Richland Lanes up for sale

CAMBRIA COUNTY, Pa. (WJAC) — Richland Lanes has been a staple in Johnstown for 58 years. But will it be around for 58 more?

The future of the bowling alley is currently unknown.

Owner Mike Misler is looking to sell the business, which is listed for $1,100,000. Misler says he has been trying to sell it for three years now and retire, but has just now started to heavily advertise.

Misler has a long history with the bowling alley; he was on the construction crew that built the building back in 1961. His father, who was also working on the project, ended up buying it.

"We would all feel terrible, all of us. I mean we have people that hardly miss and they plan their schedules and vacation around bowling," said Smokey Kendig, president of The Toppers, a bowling league in Johnstown.

Kendig has been bowling at Richland Lanes for 15 years, and she said the place has hardly changed.

"I brought old boyfriends here many many years ago," joked Kendig.

But now Kendig spends her Tuesdays hitting the lanes with The Toppers, and an all-women bowling league. They play alongside another all-women's league called The Bouquets.

The leagues now may be in search of a new bowling alley if Misler ends up selling. However, Misler said he wishes that whoever does buy it keeps it as a bowling alley.

"It used to be when we would come here that these lanes were packed. I bowled in a nighttime league with my husband and I bowled in a day time league with the ladies," said Liz Smay, a member of The Bouquets.

Smay has been knocking down pins at Richland Lanes for 30 years. She thinks younger generations lack interest in bowling and that may be why the place isn't as packed as it used to be.

"I mean you know it’s getting old but as long as our balls still roll down the alley we’re fine," Kendig said.

Until a decision is made on if the business will be sold and whether or not the new owners will keep it a bowling alley, The Toppers and The Bouquets can be found on the lanes every Tuesday.

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