Autumn Mowery became the owner of D’Amanda’s in Ellsworth, Maine, when she was 18. That was in 2020, and the center is still operating, which is more than can be said for many candlepin venues.
Beyond simply beating long odds, perhaps Mowery’s greatest achievement involved bringing a pinsetting machine that had been “down” for 36 years back to life. Today, all 12 lanes at the center, now referred to as the Ellsworth Candlepin Bowling Alley, are fully functional and remain so through lots of TLC. Still, keeping a small center thriving — whether candlepin, traditional duckpin or tenpin — can be daunting.
Over time, Mowery has added arcade games, golf simulators, pool tables, a full kitchen a classic malt bar, and more.
“My dream,” she says, “is to continue growing this space into a full entertainment center while still protecting the history that makes it special.”
Last February, Mowery was approached by the “CBS Sunday Morning” program, and in early August, a segment on the center aired. That exposure did wonders for Mowery’s GoFundMe campaign, which she started with an original goal of raising $25,000. As of today, approximately 3,900 individuals had donated $318,765 — an amount Mowery says she “never imagined.”
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