Several years ago we had a work outing to a dive bar/bowling place in northeast Minneapolis. I’ve always been a bowler of inconsistent quality, and am really pleased if I get over 100. Something very strange happened that day. The first frame I had a miss and a 7 - not unusual for me. Next frame: strike. Next frame: strike (I’m looking at a photo of the scorecard which unfortunately I can’t embed here for verification). Two more strikes, so that’s four in a row, and by frame 5 I have 127. This was getting very weird. Sixth frame, another strike and now the attendant is watching and I’m freaking out a little. Seventh frame: another strike. 175 points! Eight: a nine. And a miss! Took the pressure off! Ninth frame: strike again! 202 points! Final frame was a whimper with a 7 and 1, total of 210. I was totally wiped, and the next game we played I got 80 or so, much more my normal score. It was such a weird experience and I’ve never come even slightly close since
From the information you have provided about d'Amanda's on Judge John Hodgman I was able to identify (and give some trivia about) the bowling alley on The Holdovers as a Candlepin variety to my wife while we were watching the movie, which impressed her and improved my know-it-all quotient significantly. Thanks! I'm going to have to try it out when we finally make our way to the northeast to visit.
My in-love-with-it-but-never-played-it mental folder now includes Curling AND Candlepin (Curling has held the spot alone for many years). Looking forward to your project.
"I just want to say one word to you Ben... one word"
Secondly, Autumn was delightful. As you continue figuring out what your next act is, know that "the Studs Terkel for the characters of New England" is a viable option.
What a story. It’s got everything- candlepin bowling : the first type of pin bowling I think, kept alive with love and sweat and sacrifice, by a girl named Autumn,. There’s a great chat between her and John Hodgman where she goes through all it has taken to keep the place going- ts a beautiful surprising story
Several years ago we had a work outing to a dive bar/bowling place in northeast Minneapolis. I’ve always been a bowler of inconsistent quality, and am really pleased if I get over 100. Something very strange happened that day. The first frame I had a miss and a 7 - not unusual for me. Next frame: strike. Next frame: strike (I’m looking at a photo of the scorecard which unfortunately I can’t embed here for verification). Two more strikes, so that’s four in a row, and by frame 5 I have 127. This was getting very weird. Sixth frame, another strike and now the attendant is watching and I’m freaking out a little. Seventh frame: another strike. 175 points! Eight: a nine. And a miss! Took the pressure off! Ninth frame: strike again! 202 points! Final frame was a whimper with a 7 and 1, total of 210. I was totally wiped, and the next game we played I got 80 or so, much more my normal score. It was such a weird experience and I’ve never come even slightly close since
That’s also the longest comment I’ve posted on Substack so it’s records all round
Thank you for posting this truly epic tale of triumph!
From the information you have provided about d'Amanda's on Judge John Hodgman I was able to identify (and give some trivia about) the bowling alley on The Holdovers as a Candlepin variety to my wife while we were watching the movie, which impressed her and improved my know-it-all quotient significantly. Thanks! I'm going to have to try it out when we finally make our way to the northeast to visit.
I was relieved the candlepin content in that movie was so minimal (tho great), so I don’t have to cancel my own candlepin proj
My in-love-with-it-but-never-played-it mental folder now includes Curling AND Candlepin (Curling has held the spot alone for many years). Looking forward to your project.
"I just want to say one word to you Ben... one word"
"What's that, sir?"
"Candlepin."
Firstly, just call it "D'Eadwood."
Secondly, Autumn was delightful. As you continue figuring out what your next act is, know that "the Studs Terkel for the characters of New England" is a viable option.
(Or, hell, just call it Deadwood, since Hollywood owes you one for Ragnarok.)
What a story. It’s got everything- candlepin bowling : the first type of pin bowling I think, kept alive with love and sweat and sacrifice, by a girl named Autumn,. There’s a great chat between her and John Hodgman where she goes through all it has taken to keep the place going- ts a beautiful surprising story
Really buried the lead there with candlepin!
I started with candlepin, then had it again in the middle and the end and thought it’s too much. They’ll know which story I’m talking about.
That girl is fantastic
I spy with my little ear a familiar voice in the new Archer season!
I love the game Ear Spy!
I bowled an 81 a few weeks ago and was thrilled. First time I’ve ever bowled an actual strike in candlepin, too!
Well bowled!
In Canada we have a five pin bowling which is similar. Small ball, three attempts but only five regular shaped pins.