Sociologist Recalls Jersey Red and 1960s Hustler Culture

Sociologist Recalls Jersey Red and 1960s Hustler Culture

by | Mar 2, 2019 | Historic Rooms, Historical Notes, Jersey Red

A little more than 20 years ago I interviewed Ned Polsky, the late author of Hustlers, Beats and Others. We spoke about the 7-11 pool hall and Jersey Red and where pool’s been and where it was then going. Polksy himself had met Red at the 7-11 in Manhattan, and the two became fast friends. The 7-11, as you many New Yorkers may recall, was then one of the city’s premier action rooms....
Upstairs at the Low-Down Julian Billiards: A NYC Landmark

Upstairs at the Low-Down Julian Billiards: A NYC Landmark

by | Jan 13, 2019 | Historic Rooms

All the greatest pool halls require players to either go up or go down a flight of stairs to get to them. Julian’s, at 138 East 14th Street in New York City, was no exception. The famous second-floor room opened in 1933 and remained at that location for decades. It eventually gained a reputation for seediness. One old timer recalls: “I loved shooting pool at Julians. The big tables...
St. Elmo Pool Room: Favorite Haunt of Wimpy Lassiter

St. Elmo Pool Room: Favorite Haunt of Wimpy Lassiter

by | Oct 22, 2018 | Historic Rooms, Wimpy Lassiter

This photo of the St. Elmo pool hall in Norfolk, Virginia. It was the favorite haunt of the world famous Wimpy Lassiter and also was featured in the book, Hustler Days, which is available from online retailers. It was taken by photographer Harry C. Mann and is available under common licensing from the Library of Virginia. You also can learn more about the pool hall and Lassiter in the book,...