Of course, a bowling alley in downtown Dorchester never came to fruition. But community feedback received by the Times nearly a decade ago indicated strong interest in a bowling venue. (Just read the archived reader comments at the bottom of this article.)
Here's how the rumor mill said it was going to happen: A Dorchester bowling alley would be built in the two buildings north of City Slickers Bar and Grill, or perhaps the former Sehnert Ford Garage, were either of those buildings to be made available.
The Times wrote this in late March 2014: "Of course, a future bowling alley is currently in the speculation stage, but it appears there is strong demand for such a social and entertainment venue. As readers know, Friend and Crete both lost their bowling facilities in recent years. As a result, those who want to bowl on league teams must wait years before they can bowl in nearby towns like Wilber or Seward."
"If Dorchester residents were willing to contribute their own money towards a bowling alley, this community would have real ownership," wrote one town resident who e-mailed the Times about this potential development. "It would finally give local residents a place to come together and share good times, just like social clubs used to provide years ago in the 1940s, '50s and '60s."
The Times wrote this in late March 2014: "Of course, a future bowling alley is currently in the speculation stage, but it appears there is strong demand for such a social and entertainment venue. As readers know, Friend and Crete both lost their bowling facilities in recent years. As a result, those who want to bowl on league teams must wait years before they can bowl in nearby towns like Wilber or Seward."
"If Dorchester residents were willing to contribute their own money towards a bowling alley, this community would have real ownership," wrote one town resident who e-mailed the Times about this potential development. "It would finally give local residents a place to come together and share good times, just like social clubs used to provide years ago in the 1940s, '50s and '60s."
Ah -- happy thoughts. Maybe one day.
I believe that there used to be a bowling alley in the old Longnecker building....................................
ReplyDeleteAwesome idea.
ReplyDeleteWould Brett be a bowling Boller in a bowling alley backed by the Bollers?
Delete^^ A+ grade on that comment.
DeleteThis is indeed a fantastic idea. I've said for years that we spend millions, literally, on our kids, many of whom are educated in our small towns and then never return. What do we spend of the young adults, parents and older generation who choose to live here?
ReplyDeleteCurrently the Nebraska Legislature is moving a bill (LB 191) that will give property owners returning a historically significant property to service a tax credit equal to 20% of eligible expenditures up to $1 million. Taxpayers would be eligible for the credit beginning Jan. 1, 2015, and applications would be accepted until Dec. 31, 2018. The bill also would allow recipients of credits to transfer, sell or assign up to 50% of the credits to any person or legal entity. If the credits are transferred to a political subdivision (like the Village of Dorchester) or a tax-exempt entity (like our Community Foundation), the 50% restriction would not apply. The Nebraska State Historical Society — in conjunction with the state Department of Revenue — would be required to electronically file a report by Dec. 31, 2017, detailing the number of applications and credits approved or denied under the program.
Something that town leaders might want to look into.
Oh, I forgot to mention that LB 191 is a priority bill of former Dorchester resident and now state Senator Jerry Johnson.
DeleteWhat a positive story! So glad to see this!!
ReplyDeleteLoved reading this story! I would love to have a bowling alley here. I used to bowl league years ago in Crete and would welcome the opportunity to bowl on a league again now.
ReplyDeleteMaybe somebody named Lebowski could run it.
ReplyDeleteWhere do I send my donation?! This would be so worthwhile.
ReplyDeleteHow about a grocery store too
ReplyDeleteIt would be so much easier to turn a profit, thanks mostly to beer sales, at a bowling alley. The only way Dorchester will ever get another grocery store is if it's community owned and the FBLA students at the school run it.
DeleteI'd settle for a quick shop .....
DeleteFour places in town selling beer. How do you say White Cloud?
ReplyDeleteSound it out dumb dumb.
Delete"People speak of my drinking, but never of my thirst."
ReplyDelete--Benjamin Franklin--
A bowling alley would be AWESOME!!
ReplyDeleteCan this still happen? Please??? I'd pay $500 a year in Bowling Alley Association dues
ReplyDelete...... i will gladly donate a cow chip or two ........................... only if no snowflakes are allowed ............ or we can use them as bowling pins ............................. and get to watch them go up in the pinspotter ...............
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