In her remarkable portrait of A. Lincoln (Team of Rivals), Doris Kearns Goodwin described the 1860 Republican national convention in Chicago.
Around 40,000 visitors descended on America’s fastest growing city.
Understandably, accommodations were in short supply.
She reported:
“Even billiard rooms were enlisted to accommodate the staggering crowds. At a certain hour each evening, the games were brought to an abrupt halt as mattresses were laid across the tables to create beds for the sleepy visitors. Looking in on one such establishment at midnight, a reporter saw 130 people stretched out on billiard tables …”
A couple of questions. Well, three:
Anyone know which billiards emporium had that many tables?
Also, does any room today have anywhere near so many?
And, do you suppose, some sharpie back then figured out the early closing time and adjusted his game / wagers / odds accordingly?
Historical inquiry is my life,
Sunny
P. S. Yes, I do realize that 130 sleepers doesn’t necessarily equate to 130 tables. But I do like the image!
P. P. S. I won’t spoil for you the denouement of Team of Rivals by blurting out the outcome of that particular political convention. You are most welcome!
Around 40,000 visitors descended on America’s fastest growing city.
Understandably, accommodations were in short supply.
She reported:
“Even billiard rooms were enlisted to accommodate the staggering crowds. At a certain hour each evening, the games were brought to an abrupt halt as mattresses were laid across the tables to create beds for the sleepy visitors. Looking in on one such establishment at midnight, a reporter saw 130 people stretched out on billiard tables …”
A couple of questions. Well, three:
Anyone know which billiards emporium had that many tables?
Also, does any room today have anywhere near so many?
And, do you suppose, some sharpie back then figured out the early closing time and adjusted his game / wagers / odds accordingly?
Historical inquiry is my life,
Sunny
P. S. Yes, I do realize that 130 sleepers doesn’t necessarily equate to 130 tables. But I do like the image!
P. P. S. I won’t spoil for you the denouement of Team of Rivals by blurting out the outcome of that particular political convention. You are most welcome!