Autumn Mowery: Reviving Candlepin Bowling in Ellsworth, Maine

Before the era of smartphones and social media, bowling leagues served as a community staple. In New England, candlepin bowling was the choice. This sport featured thinner pins and smaller balls, originating in Worcester, Massachusetts, in 1880. Despite its regional popularity, it never really spread beyond Massachusetts to Canada’s Maritime Provinces. Autumn Mowery in Ellsworth, Maine, is determined to keep this tradition alive.

The Unique Appeal of Candlepin Bowling

Candlepin bowling is distinguished by its equipment – thinner pins and smaller balls. Unlike standard ten-pin bowling, achieving a high score is much more challenging. Mowery, a lifelong patron of her local alley, expresses her preference with enthusiasm, claiming, “This one’s better!”

Having visited the alley since age six, Mowery appreciates it especially during harsh Maine winters. At 17, she began working behind the scenes, drawn to the mechanics of the pin-setting machines. These vintage machines are crucial to the alley’s charm, and Mowery speaks to them like colleagues, even while repairing them.

Saving the Alley from Demolition

Mowery’s journey into ownership was born from necessity. When the alley faced demolition in 2020, she pleaded for three months to prove its viability. At only 18, she faced numerous challenges, including storm damage and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite these obstacles, Mowery persevered, largely inspired by her mother, Amanda. She credits her mother for teaching resilience and positivity during difficult times. This supportive environment helped shape Mowery’s approach to both business and community outreach.

Using the Alley for Community Support

Mowery’s vision goes beyond bowling. Her goal of becoming a clinical therapist influences how she operates the alley, utilizing it as a safe haven for those in need. She has intervened in critical situations and opened the space for therapy sessions, especially for victims of domestic violence.

This community focus has drawn people back to the alley. Regular patron Jen Johnson praises Mowery’s ability to rejuvenate the space and bring people together, highlighting the positive impact of her work.

A Vision for the Future

Today, Mowery works alongside her fiancé, Ryan Lounder, who helps in various roles including as a chef. They aim to balance the alley’s needs with community contributions, despite financial constraints. Their dedication to giving back is unwavering, as they organize food drives and pancake breakfasts.

Alongside maintaining the alley’s old machines, Mowery nurtures her young son, Jackson, who symbolizes the future of the sport in her family. While achieving a perfect game in candlepin remains elusive, Mowery finds fulfillment in fostering genuine connections within the community.

For her, the alley represents personal growth and the discovery of her true self, contributing to her happiness and that of others around her. It’s a testament to the enduring value of meaningful human connections.

For more information, you can visit the Ellsworth Candlepin Bowling Alley on their Facebook page or contribute through their GoFundMe.