With a few exceptions, you can only find candlepin bowling alleys in New England and Canada’s Maritime provinces. Here's a look at the history of the sport's unique regional rise and why it hasn't expanded across the country.
Candlepin bowling was invented in Worcester, Massachusetts and is pretty much only played in New England. So what exactly is it, and how does it differ?
Candlepin bowling was invented in Worcester, Massachusetts and is pretty much only played in New England. So what exactly is it, and how does it differ?
UpdatedThu, May 13, 2021 at 11:09 am ET
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Candlepin bowling is the most challenging of all indoor sports, according to the Massachusetts Bowling Association. No one has ever bowled a perfect 300 in candlepin: the record score is 245 for men and 196 for women. (Dave Copeland/Patch)
Only In Massachusetts is an occasional series where Patch tries to find answers to questions about life in Massachusetts. Have a question about the Bay State that needs answering? Send it to dave.copeland@patch.com.
If you grew up in Massachusetts and certain pockets of northern New England, you know there is bowling and there is big ball bowling. Big ball bowling is what everyone outside the region calls bowling. You grew up going to birthday where you chucked softball-sized bowling bowls at skinny pins, and, after the last cartoon ran on Saturday morning, you may have watched a few strings of Candlepin Bowling on Channel 5.