Sometimes a great local story travels a very long way.
Ellsworth’s own Autumn Mowery and Ellsworth Candlepin Bowling Alley recently found themselves in the national spotlight when CBS News Sunday Morning shared Autumn’s remarkable story of preserving one of New England’s increasingly rare candlepin bowling alleys.
And people responded in a BIG way.
After the CBS story aired Sunday, August 9, 2026, a fundraiser supporting the bowling alley’s future grew to nearly $250,000, with approximately 3,000 people contributing.
What makes the story even more special is the person behind it. Autumn was just 18 years old when she took over the bowling alley. Since then, she has worked to restore and maintain its historic equipment, including bringing all 12 bowling lanes back to life. She did all this while continuing to build a place where families and friends can gather and have fun right here in Ellsworth.
The bowling alley has been part of Ellsworth’s community since 1974, and its pin setting machines are believed to be the oldest known candlepin pinsetters still in use.
We couldn’t be happier to see Autumn, her hard work, and a very special Ellsworth business receiving this kind of attention.
Congratulations, Autumn! We’re proud to have you, and this wonderful piece of history, right here in The Friendly City. 🎳❤️
Read the Bangor Daily News story
Watch the CBS Sunday Morning story.
Learn more about Ellsworth Candlepin Bowling Alley
