This Remote New Hampshire Bowling Alley Is Also A Pub
Not many places in the country can claim to be the oldest of anything. In fact, as math would have it – there can be just one of any given “oldest thing.” With those odds, New Hampshirites should be pretty proud that the oldest candlepin bowling alley is located in a small, unassuming town. But, in addition to that we’re pretty excited that this place is not only a great place to bowl, but it’s also a great pub in its own right. The well-known red building is owned by a local 20-something who named the spot after his freshman dorm room number when he bought the lanes after graduating.
Room 111 at Victory Lanes can be found in tiny Woodsville, New Hampshire.
As the story goes, in 1916, Mr. Andrew Bagonzi and Mr. Charles Maccini opened their doors to the town of Woodsville with the first candlepin bowling alleys in town.
The building was moved to where it sits today around 1900 when it opened as dance hall and movie theater. It was frequented by loggers and railroaders. It moved onto bowling around 1909 when the first three lanes were installed.
Candlepin bowling is a beloved New England pastime. It's similar to regular bowling, but it uses a ball weighting just 2.5 pounds. And, the balls are not cleared after every strike.
Things haven't always been operational, but today the place is owned by Nate Swain who bought it in 2016.
Michelle has lived in many places, but counts Maine as one of the best. In addition to the smell of ocean water in the air on rainy days in Portland, she loves puppies, photography, funny people, the Maine Red Claws, traveling, fresh tomatoes, Cambodia and filling out forms. For questions, comments and inquiries please email: mstarin@onlyinyourstate.com.
