Pilgrim Lanes turns 40

Pilgrim Lanes will celebrate its 40th anniversary the weekend of Sept. 22 and 23 when the Pro Tour comes through, and Russell E. Webster, the original Pilgrim at the grand opening ribbon-cutting in 1967, will dress up again for the anniversary.

The Angelotti family, owners of Pilgrim Lanes since the beginning, first purchased Elite Bowling Lanes on Water Street in 1966 but had to move a year later. The family bought an empty lot at 600 Primrose St. and Silvio Angelotti began construction of the new building. He said Urban Renewal helped make way for 18 lanes that opened Sept. 23, 1967.

Silvio Angelotti was inducted into the Candlepin Hall of Fame on Oct. 20, 2002 by the International Candlepin Bowling Association. The honor is bestowed upon those who have had a positive impact on the sport of candlepin bowling.

Over the years, Pilgrim Lanes has been home to many tournaments and live television shows. The kids state tournament has been held there for the past nine years, and it has even hosted the world tournament. Channel 5 has taped a live show on lanes 9 and 10, and “Candlepins for Dollars” on WLVI 56, a one-hour program where two bowlers compete head-to-head, was taped there last year. They are working to do it again this year.

“We have one of the best spectator turnouts. The seniors, especially, love to come in and watch the pro bowlers,” Silvio said.

An arcade was added about 15 years ago. And glow bowling was introduced on Friday and Saturday nights 10 years ago.

For the past four years Pilgrim Lanes has held the Tom Morgan Memorial Tournament. Morgan was a pro bowler who passed away a few years ago. A $150 scholarship in Morgan’s name is made possible through the proceeds. Pilgrim Lanes matches that so a $300 scholarship is awarded to someone in the junior league. A tournament is held at the end of the season to determine which junior bowler will receive it.

The junior league at Pilgrim Lanes takes place on Saturday mornings from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. with about 105 youths ages 5 through 18. The 12 volunteer coaches who come to work with them include certified coaches and pro bowlers.

“Working with these kids is the most exciting thing you could ever imagine,” said Bart Maderios, head coach and program director for the past 19 years. As part of the junior league, approximately 80 young people will get to bowl in Canada in March.

About 80 kids from the league also get to participate in the International Tournament in Portsmouth, N.H. each year.

The Jack & Jill league is on Sunday nights at 7 p.m. At 15 teams with six people per team, it’s the biggest league in the house.

“It’s a fun, social league. If you spend more than 15 minutes here, you’ll hear more laughter than you can possibly imagine,” Maderios said.

Kerri Caulfield, 19, of Peabody, has been bowling at Pilgrim since she was 2. She was in the junior league from age 5 through 18 and now bowls in the Jack & Jill league.

“I love the environment and the people. It’s like a big family here,” Caulfield said.

Other leagues include a Bumper League for ages 3 through 8 on Mondays at 4 p.m.; Mixed Speed Teams for ages 18 and older on Tuesdays at 7 p.m.; Friendship League on Wednesdays; Circus League on Thursdays; Friday Morning Men’s League and a Teenage League on Saturdays.

A $25,000 five-strike candlepin challenge end-of-season tournament is open to any league bowlers age 18 or older who hits a double strike in their league; men that have hit a 400 series for three strings or women who have hit 350; or any league bowlers may buy into the tournament for $50. Bowlers compete for prize money and receive $25,000 for five strikes in a row.

Birthday party packages are also offered at Pilgrim Lanes for regular or glow bowling.

Pilgrim Lanes is located at 600 Primrose St. For more information, call 978-372-5802 or visit their Web site at www.pilgrimlanes.com.