There used to be a pool hall at the far west end of the Chicago suburbs that was open 24 hours and had some good players. It was called Herald's Pool Parlor. When I was in college I lived near Oscar's Billiards in Addison, and sometimes when they would close at 2AM and I didn't feel like calling it a night I would cruise over to Herald's. I think the story was that it was owned by a pro player, but I'm not sure. Also there used to be a kid in the place (1995 time frame) that was maybe around 11 or 12 years old and shot really good for his age. It is memorable because he would be in there really late at night and be gambling. I recall his catch phrase that he would often use when negotiating a spot/game was, "what are you, nuts?" Does anyone know anything about what became of Herald's or that kid? How about Oscar's?
herald's pool parlor
- Thread starter moose man
- Start date
Not Sure
Is it HEROLDS, or maybe Harolds? :thumbup:
Is it HEROLDS, or maybe Harolds? :thumbup:
Jerry Forsyth
Well-known member
You must be thinking of Harold's. It was owned by Harold Simonsen who, with his daughter Shari Stauch, went on to help form the WPBA Classic Tour and to found and publish Pool & Billiard Magazine. One of the great good guys of the industry, they moved out of Chicago for warmer climes in Summerville, SC sometime back in the late 90's.
Thanks Jerry,
Yup, you're right it is Harold Simonsen's place that I was talking about. It was the magazine that I had heard about when I used to play there...it's all coming back to me now. Was that your hangout my chance? If so do you know who the kid is that I described? I'm just curious if he stuck with pool or not, and how far he may have taken his game.
Thanks for jogging my memory,
Robert
Yup, you're right it is Harold Simonsen's place that I was talking about. It was the magazine that I had heard about when I used to play there...it's all coming back to me now. Was that your hangout my chance? If so do you know who the kid is that I described? I'm just curious if he stuck with pool or not, and how far he may have taken his game.
Thanks for jogging my memory,
Robert
Hey Moose,
I was a permanent fixture there from '88-'90. I used to know a guy there who's nickname was Moose. He used to say, "I will break your neck like a little brittle chicken bone". Haha. Anyway, there is a Harold's Refugee Facebook page. Guys like Virg, Mark, Gary P., Drugan, Behnke are all on there. I looked like I was twelve but I really didn't play that good so I know it wasn't me. But maybe you can find him there.
I was a permanent fixture there from '88-'90. I used to know a guy there who's nickname was Moose. He used to say, "I will break your neck like a little brittle chicken bone". Haha. Anyway, there is a Harold's Refugee Facebook page. Guys like Virg, Mark, Gary P., Drugan, Behnke are all on there. I looked like I was twelve but I really didn't play that good so I know it wasn't me. But maybe you can find him there.
Hello Pete,
I was only there around the '94-'95 time frame, and I don't recall ever threatening a single neck, lol. I did see the facebook page, thanks for the info.