One of the early Vanderbilt buildings, the Bowling Alley was imported in its entirety from Switzerland by William K. Vanderbilt in the 1880's, after he had admired it on one of his European trips. It is located about one quarter of a mile south of the mansion on Connetquot Drive, and today it is well-hidden behind a dense hedge. Its main features are a tile roof, diamond pane casement windows, and, of necessity, its length -- that of a bowling alley.

One of the more interesting tales involving the brick one-story building focuses on the slate tiles. When Mr. Vanderbilt found the building in Europe, he was especially fond of the moss-covered roof slates. After they arrived in Oakdale, his diligent construction workers carefully scraped all the moss off each tile. When Mr. Vanderbilt returned and grasped what they had done, he sent to Europe for more slates with moss on them.

The Bowling Alley was a favorite playhouse for Consuelo and Willy K., Jr. Because of this, it was christened "La Recreation." In her autobiography, "The Glitter and the Gold," Consuelo Vanderbilt Balsam recalls fondly her childhood summer days when she and her brother were permitted to cook supper there under the supervision of their governess. "We would cook our meal, wash the dishes and then stroll home by the river in the cool of the evening."

About 1927 the Bowling Alley was rotated on its site so that Connetquot Drive could be constructed parallel to the river. This process proved to be a very difficult procedure because of the hidden weight in the massive lanes. The movers left behind a mass of broken chains as evidence of their travail.

An estate is incomplete without a - Laundry.