I am writing a book about the Florida Keys in the 1960's , does any one know about the blue heaven billiard parlor of any other pool rooms in Key West in the 60's or early 70's I am looking for details
Thank you,
Jerry
I used to drive down there about once of twice a month off and on to play. There was quit bit of action there at one point. This was around 1972 thru maybe 1977. The best player there was Hector Parra, not sure of the spelling. Most all of the action was in bars though. There was another guy there called "Cocky", I think he was related to Hector but didn't play as well and could be a problem if you played him.
Hector hung out at the Boat bar most of the time from what I remember. There was also action at the Boca Chica bar on Stock Island. The owner Ray, we called him "Boca Chica Ray" was a decent player there but got on the players radar and players began going down there and trapping him. The only pool room I really remember was called something like the Cue n Brew. It had full sized tables but I never saw any action there.
You need to track down anyone of the Parra family who is related to Hector and you will have the main line on pool in Key West in those days. They were pretty well known there and have been there for generations. Heck, Hector may still be alive, he would be in his late 70's I would guess. If he is and his head still works you will find everything you are looking for.
It used to be wild down there. I remember one night playing a guy one time at the Raceway bar and I had some friends with me who were from NY. I'm playing this guy who looks like just a pirate and is wearing a sword with another big knife sticking out of his waistband. I am gambling with this guy by the way. Nothing happened, but my friends were completely freaked out. After one night they had seen enough, they wanted to drive back to Miami.