America’s oldest pool hall, Orton’s Pool Room, was established in 1888. Originally located in a hotel basement, Orton’s survived a fire in 1949 that destroyed the hotel. Orton’s retains a following today despite its age. In 1953, pool legend Willie Mosconi set a world record at Orton’s by pocketing 365 balls. The American Poolplayers Association (APA) in Las Vegas, founded in 1937, is considered America’s largest pool league with over 250,000 members.
The history of billiards in America has seen many changes. Once enjoyed by high society, seedy associations developed in the 20th century. Today pool halls are undergoing an identity crisis with aging clientele. However, professional tournaments and recent hall openings show pool still has significant popularity across generations. The ancient Great Bath in Pakistan, built around 500 BC, is considered the world’s oldest public pool. Despite injuries, Hall of Fame player Jean Balukas ran New York’s longest operating pool hall for 56 years before selling in 2022. Historic Booches pool hall and bar in Columbia, Missouri remains popular with University of Missouri students since opening in 1884.
Trivia
What is the biggest pool hall in the US?
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