Community mourns as Burnt Hills Lanes burns

When I moved to the 518 area in the middle of 7^th grade, my very first class as a student at the Burnt Hills Junior High was at Burnt Hills Lanes. I'm thinking, this is cool. A new school and we study at a bowling alley. A few years later when I was in the high school, we even got to walk over there during the school program. Can't imagine the school district would still allow students to walk across that busy street these days.

At any rate, it was those memories of school days gone by which immediately came to mind when I heard this morning Burnt Hills Lanes had caught fire. The fire started a little after midnight, and, according to witnesses, within about 30 minutes was a total loss, having burned to the ground.

There is a Facebook page devoted to Burnt Hills memories, and several commented on the exact same memory of heading over there during phys ed class.

And, as was the case for every successful bowling alley, there were leagues; similarly, those formerly involved in league play there also chimed on those fond memories.

The place was established in 1959 and renovated recently, making it even more a community gathering spot, more of a recreation center for all ages.

I probably shouldn't say this, but one other memory I have of the place was of me and a few high school buddies (who shall remain nameless) sneaking some beers in there. 

Now, this wonderful place is gone. (Thanks to Ken Rohling for the gigapan photo link.)

In a school district such as Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake there are not many places in which a community can come together. This is partially due to the set up of the district, which is made up of four municipalities, Charlton, East Glenville, and of course the eponymous villages of Burnt Hills and Ballston Lake.

And, even within those four places, there isn't a classic downtown in the bunch. Route 50 dominates the district, from Ballston Spa in the north, and Scotia at the southern most tip. And it is a road best traveled by motor vehicle, not afoot. As such, it is the lucky few spots which become popular gathering spots. Burnt Hills Lanes more than qualified as such a spot.

As someone growing up in the district during the late 1970's, there were but a few hangouts. And, while nothing lasts forever of course, it seems more and more of these places are gone. This starts right at the heart of the business district, at Lakehill Road and Route 50, where the much missed Olde Homestead (nee Country Kitchen) used to set up shop. It was one of those places, as Yogi Berra used to say, “Nobody goes there because it's always so crowded.”

Yet, despite the always packed house, it was mismanaged, closed, and then incredibly reduced to rubble. The vacant lot stands out like a sore thumb as thousands drive past it daily.

Another favorite was Poor John's. For years the landmark at Route 50 and Hetcheltown Road became a favorite gathering spot for everything from watching the NFL on Sunday, to slow dancing on weekend nights. Now it sadly sits vacant.

In reality, about the only continuous spot where this wonderful community can still regularly congregate is at sporting events at the nearby high school. 

Which brings us back to Burnt Hills Lanes. As I write this, there still is literally smoke coming from the ashes. So, obviously it is way too soon to know what will become of the place. My guess (and hope) is out of these ashes, the bowling alley will be rebuilt, better than it was before. This is what happened just a couple of miles west of there a few years ago when the Charlton Tavern suffered a similarly tragic fire. Now the place, all new, but retaining the spirit and colonial decor of its past, is there once again for the community to gather around.

I truly hope I can write those exact same words in the near future about Burnt Hills Lanes.