North Center Bowl - Chicago

[ragbug74]

A few of my buddies and I were talking about some of the pool halls we've visited in Chicago that were used for scenes in TCOM. A year or so ago, we went to (what was a few years earlier) North Center Bowl and discovered a shiney new Starbucks in it's place. Can anyone tell me how long ago the old buildings were demolished and new buildings built?

For those who don't know, North Center Bowl was the hall that you had to go up the long flight of stairs to enter. Once inside the doorway, the bar was immediately in front of you with the tables to the right. When Eddie gets hustled and leaves Vince and Carmen to finish the road trip to Atlantic City alone, they have a big blow-up in the stairwell. They also pull the hand railing off the wall during the scene.

When we did visit several years ago, we had an interesting conversation with the bartender. I believe she said her anunt owned the place at the time of the filming. We were talking with her about the movie and she offered an interesting piece of trivia. The scene didn't call for the hand rail to be pulled off the wall, it's just something that happened "in the heat" of the scene. The production crew liked it so much, it made it into the final cut of the film. She said everyone on the cast signed the railing and they had it displayed in their home. This is one of the reasons I like to visit these types of places....you sometimes hear stories that "you had to be there" to know about.

Anyone else have anything interesting to share with the class about North Center Bowl?

I was just wondering if anyone can give me a rough time about when the old place closed down. Freddie?...don't mean to test your memory just because it's your birthday.

Any information would be greatly appreciated!

 

[1 Pocket Ghost]

Ghosts in Chicago

A few of my buddies and I were talking about some of the pool halls we've visited in Chicago that were used for scenes in TCOM. A year or so ago, we went to (what was a few years earlier) North Center Bowl and discovered a shiney new Starbucks in it's place. Can anyone tell me how long ago the old buildings were demolished and new buildings built?

For those who don't know, North Center Bowl was the hall that you had to go up the long flight of stairs to enter. Once inside the doorway, the bar was immediately in front of you with the tables to the right. When Eddie gets hustled and leaves Vince and Carmen to finish the road trip to Atlantic City alone, they have a big blow-up in the stairwell. They also pull the hand railing off the wall during the scene.

When we did visit several years ago, we had an interesting conversation with the bartender. I believe she said her anunt owned the place at the time of the filming. We were talking with her about the movie and she offered an interesting piece of trivia. The scene didn't call for the hand rail to be pulled off the wall, it's just something that happened "in the heat" of the scene. The production crew liked it so much, it made it into the final cut of the film. She said everyone on the cast signed the railing and they had it displayed in their home. This is one of the reasons I like to visit these types of places....you sometimes hear stories that "you had to be there" to know about.

Anyone else have anything interesting to share with the class about North Center Bowl?

I was just wondering if anyone can give me a rough time about when the old place closed down. Freddie?...don't mean to test your memory just because it's your birthday.

Any information would be greatly appreciated!

Hey rag, Northcenter closed down about 7 years ago.....Sorry, but there really are no stories about the place, because...although Northcenter had a great old school/spitoons in the corner look to it - that's all it had - the equipment was not good, no serious players EVER went there, and there was less than zero action.

However, long closed down places in Chicago that do have a ton of stories to tell, and have ghosts of long gone pool players haunting them are : Bensingers Billiard Academy ( ask Freddy or George Fels for stories ), Howard and Paulina Billiards ( Eddie Robin used to hang here ), 20th Century Bowl, All Star bowl ( 24 hour action - on a typical Friday night in 1969 you'd see much younger versions of : Bugs and his posse, The Ghost, Freddy B, Larry Schwartz, Joey 'Cognoscenti' Gold, George Michaels, and a whole lot more - all woofing and gambling - also, you could get down for serious $$$ here bowling, if that was your game ), the Golden 8 Ball, North Shore Billiards ( 24 hours, pool and cards, owned by Freddy and his partners ), the first Billiard Cafe ( where Efren learned a lot of his One Pocket ), and Chris's Billiards.

