In 1946, Bill and Marge Miller opened the doors to a new bowling center named Miller’s Recreation (aka Miller’s Lanes) at 311 Hecla Street in Laurium. The former Super Quality Foods warehouse had turned into six-lane bowling center with a sandwich shop and tavern.

At that time the lanes had manual pinsetters – boys or men would clear and set the pins on each lane after each frame; each earned $.10 per game.

In 1956, the Center expanded to include two more lanes, the kitchen was relocated and a concourse area built to provide room for games and dancing. Automatic Brunswick pinsetters were installed – making it the first center to own and operate automatic pinsetters in the Copper Country.

On any given night, one could enter to see 40 or more people bowling, drinking and enjoying life. Thousands of people have bowled at Miller’s at some point in their lives. Celebrities like Frankie Yankovic stopped in to enjoy Marge’s cooking after his polka tours. Music and dancing would erupt at the bar. Local favorite, accordionist Margaret Andrina, was a frequent performer as well.

Provided photo Miller’s Lanes still resides on Hecla Street in Laurium.

In the mid-1990s, Miller’s Lanes became the first Copper Country center to install automatic scorers for the bowlers. This really gave the bowlers more time to socialize while bowling.

As the business has grown and expanded, changes were implemented to keep up with the demand for food service and technology. A full service kitchen now offers monthly specials with desserts (dine-in, take-out and delivery service); free WiFi for patrons, staff uses a POS system, Facebook, a website, and Quickbooks accounting.

This summer a PULSE system – the latest in automatic scoring – replaced the original automatic scorers.

Even with all these business changes, the oldest bowling center in the Copper Country, is still owned and operated by the Miller family – now in its third generation. Maintaining the tradition of providing a family oriented recreation experience has always been the goal. Bowling leagues, tournaments, and open bowling; including glow and bumper bowling, and birthday parties are provided for ages three and older. 

The 11th Frame Restaurant has a variety of food with reasonable prices. Sports are offered on several televisions throughout the center. The concourse features tables for dining, a pool table, games, Michigan Lotto and a juke box with tunes available for everyone.

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 at the establishment.

To celebrate their 75th anniversary, Miller’s Lanes is hosting a masquerade ball this Saturday, Oct. 30, from 7 to 10 p.m.

“We will be congratulating all those who worked, coached and volunteered at Miller’s (if you are one of these people we would love if you could be here) with a champagne toast at 7 p.m.,” said owner Loralee Miller. “Music by the Backroom Boys will follow and costumes are encouraged. If you can’t make it to the party, stop in anytime. After all these years, we’ll be around for a while.”