Thanks for your service

A quick story about my latest Hoppe.

I recently won a Willie Hoppe cue on Ebay, the seller had it priced a little low stating that it was warped. It also had the signature of the owner of the cue written in ink just below Willie Hoppe's name on the forearm.

I figured if I won the cue I could remove the pen ink if I wanted to. When the cue arrived I was delighted to see that it was not warped but rather very straight, the joint collars were off centered to each other which is the norm with these vintage cues.

Inside the tube with the cue was the obituary of the man who owned the cue before me, Matthew Jurczak. Matt had a storied life from what I could tell that included serving under General MacArthur. He was a Regimental Sergeant Major in the158th combat team known as the Bushmasters division. Mr. Jurczak also graduated from law school and practiced law until he was appointed as a Judge.

After reading all this and much more about this man I think I will keep his name right where Matt wrote it on the cue.

Thanks for your service Matthew Jurczak.

ChicagoRJ said:

Yep, pretty cool !!

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sjm said:

Great story. Matthew was born just five days before Olivia DeHavilland, who is, amazingly, still alive at the ripe old age of 103.
If you ever get rid of this cue, it should be wrapped in an American flag.

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Wow I just read up on Olivia, what an amazing career she has had. Stu I like the flag idea but anyone who has seen my cue collection knows I rarely get rid of cues

pt109 said:

L like the fact that the pool world honours a man that’s worth honoring.
...I would never have known about him.
Thanx to Jim

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You are welcome pt

ShootingArts said:

Jim,

A man to honor, keeping his name is a great idea. A friend did the island hopping thing in WWII. His tales were grim. Any graduate of that school has my utmost respect. Sounds like this man had a very respectable career afterwards too so remembering his name is a fine gesture.

Hu

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Hu there was more to his obit and I will try and post another picture soon.

bbb said:

That’s a really cool story to go with the cue
And thank you Matt for your service

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Rubik's Cube said:

Thank you for sharing that great story, Cuebuddy.

Congratulations on such a wonderful find, sir. And, might I add, that’s a fine looking tomato, dear chap.

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Yes tomatoes are another of my hobbies, I wish you could try one!

8cree said:

Really cool find! Lucky you, sir, thanks for sharing!!

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Your welcome too!


Last night I ran a rack of 9-ball with the old girl and I will say there is plenty of magic with this one.

deanoc said:

if you want to sell that cue andarticles
i will donate it to Dennis Glenn,it belongs in the pool hall of fame too

contact me

best wishes ifyou keep the cue,it is historic too

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Dean I am not to keen on selling it at this time but I would still like to contact you for another reason. I will get back to you soon.