I haven’t talked about it much, but the bowling alley is nearing its final days. Come May 1st, Dan Patch Lanes will cease to exist. A bowling alley built in 1956 will be bulldozed to make room for a parking lot. Yes, really.
Dad is in the process of trying to find investors so he can build another bowling alley in the Savage/Prior Lake area. See, my family doesn’t technically own the bowling alley. The City of Savage bought the alley from my aunt and uncle some nine years ago. They gave it some guy to run and he ran it into the ground for a year. Then the City offered it to rent the alley to my parents for $1 a year eight years ago, or was it seven? I can’t remember.
As for me, my bowling days are numbered. I’ve told him since the threat of closing first loomed three years ago that I was retiring with the building. Officially, my last night of bowling will be March 30th. I think I might cry that night. I am not sure.
Mic came up to me tonight to show me his bowling totals. First, before I even get into this. Can I just say how happy I am that I’m not the only one who keeps track of the random things they do? Mic’s been bowling Friday nights at Dan Patch Lanes since 1960. I have no idea how long he’s been the secretary of the league. Since 1960 he’s bowled 7189 games at the alley, over 3000 of those games were on Friday nights.
Can you even imagine?
Tonight he had his daughter-in-law come in with a video camera, and walk around the bowling alley — taping the bowlers and the interior. Just watching her made my throat get all cloggy.
You have no idea how much I wish I could make it there to bowl just one game before it closes.
It looks like your bowling alley has inflatable bumpers, cool, I haven’t seen those.
Sorry to see an end of an era, but I’m sure the friendships that have been established won’t diminish. best wishes to your parents and the whole family.
Hi Jodi;
I’m doing story research for a story I’m working on for the Savage Pacer about Dan Patch Lanes. I know Mic and think I’ll give him a ring to gather some more info. Are there others who you might suggest that I talk to about their number days of bowling at Dan Patch Lanes? I’ve got a call into Denny and will certainly talk to him to get all the facts right. I’ve also talked to the city. But I think the best part of any story would be to talk with folks like Mic.
Anyway, my e-mail’s listed above — please let me know.