It is actually uncertain as to when pool tables first appeared on the scene. Although it is known that they were around in the 1500's. It is unsure how long before that they existed. Some people claim that pool may have adapted from the game of croquet.
This would seem to make sense since there are some similarities between the two games. Obviously one is played in a field outside and the other inside on a table but besides this difference there are other similarities. Such as the balls used and the fact that the top of many pool tables I covered in green felt that resembles that of a green lawn.
One piece of possible evidence that these two games are connected exists. A picture of King Louis XIV shows him playing with croquet balls on a table top. It would make sense that someone would have decided to add bumpers to a table top to keep the balls form rolling off.
It is known that pool was popular with European aristocracy. In fact Shakespeare makes mention of this game in a play. Eventually this game found its way across the Atlantic.
There is documented evidence that William Byrd brought one over with him. Byrd was one of the original settlers. Benjamin Franklin is known to have had a pool table. There was also a pool table in the White house as early as the time of Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln and Washington were both avid pool players.
This game continued to be popular among many of the presidents up to current day. Although they may have gotten their start among aristocracy and the Founding fathers it eventually caught on with the lower classes as well. The popularity of the game increased as pool tables became more readily available in public places.
In fact the 1880's thru the early 20th century was a boom time for the popularity of pool tables. As pool became more popular the art of hustling became popular. There are many famous hustlers from the beginning of the 20th century including Minnesota Fats. However the game that was commonly played then is different then what is common today.
One of the most popular versions of pool in modern times is a game known as 8 balls. This game became popular in the 1950's when smaller tables began appearing. As bars started carrying tables the game of 8 ball became more popular.
In modern times pool tables have become common place at bars and taverns. It is rare that a bar won't at least have one pool table. Many bars are actually pool halls with numerous tables and they tend to cater to the avid pool player.
Pool tables have also become more popular in the average home. Once it was understood that you needed to be wealthy to have a pool table at home. This is no longer the case due to the fact that the average pool tables have become more affordable. Retailers offer a wide variety of pool tables made from an assortment of materials such as fine imported woods. Sagra to become Grumpy Cactus Bar and Grill in Dedham
Selectmen approved a formal name change for Sagra to become the Grumpy Cactus Bar and Grill, and approved Adrianna Amato as the manager of record, pending a CORI check and certification by the Training for Intervention ProcedureS program.
Sagra to become Grumpy Cactus Bar and Grill in Dedham
Family opens bar and grill in Poland
By Ashley Luthern aluthern@vindy.com POLAND As people prepare to grill out in their own
Family opens bar and grill in Poland
South Crow River News Calendar
Supercross races NOW THROUGH MAY 20 - West Metro Motorsports is presenting Supercross Races at Corcoran Lions Park Fridays, May 6, May 13 and May 20, at Corcoran Lions Park, County Rds. 10 and 101 in Corcoran. Gates open at 4 p.m., signup starts at 4 p.m., practice starts at 5:30 p.m. The races start at 7 p.m. and last about three hours. There will be 16 amateur classes, three cash classes and a .
South Crow River News Calendar