 

[ragbug74]

Thanks for the reply. I could tell the time we were there that the equipment wasn't kept up very well over the past, let's say, 50 years or so. We tracked the place down because of it's TCOM connection. I believe we were there in December of '98 or '99, so it must have closed shortly thereafter.

 

[hemicudas]

Hey rag, Northcenter closed down about 7 years ago.....Sorry, but there really are no stories about the place, because...Northcenter had a great old time/spitoons in the corner, look to it - but that's all it had - the equipment was not good, no serious players EVER went there, and there was less than zero action.

However, long closed down places in Chicago that do have a ton of stories to tell, and have ghosts of long gone pool players haunting them are : Bensingers Billiard Academy ( ask Freddy or George Fels for stories ), Howard and Paulina Billiards ( Eddie Robin used to hang here ), 20th Century Bowl, All Star bowl ( 24 hour action - on a typical Friday night in 1969 you'd see much younger versions of : Bugs and his posse, Freddy B, Larry Schwartz, Joey 'Cognoscenti' Gold, George Michaels, and a whole lot more, woofing and gambling - also, you could get down seriously $$$ here bowling, if that was your game ), the Golden 8 Ball, North Shore Billiards ( 24 hours, pool and cards, owned by Freddy and his partners ), the first Billiard Cafe ( where Efren learned a lot of his One Pocket ), and Chris's Billiards.

What great memories, Ghost. A couple more action spots were the Miami Bowl with it's mgr. Fat Matt Fudak(sp) and the spot I hung out in, Oak Park Billiards. The late, great Criss Cass use to hang out there too. Oak Park is where Jimmy King busted Steve Oaks playing even. No, not suppose to happen but eerie things use to happen there.

The owner, Ben Ho, once jumped all over WIllie Mosconi for masseing balls. He ask Willie if he could read the signs or not. Someone eventually clued Ben into who he was talking to and Ben walked over and appologized. Even had the nerve to ask Willie to take a picture with him. As far as I know that photo is still over the counter.

 

[cuejoey]

during my main playing time in the 1950's and 60's i can remember playing in some beautiful old style buildings..built in the 1800's.huge front wooden doors about 3 inches thick...those with the 12 or 15 ft.high tin ceilings..steam radiators for heat..wooden plank floors..offering only pool ..no music ect...my only wish is that i would of had some money to save one of those buildings and some of their equiptment.....those of you that are reading this i am sure feel the same way..looking back in time is great at times...i guess now they call it nostalgia !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[1 Pocket Ghost]

Oak Park Billiards

What great memories, Ghost. A couple more action spots were the Miami Bowl with it's mgr. Fat Matt Fudak(sp) and the spot I hung out in, Oak Park Billiards. The late, great Criss Cass use to hang out there too. Oak Park is where Jimmy King busted Steve Oaks playing even. No, not suppose to happen but eerie things use to happen there.

The owner, Ben Ho, once jumped all over WIllie Mosconi for masseing balls. He ask Willie if he could read the signs or not. Someone eventually clued Ben into who he was talking to and Ben walked over and appologized. Even had the nerve to ask Willie to take a picture with him. As far as I know that photo is still over the counter.

Hey Bill.......I was always a city boy, not a suburbs guy, but I did stop in at Oak Park Billiards every so often in the 70's - 80's....played Lannie Charles there and lost, played Gerry Kanov there and won, can't remember all of the other names of people I played there...snuck up on a couple guys there and played them some 3 cushion billiards...

Jimmy King and Chris Cass, both good guys - R.I.P.

- Ghost

 

[cscott67]

Jimmy King.....

When/how long ago did superman die? I played with him a few times 10yrs or so ago down in Alabama. I didn't know he died, Scott

 

[hemicudas]

When/how long ago did superman die? I played with him a few times 10yrs or so ago down in Alabama. I didn't know he died, Scott

Actually, cscott67, there are two Jimmy Kings. The one we are talking about is a Chicago area product and plays right handed. The Jimmy King from AL I also know. Actually they both beat me, LOL. JK in Chicago would't play me on the bar table so I gave in and tried him on the big table. Big mistake. I wouldn't play the JK from AL on either table playing 9 ball.

