The Real Ones will Remember this Epic Boston Candlepin Bowling Game Show

Being a Massachusetts native, I can't believe I didn't know until recently that candlepin bowling was invented in Worcester, MA. I also didn't realize that it's really a New England thing and the rest of the world is doing tenpin bowling (or big ball bowling as many people call it)

If you grew up in Massachusetts or Southern New Hampshire in the 70's, 'Candlepins For Cash', was most likely a staple in your living room.

It was hosted by the former sportscaster Bob Gamere, who may or may not have worn a toupee. We may never know.

The Rules of Candlepins for Cash

The basic rule was that contestants needed to bowl a strike (knock down all pins with the first ball) to win the big ole jackpot. It is worth noting that bowling a strike is way more difficult in candlepin bowling compared to traditional tenpin bowling. If the contestant couldn't pull off a strike, they might receive a smaller payout for a spare (knocking down all pins with the first two balls) plus a bonus ball where each pin knocked down adds to their score; a "10-box" (knocking down all pins with all three balls) usually results in a smaller cash prize as well.

The contestants were always interesting folks. Sometimes Bob would have to work really hard to make small talk with them before they started bowling. But hey, that's a game show host's job right?

According to a former contestant of the show the little two lane bowling alley where the show was filmed was constructed in the garage of the TV studio, right next to the camera trucks. They would stop filming when the trucks needed to leave the garage because the sound of the diesel engines would interrupt the audio of the show.

These contestants didn't really win BIG money. It was not uncommon for contestants to walk away with $30 dollars and a gift certificate to Star Market. Keep in mind this was the 70's and it was a local show, they didn't have a Hollywood budget. It was really more about the bragging rights and the experience of being on the show.

This has been a fun stroll down memory lane. If you ever get down a Youtube rabbit hole of watching old episodes of Candlepins for Cash I am here to tell you it is 100% time well spent.