1887 - 4.5" pockets - First 'Continuous Pool' Match
- Thread starter Mr. Bond
- Start date
In Gustave Flaubert's literary classic Madame Bovary, published in 1856, the growing preference for tight equipment was noted.
In Part II, Chapter I, the following passage appears:
"Another billiard-table!" exclaimed the widow. "Since that one is coming to pieces, Madame Lefrancois. I tell you again you are doing yourself harm, much harm! And besides, players now want narrow pockets and heavy cues. Hazards aren't played now; everything is changed! One must keep pace with the times! Just look at Tellier!"
In Part II, Chapter I, the following passage appears:
"Another billiard-table!" exclaimed the widow. "Since that one is coming to pieces, Madame Lefrancois. I tell you again you are doing yourself harm, much harm! And besides, players now want narrow pockets and heavy cues. Hazards aren't played now; everything is changed! One must keep pace with the times! Just look at Tellier!"
TomIndingaro
Registered
thanks for the info
Also of note a $50 entry fee in 1887 was more than a considerable amount of money. Does anyone know out of what publication that little blurb came?
The designated ball size of 2 5/16 is bigger, not smaller.
I am not sure of where that particular blurb came from but Harpers Weeklys are a great source of that type of information.
The first tournament was 1859 and there were quite a few great issues between then and 1890. I'm not too familiar after that.
The piece shown looks like it might be a microfilm, In the late 80s I used to go to the Library and copy everything I could about old tournaments and players from their archives.
Perhaps today you can do it from home.