Candlepin bowling center in Millis becomes site of new world record game thrown by Franklin woman

As candlepin bowling undergoes a bit of a renaissance in Central Massachusetts, a Millis bowling alley was the site of a new world record game bowled by an area woman. 

Ryan Family Amusements was the site of the new women’s single-game record high score of 210, set by Jenny Rowe, a 41-year old woman from Franklin. The record occurred as part of mixed-team league play on Sept. 3, according to a press release issued by the Erving-based International Candlepin Bowling Association on Tuesday.

Once facing a decline in candlepin alleys that diminished the sport’s presence in Central Massachusetts, the sport has seen growth, with some longtime bowling centers being taken over by the next generation of leadership and plans for new lanes in the works. For example, The Cove, a 173-upscale apartment in Worcester’s Canal District under the final stages of construction, is set to be the home of a candlepin center and restaurant.

Rowe’s record string at Ryan Family Amusements, which saw her bowl five strikes in a row and six overall, beat the previous record of 207, set by Brenda Lamagdeleine in April 2001. 

The announcement comes after the ICBA reviewed necessary data and completed an inspection of the lane to assure the record was valid. 

The investigation included the inspection of equipment and verification from more than 20 witnesses present for the game to ensure they did not observe Rowe committing any fouls, according to a comment on a Facebook post made by the Abington-based Massachusetts Bowling Association. 

The game was captured on video by Outrun The Bear, a candlepin-focused YouTube page. 

Ryan Family Amusements is a 22-lane center including arcade games and other attractions. In total, the company operates 10 locations across Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire.

Eric Casey is a staff writer at Worcester Business Journal, who primarily covers the manufacturing and real estate industries.