1880   The game of candlepin bowling originated in Worcester, MA.  Justin P.White, the inventor of the game, thought that the game of tenpins was too easy. White envisioned a game with skinnier pins and smaller balls to create more challenge to the bowler. At the time alleys were usually found in poorly lit basements filled with cigar smoke. Rules and playing conditions were completely up to the owners of the establishments. Pool tables and gambling were a common sight back then. Women and children on the other hand weren't!

1888......J.P.White hired John J. Monsey to work for him at his alleys on Pearl St. in Worcester.
   Monsey, later known as the father of candlepins, dedicated his life for the betterment of the game. His vision brought about standards for the game that others would adopt.

1892......Pins were placed on 12 inch spots. Lanes were standardized to 60 feet and 42 inches in width as they are today. A year later the ball was officially 41/2 inches in diameter

1909.....J.P.White died at the age of 70.White spent 21 years refining the game he invented.

1915.....The city of Worcester had 30 bowling alleys

1923.....The wooden pins were made with a groove in the middle of them so pin boys could grab the pins easier

1928.....The pins were painted white

1946.....The Massachusetts Bowling Association began.

1949.....Whalom Park, a popular amusement park in Lunenburg, MA ,was the site of four experimental automatic pin setters, made by the new Bowl-Mor corp. Many pin boys were looking for work after the successful demonstration of these machines

1952.....John J. Monsey died at the age of 84. He devoted 64 years to the game.

1958.....A one hour bowling show on channel 5 in Boston began and became a Saturday morning tradition for the next 37 years!

1960....The World Candlepin Bowling Council was formed on Nov 22

1960....Experimental " Plastic" candlepins were tested by Chris Anton, Proprietor of Big 20 Lanes  in Scarborough, ME. They gained slow acceptance at first, but later became the Industry standard and savior

1960's...Candlepins became more popular in Canada.

1964....The WCBC Hall of Fame was created . The first induction ceremony was held at the Wentworth By The Sea Resort in New Hampshire. To date 128 men and women  have been inducted to the Hall for competitive ability or sport contribution.

1972....The WCBC Pro Tour was formed. The male and female bowlers of the year for the first season were Bette Pray, Hampton, NH  and Mike Saniuk, Dorchester, MA.

1981.....The candlepin industry celebrated the game's centennial birthday. The Hall of Fame inductions that year were held at the Sheraton Lincoln, in Worcester. 450 guests were in attendance for the induction ceremonies and festivities.

1980's...A very successful amateur candlepin tour ran for a while

1984.....Ralph Semb rolled an astonishing, world record, 245 game at the Community Lanes in Westfield, MA.during a WNECA Pro Tour stop. At the time of the event, it was determined that the lanes met proper specs to allow for the score's sanctioning, but since the lanes weren't dues paying members at the time, the record wasn't considered legitimate
   The game was recognized in1999 when the MBA and ICBA decided to put an end to the bureaucracy that prevailed for 15 years.

1995...The Senior Pro Tour began. Jim Barber was the Bowler Of The Year of the inaugural season.

1999...Chris Anton retired from his position as chairman of the Candlepin Hall of Fame, which he co founded. His mission was to see that the greatest competitors and contributors in this game were recognized for their accomplishments. Anton held the chairman seat  for 35 years!

The new millenium.....computer scoring, bumper bowling, and GLOWBOWLING fill many centers. The game is one that the whole family can participate in and enjoy . Candlepin bowling has rolled along with the times thanks to the hard work of many who love the
game. As for the future of candlepins, all we have to do is KEEP ON ROLLIN' and the game will stay alive for another 100 years!

Just imagine what the game may look like then!