The news in September of 2020 was not greeted with fanfare. Sure, there were tributes and kind words, but the overwhelming majority of people who read the news on social media that Compton Lanes was closing were sad.

 

Sad that a business in place for decades, ran by the well-known Compton family before taken over in 2012 by the late Jim Smith, was closing its doors. Sad that a recreational venue utilized by tens of thousands to create memories, fun, and smiles was history.

 

When word came that the building was going up for auction and that the content – lanes, tables, fixtures and just about everything else – the sadness was amplified. I, like I am sure plenty of others, was dismayed watching items after the auction being hauled away.

 

The era of Compton Lanes was over. That is the bad news we all know.

 

Ready for some good news? There is a new era of bowling ready to take place – in the same building, but under a new name.

 

Hopefully by December, and likely no later than the first of the year, the site on old Bridgeport Hill Road will officially be home to Alley 304. And there are several locals involved, starting with the two who purchased the building.

 

“My son (Jordan) and I bought the building,” said area businessman Gary Simon, whose family can be traced to the Graham-Simon business. “Then four of us decided we needed a bowling alley here.”

 

The four names include Simon, Dr. Ted Kress, Mark Oliverio, and Ben Scroggins. Simon said Scroggins, who he described as one of the best bowlers in West Virginia, will serve as the general manager and handle operations.

 

“Compton Lanes had been there for so long (it opened in September of 1961), decades, and we all knew the community was pretty upset about not having a bowling alley locally,” said Simon. “That led us to decide to open one up. It’s as simple as that.”

 

Right now, work is going full throttle inside the building. Outside the building, many may have noticed debris and a dumpster thinking nothing else than vthe building was being repurposed. Instead, it is being refurbished to a hefty six-figure tune inside with equipment, fixtures and more, much better than before. Counting the building acquisition, it is an investment of more than $1 million.

 

“It was gutted. Pretty much everything got taken during the auction,” said Simon. “We purchased the equipment and are getting it ready.”

 

On Friday, workers inside were busy installing the new lanes. The brand-new lanes will number 16 as opposed to 24.

 

“There will be a snack bar that will be serving food, good food such as hoagies and things of that nature,” said Simon. “We’re looking at calling it Hobo Junction from the place we used to operate.”

 

That could mean the return of two local businesses. Hobo Junction, the building of which Simon owns and the restaurant that he formerly operated, recently went under after new management acquired the food operation.

 

Along with the food, Simon said beer will be available. He said there will be other features as well, but the main thing is that bowling is returning to Harrison County in a place most remember doing their bowling.

 

“We had discussion to keep the Compton name on it because it’s such a known commodity, but in the end, it was voted on to go with a new name,” said Simon. “Hopefully, the community will visit the business. We’re looking forward to opening and having bowling back.”

 

I am looking forward to it too. I will bring my average 110 score with me.