9BallPaul
Banned
Wandered into my old poolroom today -- the joint where I hung some 45 years ago, back in the '60s. Then it was known in Denver as the Family Fun Center at 38th and Sheridan. From there it became known as Paradise Billiards, and that's what the sign out front proclaims now. OK, it's now called Hank's Billiards, but they're tardy with their signs.
Same pool hall where I first encountered Weenie Beanie (Bill Staton) and Eddie Taylor. The joint where I became a huge fan of Andy Hudson and, later, Bill Stroud. Spent many happy hours watching those two locked in combat.
Different room now. Once, it was all Gold Crowns, but now only nine remain. Must be about 25 Valley bar boxes there now, plus a couple of snooker tables.
The billiard table where Eddie Taylor ran 12 in three-cushion one night is gone. Most of the old pinballs are gone. They've introduced a bar, which is nice, and apparently league play is a big deal there now. A few old-timers had a golf game going on a corner snooker table. I get the impression that it's a regular game.
In the old days, Les (the owner) would draw the curtains, lock the door, and let those of us remaining enjoy ourselves into the wee hours. Couple of times I sneaked out my dad's Dodge Dart and drove over to the Fun Center, only to return home and find that someone else had parked in Dad's spot. So I had some splainin' to do.
Hank's is a venerable old pool room. Very slow today on a Saturday afternoon, but it was a great nostalgia trip for this old pool player. Somebody had a story about Keith McCready and JAM dropping in a year ago. Dunno if it's true, but I know for sure that many top dogs have wandered through this place.
Anybody else out there have some stories on this room?
Same pool hall where I first encountered Weenie Beanie (Bill Staton) and Eddie Taylor. The joint where I became a huge fan of Andy Hudson and, later, Bill Stroud. Spent many happy hours watching those two locked in combat.
Different room now. Once, it was all Gold Crowns, but now only nine remain. Must be about 25 Valley bar boxes there now, plus a couple of snooker tables.
The billiard table where Eddie Taylor ran 12 in three-cushion one night is gone. Most of the old pinballs are gone. They've introduced a bar, which is nice, and apparently league play is a big deal there now. A few old-timers had a golf game going on a corner snooker table. I get the impression that it's a regular game.
In the old days, Les (the owner) would draw the curtains, lock the door, and let those of us remaining enjoy ourselves into the wee hours. Couple of times I sneaked out my dad's Dodge Dart and drove over to the Fun Center, only to return home and find that someone else had parked in Dad's spot. So I had some splainin' to do.
Hank's is a venerable old pool room. Very slow today on a Saturday afternoon, but it was a great nostalgia trip for this old pool player. Somebody had a story about Keith McCready and JAM dropping in a year ago. Dunno if it's true, but I know for sure that many top dogs have wandered through this place.
Anybody else out there have some stories on this room?
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