After spending 15 years in a Indianapolis Indiana, a little over a year ago I moved back home to a very small town in Southwestern Indiana (for you history buffs, the home of William Henry Harrison and the Capitol of the Northwest territory).
For 13 months I had a hard time finding anywhere other than a bar to play locally, the only places being an hour drive away. (Note: an hour drive in Indy is a HUGE difference from an hour drive in rural America.) Anyway, to shorten this and get to the point, about a month ago I was let in on the greatest secret in this area. Across the river, in another small town in Illinois is a blast from the past. A small pool hall owned by a retired Boilermaker (the job, not the mascot).
Gentleman (and ladies), I give you... The Phoenix Pool Hall.
Once you find the place (No signs to mark the place), upon entry you feel like you've time traveled back to 1976. Except, front and center are 2 9 foot Diamond Tables. A game on these tables will set you back 50 cents.
Immediately to the right as you enter is a 10 foot (?) american snooker table (I've not looked at the brand).
But neither the diamond tables or the american snooker table are the stars of this show.
Nestled in the back corner of this blast from the past you will find, at any time during operating hours, 5 to 10 old timers at the early 1900's era 12 foot Brunswick snooker table.
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The following photo's were taken at yesterdays annual New Years Eve Doubles snooker tournament. Notice the mix of young and "experienced" players at the table, but in the end, experience won the day and took home the cash.
There was no denying that this old boy was on his home court!
Home made bridge and a young 'un taking his lumps.
This was taken earlier in the day, when the old timers were playing a game they call "golf". Not sure the rules as I think they make them up as they go along.
only allowed 10 images, to be continued in the next post.
For 13 months I had a hard time finding anywhere other than a bar to play locally, the only places being an hour drive away. (Note: an hour drive in Indy is a HUGE difference from an hour drive in rural America.) Anyway, to shorten this and get to the point, about a month ago I was let in on the greatest secret in this area. Across the river, in another small town in Illinois is a blast from the past. A small pool hall owned by a retired Boilermaker (the job, not the mascot).
Gentleman (and ladies), I give you... The Phoenix Pool Hall.
Once you find the place (No signs to mark the place), upon entry you feel like you've time traveled back to 1976. Except, front and center are 2 9 foot Diamond Tables. A game on these tables will set you back 50 cents.
Immediately to the right as you enter is a 10 foot (?) american snooker table (I've not looked at the brand).
But neither the diamond tables or the american snooker table are the stars of this show.
Nestled in the back corner of this blast from the past you will find, at any time during operating hours, 5 to 10 old timers at the early 1900's era 12 foot Brunswick snooker table.
The following photo's were taken at yesterdays annual New Years Eve Doubles snooker tournament. Notice the mix of young and "experienced" players at the table, but in the end, experience won the day and took home the cash.
There was no denying that this old boy was on his home court!
Home made bridge and a young 'un taking his lumps.
This was taken earlier in the day, when the old timers were playing a game they call "golf". Not sure the rules as I think they make them up as they go along.
only allowed 10 images, to be continued in the next post.