As far as I know, both Jimmy Kings are still alive. Ghost was referring to the much beloved Criss Cass that passed away. Shortly before Criss passed he sent me an old business card from Oak Park Billiards with Ben Ho's name on it.

 

[theoneandonly]

A little off the subject..

But I am from MA and have only visited Chicago 1 time. On my way through I played a small concert at a club called the Fireside Bowl...It was an old bowling alley converted into a punk rock/DIY venue for rock concerts...the lanes were roped off, and the place was as old as can be, but the sound was incredible. I hade some chicago pizza and was filled up with a slice.

 

[ribdoner]

Actually, cscott67, there are two Jimmy Kings. The one we are talking about is a Chicago area product and plays right handed. The Jimmy King from AL I also know. Actually they both beat me, LOL. JK in Chicago would't play me on the bar table so I gave in and tried him on the big table. Big mistake. I wouldn't play the JK from AL on either table playing 9 ball.

As far as I know, both Jimmy Kings are still alive. Ghost was referring to the much beloved Criss Cass that passed away. Shortly before Criss passed he sent me an old business card from Oak Park Billiards with Ben Ho's name on it.

Jimmy King (chi) is/was a GOOD guy. Worked for me for awhile as a production scheduler in the late sixties. He and Larry Swanson both worked at Alberto-Culver in Melrose Park. Larry played better on a bar table and Jimmy played better on a big table. Another guy worked there that ROBBED them both on any table. They both know who he is. Jimmy was one of the best players at LORIMORS (sp?) which was OAK PARK BILLIARDS back in the day. He could not,however, beat BILL BLAKE (deceased),ADAM ORR or KERRY ZIMMERMON. If anyone has contact info for JIMMY plse forward it. I'm 99.9% sure the JIMMY KING from ALA is deceased. peace--SW301-93

 

[cscott67]

Ribdonor......

Where did you hear that about Jimmy King from AL? Do you know how long ago? He was only in his thirties 10yrs ago. Know anything about the circumstances? Thanks in advance for any info you can share, Scott

 

[ribdoner]

Where did you hear that about Jimmy King from AL? Do you know how long ago? He was only in his thirties 10yrs ago. Know anything about the circumstances? Thanks in advance for any info you can share, Scott

Jimmy's (ALA) demise was the buzz at one of the Super Bowl tourny's at the RACK in MEMPHIS apprx. 8 to 10 yrs ago. Heard it was accidental. As far as I know he hasn't surfaced in awhile. peace--SW301-93

 

[hemicudas]

Where did you hear that about Jimmy King from AL? Do you know how long ago? He was only in his thirties 10yrs ago. Know anything about the circumstances? Thanks in advance for any info you can share, Scott

Jimmy King from AL would be in his 50s today, if still alive. He was a gymnist in high school. Use to walk on his hands for money.

Jimmy King from Chicago was a great guy. In the late 70s - early 80s he sold insurance. Wore glasses. Use to hang around with Bobby Haddad.

 

[ribdoner]

Jimmy King from AL would be in his 50s today, if still alive. He was a gymnist in high school. Use to walk on his hands for money.

Jimmy King from Chicago was a great guy. In the late 70s - early 80s he sold insurance. Wore glasses. Use to hang around with Bobby Haddad.

