January 28, 1913
Photography was still enough of a novelty that everyone would stop what they were doing for a photograph. Another reason to stand still was technical. The exposure was a combination of flash (probably powder) and a long time exposure to gather light from the fixtures. Movement during the exposure would blur the photo.
Pacific Coast Amusement Co. looks like the original sports bar and pool hall. Pennants from various universities hang from the walls. Cal Poly was 10 years old but sadly has no banner in this picture; the Foundation must not have been selling them at the time. It must be a tournament or some other special occasion, perhaps Super bowl iixl.
Neckties, hats and suits, these guys weren’t stumblebums and the room was packed hence the dry wit in the caption “A DULL DAY”.
Once again like the bar photo from the same era the only women in the photo are in the framed photos on the walls. There are several smokers and the glimmer of a spittoon but no bottles or glasses except for the decorative bottle shapes along the wall. Perhaps alcohol was too controversial to photograph. There is not even a soda bottle to be found.
Fair warning to all you Anti-Saloon League members, the Tribune was printed over a bar for many years after it was founded in 1869. San Luis Obispo in the early 1900′s had 20-40 bars but fewer newspapers. The Telegram was founded in 1905 and had a prohibitionist philosophy. The battle between the papers would end in 1939 when they merged though they had been under the same ownership since 1925.
Anyone recognize this pool hall location?
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Looks like Mother’s Tavern….or perhaps the old Korb’s Trading Post. Great shot where ever it is..
Say what you want about boring photographs. Boring photos are like fine red wine … they appreciate with age. That’s why for grins during vacations I’ll occasionally shoot a snapshot of the parking lot … it doesn’t have to be artistic. You can shoot it with a 50mm lens. Next wait five or 10 years. Revisit that parking lot photo and look at all the wonderment you captured in your viewfinder.
I believe Pacific Coast Amusement Co. was located at 956 Monterey street. Stag Billiard parlor later operated at that address. Bill Cattaneo – Louisville, Kentucky.
The Stag pool hall was a favorate hang out for us hi schoolers in the 1960′s.If anyone was looking for us on week ends that where we were,I remember the phone would ring & Benny or Jim would call one of our names it might be a parent or girl friend calling we’d reply with a “not here ” or “just left” reply.Many great friendships & memories took place there,I glance at that corner evey time I drive by,thanks for the pic………….Jerry
Great pic. Looks like a pretty cool hangout to me.
Wasnt that corner occupied by Chocolate Soup later in the 70′s and 80s?
Thanks everyone for postings, as usual the blog is improved by the comments. (We’ll not say anything about the Russian spammers who have recently discovered the site. Dudeski, if it is not worth taking the time to translate to English it will be deleted.)
Bill’s information is confirmed according to Guy Crabb’s book on Monterey and Marsh Streets, Pacific Coast Billiards (circa 1915) became the Stag Billiard Parlor sometime around 1920 and continued under that name until 1967. At the corner of Monterey and Morro next to Urban Outfitters.
Guy’s students have produced a documentary on downtown San Luis Obispo for sale at Boo Boo’s just up the street.
And Joe, the County Historical Society is hosting a Chocolate Soup event, see calendar for details.