In 1974, Virgil purchased Melrose Bowl. He had 13 leagues and one junior program. In a few short years, he increased it to 19 leagues and two junior programs. He also had the school grades 7-11 come over for two weeks each year. Even when times got tough for schools, he offered the school free bowling so the kids would get the “feel” of bowling. (At the time, they declined). Ten years later, at a minimum price, grades 9 & 10 came back. This has continued for the last 14 years.

Virgil would do anything for the kids. He always said they were the future of bowling, for us and every other bowling alley. He brought on cosmic bowling and added bumper bowling. When everyone was raising prices, Virgil kept them down. He wanted everyone to be able to bowl and have a good time in league and open bowling.

In 1995, Virgil put in the first synthetic lanes in a 30 mile radius. At first, his decision was not the most popular with the bowlers, but he explained why and they understood and now love the lanes. Now, there are many synthetic lanes in the area. In 1996, Virgil let the bowlers decide on automatic scorers. It was a close vote, but once it was explained, automatic scorers are enjoyed by all.

Virgil was a leader and pioneer when it came to a small center (8 lanes). It wasn’t about getting rich. He wanted the bowlers to decide (along with himself) what was good for Melrose Bowl. It is still going strong after he passed away. Everything he did was for Melrose Bowl and the community of Melrose. His son, Craig, watched and learned from him and continues the tradition today.