For nearly a century, the Eastern Classic has stood as the pinnacle of competition in the sport of duckpin bowling, a testament to its founder, Frank Barber, and the legacy he established in 1931. This year, the tournament underwent a meaningful change, as it was renamed the Barber Memorial Eastern Classic, honoring not only Frank but also his nephew, Tony Barber. This renaming serves as a tribute to two men who played integral roles in shaping and preserving the tournament’s history.

 

Frank Barber’s vision for a premier duckpin event materialized with the creation of the Eastern Sweepstakes in 1931, bringing together top bowlers from Connecticut and the Baltimore area. His traveling Connecticut Blue Ribbons Team was legendary, featuring early icons of the sport. Under his leadership, the tournament quickly grew in stature, attracting competitors from all over and establishing itself as the most prestigious event in duckpin bowling. Even after Frank’s passing in 1973, his influence endured, thanks in large part to his nephew Tony Barber.​​​​

Tony Barber was more than just a guardian of the Eastern Classic; he was its historian and most dedicated advocate. As a partner with Lucky Strike Lanes, he worked tirelessly to maintain the tournament’s elite status, compiling an extensive archive of newspaper articles and memorabilia spanning nearly a century. Before the advent of internet databases, Tony spent countless hours sifting through microfiche at libraries around the state in order to uncover, collect, and preserve the history of his uncle's life as a sports promotor and, especially, his contributions to the sport of duckpin bowling in the form of the Eastern Classic. His meticulous record-keeping has provided an invaluable historical resource, ensuring that each generation of bowlers now and forever understands the legacy of the event they are competing in.

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Tony’s passing in January 2024, just weeks before the 94th Eastern Classic, marked the end of an era, but his influence will be felt for generations to come. Those who knew him remember his passion for the game, his deep well of knowledge, and his warm, welcoming nature. His stepdaughter, Harriet McKean, reflected on his love of duckpin bowling, saying, "Tony spent so many hours putting together the albums cutting and pasting for the Eastern; honestly, sometimes my mom was jealous of how much time he spent." His contributions went far beyond statistics and records; he fostered a sense of tradition that connected past and present bowlers.

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Longtime Eastern Classic tournament coordinator and Connecticut Duckpins Hall of Fame Chairperson, Dara Dominique also emphasized Tony’s historical knowledge, stating, "He had numerous filing cabinets all organized and he knew exactly where to look should a question be posed on a certain bowler. I relied on him many times for the background on HOF inductees throughout the years." His careful preservation of history ensured that the legacy of the Eastern Classic and the broader duckpin community would never be forgotten.

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Renaming the tournament as the Barber Memorial Eastern Classic ensures that both Frank and Tony Barber’s names will forever be linked to the sport they loved. As the event enters its 95th year, bowlers and fans alike can reflect on the dedication of these two men who made it all possible. The Dunnack Family and the staff at Lucky Strike Lanes remain committed to upholding their legacy, ensuring that the Eastern Classic continues to be a major attraction for decades to come. This year’s tournament is not only a competition but a celebration of history, camaraderie, and the enduring impact of the Barber family.