In May 1908 the "All-Star Balkline Tournament" was held in Chicago at Orchestra Hall as usual. But this was no ordinary match. This time it was to feature a legendary battle between Jacob Schaefer Sr. and a fresh-faced newbie named Willie Hoppe. It was literally the old-school versus the new school - the passing of the torch - the ending of Schaefer's reign and the beginning of Hoppe's.
Only two short years later, Jake Schaefer Sr. died.
The photo below memorializes not only the event itself, but who we were at the time, what we were doing, what we looked liked and what the entire billiard industry was paying attention to.
( there is a reason for the white letters on the image, see below)
TO SEE THIS IMAGE "FULL SIZE" CLICK HERE
The very same Orchestra Hall today:
Letter A:
Closeup of 'Willie' and 'Jake' set to lag. The boy seen behind Jake is probably his son, Jake Jr.
Letter B:
In the balcony, Jake's father in-law (with whom he was very close) John Kammerer, with his four daughters.
Gotta love that hat.
Portrait of Kammerer:
Letter C
The co-inventor of modern cue chalk, William Spinks.
Sitting next to someone who is clearly asleep!
Portrait of Spinks:
Letter D
Pro players with front row privileges. Do you recognize who?
Letter E:
This is my favorite...it cracks me up!
What do you think is going on here?
BUSTED!
What else can you see?
Only two short years later, Jake Schaefer Sr. died.
The photo below memorializes not only the event itself, but who we were at the time, what we were doing, what we looked liked and what the entire billiard industry was paying attention to.
( there is a reason for the white letters on the image, see below)
TO SEE THIS IMAGE "FULL SIZE" CLICK HERE
The very same Orchestra Hall today:
Letter A:
Closeup of 'Willie' and 'Jake' set to lag. The boy seen behind Jake is probably his son, Jake Jr.
Letter B:
In the balcony, Jake's father in-law (with whom he was very close) John Kammerer, with his four daughters.
Gotta love that hat.
Portrait of Kammerer:
Letter C
The co-inventor of modern cue chalk, William Spinks.
Sitting next to someone who is clearly asleep!
Portrait of Spinks:
Letter D
Pro players with front row privileges. Do you recognize who?
Letter E:
This is my favorite...it cracks me up!
What do you think is going on here?
BUSTED!
What else can you see?
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