I was at Bensingers in the mid 70’s. It was in a basement full of 5x10’s. I think this must been the hooker/junkie/pimp joint. The man in the cage stuck us in a back corner away from the serious old timers.Bensinger’s 2nd Chicago location (on Broadway-east side), before it moved across the street and became a hangout for hookers/junkies/pimps. First time I ever played on a 10’ pool table.
But, if I COULD turn back time, take me to (late 50s) Sickmond’s Cigar Store in Monmouth Illinois (used to be Earp’s Cigar Store), the birthplace of Wyatt Earp & Ralph Greenleaf. 3 antique Schmidt 9’ tables with leather-net pockets, & a 10’ carom table. 60 cents an hour for practice, and 10 cents a rack for ring games (rack-boy collected the dime each time). My ‘home-away-from-home’ growing up! Lost to history.
I was at Bensingers in the mid 70’s. It was in a basement full of 5x10’s. I think this must been the hooker/junkie/pimp joint. The man in the cage stuck us in a back corner away from the serious old timers.
There were a bunch of old tables disassembled in the back. It was a musty place. I wish I had my camera back then.
I don't know if many people know about the Golden Cue in Melbourne but that is the quintessential classic pool hall. The guys that were behind the bar Al & Jimmy where the best dudes ever. I started going there when I was 13 and used my weekly allowance to play in the sunday night tournament. So many great memories..... Everytime I go back to Florida I end up driving by where it used to be and feeling very sad.
Family Billiards. Oceanside CA