Sad loss of the Houseman

[Dan White]

I got up at 4:30 this morning. It was worth it. Great read.

Still reads well after 9 YEARS.

 

[pwd72s]

I worked with Cappy at Cue-Nique for many years...he was like a grandfather to me. He had a gentle way about him, but he wasn't afraid to set you straight if needed. Everyone respected him...because he respected everyone.

Thanks for bumping this old thread. Loved every word!

 

[cardiac kid]

Most here are too young, and frankly I am too having just caught a bit of it. The loss of the Houseman is a sad reflection on pool. I think this is one of those reasons that there are so few serious pool rooms anymore.

Talking about Cue-Nique in Madison, for years they had a houseman called "Cappy". I don't even know if that related to his real name or not. Even though Jerry Briesath was the owner at the time, he never knew who I was. Cappy always did, or it sure seemed he did. Cappy would shoot some straight pool with you, or steer you to or away from a game as appropriate. I have no idea when Cappy passed, but he was probably the one person at Cue-Nique that I miss the most.

The houseman is the guy who watches out for regulars, teaches them how to play, welcomes you when you come into the room. Basically the person who used to make a pool room feel like a second home, rather than just another business to take your money. If he could teach you a thing or two, or just be there during the day so you know it might be worth your time to stop up, then you would keep coming back and the room would stay busy. At least that was the way it seemed to me.

Not sure if this thread was an epitaph for the specific Cue-Nique "houseman" or just "housemen" in general?

The late houseman at a few local pool rooms in Rochester was Ralph Donato. He was a gruff old guy who did all the things you described in your post. He was never at a loss for a kind word for young players or a sarcastic comment to the young hot shots coming into the pool room. My favorite remembrance of Ralph was him receiving a phone call at the counter one day. Only heard one side of the conversation but his answer was pure Ralph. "I answered the fu..ing phone didn't I? Bet that customer never asked if the room was open again!

Totally agree with the lost "houseman". Do nearly everything I can to make players feel at home when I'm fortunate enough to work the front counter at East Ridge Billiards in Rochester. Love the job and hope the players appreciate the extra effort the ERB staff provides.

Lyn

 

[Keith E.]

Nice work OP.

Keith

 

[ChrisSjoblom]

I don't know if edatplaypool and MadCity are still around on here as it's been a few years since either has posted, but if so I want to thank you for this thread. I remember both Cappy and Bill Haberman very fondly. They were probably my two biggest influences when I was just starting out with pool in the late 70s - not as much for their technical advice, although they both taught me a lot, but more for instilling in me a love and respect for the game that has meant more to me than any skills I've learned or trophies I have won. Both were true gentlemen, and remembering them just now has made my day brighter.

 

[HUKIT]

What a great thread, it’s stories like this that is why I joined the forum.