Sociologist Recalls Jersey Red and 1960s Hustler Culture

Sociologist Recalls Jersey Red and 1960s Hustler Culture

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

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

Read more about Wimpy Lassiter and the St. Elmo pool hall in Hustler Days. The photo above depicts the famous St. Elmo pool hall in Norfolk, Virginia. Located at 113 E. City Hall Avenue, the room was a favorite of hustlers and road men, including the world famous Wimpy Lassiter. You can read all about his adventures there during World War II in the book Hustler Days, available online....