Could any living (or dead) human do weirder things with their bridge hand than Jimmy or Bob H?? Is Jimmy (chi) still alive? He got into insurance after I had to fire him. He was bright and hard working but couldn't get to work on time. We kept brutal hours looking for and staying in action. I was able to get up and go to work--he couldn't. SW301-93

 

[hemicudas]

Could any living (or dead) human do weirder things with their bridge hand than Jimmy or Bob H?? Is Jimmy (chi) still alive? He got into insurance after I had to fire him. He was bright and hard working but couldn't get to work on time. We kept brutal hours looking for and staying in action. I was able to get up and go to work--he couldn't. SW301-93

Chicago Jimmy liked the hooch a bit too much too, Rib. We all use to go to the King And I in Cicero after all other joints closed. Rocket Man was always there. First time Rocket ever tried to match up with Jimmy, Rocket offered him the 7 ball. Hell, if Jimmy was in stroke Rocket might have needed weight but Jimmy had been drinking all night and was totaled. Haddad forced Jimmy to take the game, even put in with him. They go busted. Jimmy was so drunk he could'nt even see the balls. Bobby kept telling him he would snap out of it. He didn't. They go back a few nights later and bust Rocket. Problem was, Rocket had lost all of their money and they only got about $100 of their cash back.

 

[raemondo]

Just on the side, do you guys know what pro or semi-pro players frequent Chris's, and when they usually go there? That's the only place I've been and can go because it's close to downtown...I've been there a coupla times but I've never really seen anyone strong yet, prolly cos I've just been unfortunate.

 

[jkcubfan]

North Center update

North Center BOWL closed about 1990. Next door was another Chicago institution, DOUGLAS TV.

One very interesting fact about North Center Bowl is just that, in it's name. As you correctly described, up the stairs right into the bar, on the right about 6 tables including one billiard table. But if you went from the pool area to the bar and kept going...then next little room held either 4 or 8, 4 to the best of my recollection, full length lanes. That's right, a tiny little room with JUST ENOUGH space for the lanes, next to the tiny little bar, next to the tiny little pool room.

I remember it like it was yesterday.....but it was circa 1987.

Joel Kanter

 

[AtLarge]

North Center BOWL closed about 1990. Next door was another Chicago institution, DOUGLAS TV.

One very interesting fact about North Center Bowl is just that, in it's name. As you correctly described, up the stairs right into the bar, on the right about 6 tables including one billiard table. But if you went from the pool area to the bar and kept going...then next little room held either 4 or 8, 4 to the best of my recollection, full length lanes. That's right, a tiny little room with JUST ENOUGH space for the lanes, next to the tiny little bar, next to the tiny little pool room.

I remember it like it was yesterday.....but it was circa 1987.

Joel Kanter

According to an article in the Chicago Tribune, North Center Bowl closed in June, 1999 -- http://articles.chicagotribune.com/...702150146_1_bowling-alley-bowling-center-ball


[P.S. Welcome aboard!]

 

[xianmacx]

Interestingly, the pool hall I grew up in was also replaced by a damn starbucks.

 

[9andout]

A few of my buddies and I were talking about some of the pool halls we've visited in Chicago that were used for scenes in TCOM. A year or so ago, we went to (what was a few years earlier) North Center Bowl and discovered a shiney new Starbucks in it's place. Can anyone tell me how long ago the old buildings were demolished and new buildings built?

For those who don't know, North Center Bowl was the hall that you had to go up the long flight of stairs to enter. Once inside the doorway, the bar was immediately in front of you with the tables to the right. When Eddie gets hustled and leaves Vince and Carmen to finish the road trip to Atlantic City alone, they have a big blow-up in the stairwell. They also pull the hand railing off the wall during the scene.

When we did visit several years ago, we had an interesting conversation with the bartender. I believe she said her anunt owned the place at the time of the filming. We were talking with her about the movie and she offered an interesting piece of trivia. The scene didn't call for the hand rail to be pulled off the wall, it's just something that happened "in the heat" of the scene. The production crew liked it so much, it made it into the final cut of the film. She said everyone on the cast signed the railing and they had it displayed in their home. This is one of the reasons I like to visit these types of places....you sometimes hear stories that "you had to be there" to know about.

Anyone else have anything interesting to share with the class about North Center Bowl?

I was just wondering if anyone can give me a rough time about when the old place closed down. Freddie?...don't mean to test your memory just because it's your birthday.

Any information would be greatly appreciated!

Well, I have to say I'm glad somebody bumped this old thread.
Love the handrail trivia!