Vester and the Melrose Billiard Lounge, Nashville

[Mr. Bond]

Sure Nashville has country music history, but it also has billiard history as well.

In the late 1920's James Vester Sr. opened a small public billiard room in his basement. (until about 1938) And after a few years of managing a place called the Inglewood Billiard Hall, he took over as manager of the Melrose Billiard Lounge in Nashville. (which is still standing as of 2011, some of you may have even played there)

As manager he made a point of running a neat and clean establishment and held a daily series of free lessons for lady players. He also held expo games and hosted many a pro player in his humble establishment. But James himself wasn't a half bad shooter either. He was winning city-wide titles (1940',47',48' ) and had developed a reputation as a serious contender.

By 1949 Vester had two national crowns under his belt and he even advanced to the World Championship level two times, ( to be held at Navy Pier in Chicago) only to be eliminated in the first round. (one time by Ponzi ) Nonetheless, James Vester Sr. did earn the right to play against a long list of the best players that the world had ever seen - and we want to thank him for having the brilliant foresight to keep good records of his accomplishments. A very special thank you also goes out to James Vester Jr. for generously sharing his collection with us all.

Below are a few items from Mr. Vester's collection. (sorry they are so big) You can see more by clicking here

James Vester Sr. circa 1960

 

[Mr. Bond]

for you country / nashville fans out there...

Melrose Billiards was recently the setting for part of a Taylor Swift video.

 

[dan bennicas]

Carom pocket inserts????

Mr Bond, I noticed that in that photo of Hoppe the table seems to have carom pocket inserts, could this be possible? Also is there a surface laid atop of the pool table felt to make the ball roll faster. My great uncle once told me that he once saw a 3-cushion match played with pocket inserts and a material that was similar to some type of butcher paper to increase table speed. I seem to remember that he saw this around 1920 or 1930. Is it possible this could be similar to the event he once spoke about?
"SHOOT STRAIGHT WITH ANGLES"
Dan Bennicas

 

[MidLifeCrisis]

Thanks so much for sharing this article. This is where I play almost daily... I shared the link with the bartender Kevin a couple of weeks ago, next thing I know, all the old timers are flipping thru my phone in amazement.

Kevin has been a bartender at Melrose for around 40 yrs and had never seen these pictures. I believe he even shared them with Jerry Chandler, the current owner... They had talked about printing and framing some of these pictures to line the wall coming down the steps into the poolroom, so that people entering would come to appreciate this little bit of history located in a basement here in the 'Ville.

I'm also hoping that the new construction going on above and around this hall will convince Mr. Chandler to do some serious renovations and bring this hall back up to date!!!

Again, thanks for taking the time to post...
Clint

 

[Mr. Bond]

You're welcome Mr. Eastwood, it was my pleasure.

Mr Bond, I noticed that in that photo of Hoppe the table seems to have carom pocket inserts, could this be possible? Also is there a surface laid atop of the pool table felt to make the ball roll faster. My great uncle once told me that he once saw a 3-cushion match played with pocket inserts and a material that was similar to some type of butcher paper to increase table speed. I seem to remember that he saw this around 1920 or 1930. Is it possible this could be similar to the event he once spoke about?

mmm. good question. the one pic looks like there might be pocket inserts, which would make sense because pocket billiards wasnt really willie's thing...but as for something on the surface...jeez i dunno. it doesnt really appear as though something is there, but then again the photo really isnt that great either.

if i find out anything more about it i'll let you know