Ellsworth’s historic candlepin bowling alley has replaced its aging flooring, carpeting and seating after netting more than $340,000 in donations.
The latest changes follow the nostalgic bowling alley’s feature on CBS News Sunday Morning in August, after which more than 4,000 donors around the country contributed to a GoFundMe campaign started by the business’ owner, Autumn Mowery.
The bowling alley has long been a fixture in Ellsworth’s social scene, hosting first dates, birthday parties and bowling leagues throughout the year.
Mowery — who was only 18 when she took over Ellsworth Candlepin Bowling Alley in 2021— previously said she planned to use the funds to renovate the family-friendly business, which has operated since 1974 under various owners. The business is one of a dwindling number of candlepin bowling alleys across Maine.
By the end of October, a portion of the roughly $342,000 raised online was used on replacing the bowling alley’s dated flooring with new hardwood and neon carpeting, according to the business’ Facebook page.
“When I look around this building and see how much has changed, it’s hard to believe how far we’ve come,” Mowery said on Facebook. “There’s still so much more I want to accomplish, but seeing everything slowly come together has been incredibly rewarding. This building has been around for decades, and my goal has never been to take away its history or character. I want to preserve what makes this place special while giving it the love and attention it deserves.”
The funds have also been used to buy and install new retro-inspired seating at the foot of each bowling lane and new ramps to expand accessibility to the bowling areas.
Nearly all of the alley’s new heat pumps have also been installed, according to the Facebook post.
Next, Mowery intends on professionally refinishing each of the bowling lanes over the spring.
Mowery herself has fixed much of the business’ aging equipment, which dates back to the 1940s, and she now offers behind-the-scenes tours of the bowling alley’s historic pinsetters.
Mowery did not respond Monday to inquiries from the Bangor Daily News.