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Rescued Maine Bowling Alley Becomes Domestic Violence Safe Haven

8/10/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Autumn Mowery rescued the 77-year-old Ellsworth Candlepin Bowling Alley in Ellsworth, Maine after postponing its demolition in 2020.
She kept the alley open despite storm damage, a roof leak, a burst pipe, and COVID-19, and turned it into a safe space for domestic-violence victims.
She and fiancé Ryan Lounder make monthly payments to buy the property and plan a 2027 wedding there.

History

Historical Context

Historic preservation had no federal policy until Lyndon B. Johnson signed the National Historic Preservation Act on October 15 1966, establishing the National Register and a Historic Preservation Fund that awarded $24.4 million in its first year. Building on that framework, activists Autumn Mowery and Ryan Lounder are financing monthly payments to rescue the 1930s Ellsworth Candlepin Bowling Alley.

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Story summary

Autumn Mowery rescued the 77-year-old Ellsworth Candlepin Bowling Alley in Ellsworth, Maine after postponing its demolition in 2020.
She kept the alley open despite storm damage, a roof leak, a burst pipe, and COVID-19, and turned it into a safe space for domestic-violence victims.
She and fiancé Ryan Lounder make monthly payments to buy the property and plan a 2027 wedding there.

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