All Star Bowling Lanes in Orangeburg is being restored with renovations funded by $2.75 million from the National Park Service.
ORANGEBURG, S.C. — A piece of Orangeburg’s civil rights history is being restored.
All Star Bowling Lanes, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is undergoing major renovations.
The Center for Creative Partnerships is leading the project with $2.75 million in federal funding from the National Park Service, along with a $25,000 grant from the City of Orangeburg.
On Monday night, the community gathered for the first lighting of a new façade marquee, modeled after the building’s original design.
Congressman James Clyburn joined Orangeburg Mayor Michael Butler for the event, which also included tours of the construction site.
“This means a lot to Orangeburg because this is where a lot of sorrow began down here at this All-Star Bowling Alley,” Butler said. “But however, it is a healing for us tonight. It’s a healing we’re coming together.”
Clyburn, who served as keynote speaker, told the crowd the project represents a chance for unity.
“We must confront them and we must sit down around whatever table or whatever circle may be available and then we all come together as we’re doing here today and repair these faults,” Clyburn said.
Ellen Zisholtz, who owns the building, said extensive work has been done inside the facility, from replacing the roof to updating the wiring and plumbing.
“So we took all the plumbing out and we have all new plumbing,” Zisholtz said. “And in order to do the plumbing, we had to break up the floors so the pipes could go under the floors.”
Community members reflected on what the bowling alley’s return means for Orangeburg.
“I’m glad they’re bringing a bowling alley back because we no longer have one in the county,” said resident Louis Haywood.
Residents Willie Johnson and Raymond Cooper said the new marquee brought back memories of their time bowling there. “The marquee kind of just bring back some of those memories, sit around, talking and fun. I’m trying to out bowl you, my favorite lane was 15 and 16,” they said.
When complete, the project will feature 16 bowling lanes, exhibits and space for community events.
