Businesses in the Keweenaw have come and gone over the last seven decades, but one local spot is going strong.
Established in 1946, Miller’s Lanes in Laurium is the oldest bowling alley in the Copper Country still operating.
Originally six lanes with pins set by hand, the bowling alley grew over the years to eight lanes and added a concourse.
Started by Margaret and Ben Miller, the business has remained in the family and in the hearts of the residents.
Miller’s Recreation, Inc. Co-Owner Loralee Miller said, “All the time, I have people come in from out of town and tell me stories of how their grandparents bowled here, their parents bowled here. I have current bowlers that tell me stories about that, too, as well as bowlers that are in their eighties and they remember the heyday with my grandparents back in the 50’s and 60’s and bowling.”
To celebrate their 70th anniversary, Miller’s is hosting a special event this Saturday evening with live music and, of course,–bowling.
If can’t make it to the party, stop in anytime. After all these years, Miller’s Lanes isn’t going anywhere.
Miller said, “You know that Miller’s is here, so when you come back to visit, we’ll be here to greet you and to serve you a beer and have you bowl a game of bowling.”
Here is the press release from Miller’s Recreation, Inc.:
Miller’s Lanes is an eight lane bowling center, restaurant and tavern located in downtown Laurium. February marked the establishments seventieth year in business. Founded by Margaret and Bill Miller in 1946 the business has grown and expanded while remaining in the family and maintaining the tradition of providing a family oriented recreation experience. When the center opened it housed six bowling lanes with manual pinsetter, a bar and sandwich counter. At this time pin boys set pins during leagues for 10 cents per game. In 1958 the center expanded to an eight lane center and built a concourse area to provide room for games and dancing. Automatic pinsetters and scoring have since been added. Bowling leagues and open play; including glow bowling, birthday parties, and tournaments; are provided for ages three and older. The sandwich counter has also expanded to a full restaurant with reasonable prices and daily specials. Through the history of the business the Miller family has always strived to provide a service to the community by hosting church, school and community groups; providing free bowling to children; sponsoring local causes; and providing an environment where everyone feels welcome when to enter the establishment.
We invite you to join us in the 70th Year in Business Celebration Saturday April 9th from 7-11pm. Dance to the jazz and swing styling’s of the Backroom Boys while enjoying 70¢ games of bowling, food and drinks. Play trivia and enter the prize give away. For details check us out at facebook.com/millerslanes.
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Established in 1946, Miller’s Lanes in Laurium is the oldest bowling alley in the Copper Country still operating.
