted in the cultures of Belgium and Holland.

Established in the early 1900s — no one’s sure exactly what year — the Friends Circle originally was located above Model Printers on Moline’s River Drive. The membership moved its club uptown, to the basement of the Sunnyville Building on 9th Street, several years later.

Finally, Friends Circle moved to quarters upstairs at its current location at 701 18th Ave. By 1976 the club occuppied all three floors of the large, corner-lot building.

The beer, brats and rolle-bolle reputation of Moline’s 7th Street largely was earned by the members of Friends Circle.

“At one time, the club was strictly for those of Belgian or (Dutch) descent,” Friends Circle president Bill Fisher said. “As many of the older Belgians died, the rolle-bollers had to start taking women and non-Belgians.”

While rolle bolle remains a Friends Circle trademark, other signs of Belgian culture have faded over the years.

“The place was established as an Americanization opportunity for immigrants from Belgium and Holland,” Mr. Fisher said. “Obviously, immigration patterns have changed.”

While Moline once was recognized as the U.S. city with the second-highest Belgian population — Detroit is first — Mr. Fisher said he would guess the population now is spread throughout the Quad-Cities.

“Unfortunately, we’ve gotten away somewhat from the Belgian culture,” he said. “Though we do maintain the rolle bolle and archery, I’d like to see the place get back to a Belgian social club.”

Though slipping somewhat from its early ethnic ties, the Friends Circle continues to inspire a social-club camaraderie. Whether playing rolle bolle or euchre or drinking a Hamm’s at the horseshoe-shaped bar, members of Friends Circle have a place to belong.

The club’s modest membership fees are $10 a year for men and $5 a year for the women to belong to the auxiliary, and they buy some of the lowest-priced drinks in town, a seat at club parties and dinners, and reduced rates on hall rentals.

In addition to lower-level rolle bolle, a main-floor bar, kitchen and banquet hall, the third floor of Friends Circle also contains a bar, kitchen, banquet hall and stage. The halls are available to the public for rental.

— By Barb Ickes (January 26, 1998)

This article was retrieved from the Internet Archive at 13:58:00 on August 1, 2019 and originally published by Moline Dispatch.

2018 Iowa Summer Rolle Bolle Schedule

May 5: Marengo…Draw @ 1PM
May 6: Stephens Park…Team @ 1PM…Kickoff
May 12: Victor…Draw @ 1PM
May 19: Marengo…Draw @ 1PM
May 20: East End…Mixed Draw @ 1PM…4 games for points
May 25: Victor…Draw @ 7PM
May 26: Marengo…Draw @ 1PM
May 27: Victor…Draw @ 1PM
May 27: Stephens Park…Draw @ 1PM…B’s Western League
May 28: Victor…Draw @ 1PM…Memorial Day
May 28: Stephens Park…Draw @ 1PM…Friends Circle Western League

June 2: Marengo…Draw @ 1PM
June 2: Shawnee, KS…Draw @ 1PM…Kansas State Rolle Bolle Tournament
June 3: Annawan…Mixed Draw @ 1PM…Annawan Fun Day
June 9: Blairstown…Draw @ 1PM
June 9: East End…2 Men/2 Women Team @ 1PM…4 games for points
June 10: Annawan…Draw @ 1PM…Mineral Western League
June 15: Marengo…Draw @ 7PM…Iowa State Kickoff
June 16: Victor…Draw @ 1PM…Iowa State Draw
June 17: Victor…Team @ 12PM…Iowa State Team
June 17: Kewanee…Team @ 12PM…Father’s Day Round Robin
June 23: Belle Plaine…Draw @ 1PM…new BP players play for free
June 29: Victor…Draw @ 7PM…Victor Sesquicentennial
June 30: Victor…Draw @ 1PM…Victor Sesquicentennial
June 30: Hooppole…Mixed Draw @ 1PM…Hooppole Fun Day…4 games for points

July 1: Victor…Team @ 12PM…Victor Sesquicentennial
July 3: Marengo…Draw @ 7PM…play after the parade
July 4: Victor…Draw @ 1PM…Independence Day
July 4: Annawan…Draw @ 1PM…Annawan Western League
July 7: Blairstown…Draw @ 1PM
July 7: Geneseo…Team @ 1PM
July 8: Atkinson…Draw @ 1PM…Atkinson Western League
July 12: Empire Park…Shooters @ 4PM, Team @ 5PM, Mixed Draw @ 7PM…Chuck Naert Memorial
July 13: East End…Team @ 12PM…Illinois State Team
July 13: Manlius…Mixed Draw @ 1PM…Little World
July 13: Geneseo…Mixed Draw @ 7PM…3 games for points
July 14: Geneseo…Draw @ 11AM…Illinois State Draw
July 14: Atkinson…Team @ 7PM
July 15: Annawan…Team @ 11AM…World Tournament
July 21: Belle Plaine…Draw @ 1PM
July 22: Manlius…Draw @ 1PM…Manlius Western League
July 28: Marengo…Draw @ 1PM
July 29: East End…Draw @ 1PM…East End Western League

August 4: Victor…Draw @ 1PM
August 4: Ghent, MN…Team @ 11AM…Belgian American Days
August 5: Manlius…Mixed Draw @ 1PM…Manlius Fun Day
August 9: Ghent, MN…Team…International Weekend
August 10: Marshall, MN & Ghent, MN…International Weekend
August 11: Marshall, MN & Ghent, MN…International Weekend
August 12: Marshall, MN…Team @ 10AM…International Weekend
August 18: Marengo…Draw @ 1PM
August 19: Geneseo…Draw @ 1PM…Geneseo Western League
August 25: Ladora…Draw @ 1PM…Ladora Sesquicentennial
August 25: Atkinson…Mixed Draw @ 7PM…3 games for points
August 26: Kewanee…Draw @ 1PM…Kewanee Western League
August 31: Victor…Draw @ 7PM

September 1: Blairstown…Kids @ 11AM, Men/Women Separate Draw @ 1PM…Sauerkraut Days
September 1: Kewanee…Mixed Draw @ 1PM…Kewanee Hog Days…4 games for points
September 2: Blairstown…Mixed Draw @ 12PM…Sauerkraut Days
September 2: Stephens Park…Draw @ 1PM…Center Belgian Culture Western League
September 3: Victor…Draw @ 1PM…Labor Day
September 3: Stephens Park…Mixed Draw @ 9AM…3 games for points
September 3: Empire Park…Draw @ 1PM…Hand in Hand Western League
September 8: Ladora…Draw @ 1PM…sign up as 1 current player & 1 new/comeback player
September 9: Manlius…Start @ 11AM…Western League Championship
September 15: Marengo…Draw @ 1PM
September 16: Stephens Park…Mixed Draw @ 11AM…Belgian Fall Fest…3 games for points
September 21: East End…Mixed Draw @ 7PM…Tri-State Kickoff
September 22: Manlius…Draw @ 11AM…Tri-State Draw
September 23: Stephens Park…Team @ 10AM…Tri-State Team
September 29: Victor…Draw @ 1PM…end of season potluck, eat at 12PM