Ellsworth Candlepin Bowling Alley has upgraded its flooring, seating and carpeting after raising more than $340,000 through an online fundraiser.
According to the Bangor Daily News, the historic business received a surge of donations after being featured on CBS News Sunday Morning in August. More than 4,000 people contributed to a GoFundMe campaign launched by owner Autumn Mowery.
The alley has been a community gathering place since 1974, hosting birthday parties, bowling leagues and first dates. Mowery was just 18 when she took over the business in 2021.
By late October, the donations had helped pay for new hardwood flooring, neon carpeting, retro-style seating and accessibility ramps. New heat pumps have also been installed or are nearing completion.
Mowery said she hopes to preserve the alley’s history while continuing to improve the building. Her next major project is professionally refinishing the bowling lanes this spring.
She has also repaired much of the alley’s aging equipment, some of which dates back to the 1940s. Visitors can now take behind-the-scenes tours to see the historic
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