Golden anniversary for local business

BEDPOSTS: Kate Donahu looks on as her ball leaves her with a 7 – 10 split.

It's been fifty years since Anderson Bowl opened its doors, and while there have been some changes over the years, most have been modernization.

"We put in synthetic lanes instead of wood, they are just more durable. We have had the equipment updated and there used to be a restaurant back in the day, but it was taken out in '74 when (Richard) Anderson bought it," said current owner Ron Miller.

The Anderson Bowl has been through six owners since it's opening in September of 1959.

The original owner was Owen Whitehouse who had the bowling alley until 1969 when it was purchased by Merits Presley who had it for a few years before selling to Jack Bowden and Anderson.

Anderson bought out his partner in 1974 and leased it to the current owner, Miller, in 1995 and he bought the bowling alley in 1996.

"Sharon, my wife, worked here in '78, she ran the counter, and I came (to work) here around '82 and we took over as managers," recalls Miller.

Though Miller is now semi-retired, his son Lee is acting manager and hopes to be around for another fifty years.

In celebration of Anderson Bowl's fifty years, there will be a celebration September 12th and 13th. The staff will be dressed in '50s styled costumes, and will play '50s music all weekend.

A costume contest will also be held both days, as well as bowling, shoe rentals and snack bar specials at 50 cents.

For more information about the anniversary party, contact Anderson Bowl at (530) 365-3323.