Blogs – Ramel Self

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Stay updated with Ramel Self’s latest thoughts, book updates, and behind-the-scenes insights!

Pool Hall Greats

English Dan and my list of Poolhustlers were great, however after the neighborhood game began to fade in the late 1950’s, big time pool tournaments shed light on some of the game’s more popular shooters. Willie Mosconi, born in Philadelphia frequented Chick’s Pool Hall as seen in that famous mural at Broad and South Street, was one of the more colorful characters. Ralph Wanderone aka Minnesota Fats talked so much trash while shooting, Mosconi had to wear earplugs to drown out his excessive banter.

What made the game so popular?

Pool has always been a casual pastime for Americans during the 1930’s and 40’s. However when the most prolific war of our lifetime was fought and eventually won, the United States needed to draft , enlist, and mobilize millions of troops. When these brave men and women were fortunate to find any “ down time “, the military bases were appropriately equipped with the finest pool tables taxpayer money could buy. When the war ended, these skilled and not so skilled pool players filled up the pool rooms across America and the rest as they say is history!!!

In Poolhustlers, my favorite character is Arthur (Little Augie) Bennett

This moment goes out to my fellow storytellers. After the last sentence is penned, we step back and reflect upon our creation. Many times we will read the works over and over again. This allows us to examine, criticize, and ultimately enjoy our literary jewels. Inside the depths of the story lines, is one character we tend to gravitate to.

The Burnett Sisters

At the height of the game’s popularity, shooting pool all night was as natural as the sun , rising and setting. However, during the daylight hours, pool rooms were the hub of the neighborhood’s social circles. One could get information, sometimes play a number, and meet some of the most beautiful young women your eyes would ever see!!!

The Rise and Fall of the Pool Hustle

As I rigorously interviewed my father (ENGLISH DAN), well into his 80’s , and still as sharp as ever, he fired back answers as quickly as I asked them. His eyes lit up with much delight as he recalled some of those memorable moments “YOU COULD HUSTLE POOL ALL DAY, go home , take a shower and HUSTLE POOL ALL NIGHT,” he declared . “So what happened to the game “I asked , “and why did it go away” The question seemed to have struck a nerve. ENGLISH DAN’S entire demeanor changed, he wore a somber look of disappointment and inheritant sadness as he replied in a tone just above a whisper “HEROIN”

FASHION REIGNS!!!

Hanging out at Broad and South Street on a beautiful Friday evening in the Spring of 1952 , and as you can see, THE DRESS CODE IS STRICTLY ENFORCED!!! Unfortunately today, we live in a world where creased pants and dress shoes simply don’t exist anymore. There are many things about the 1950’s that should never return. Segregation and Restrictive Voting Rights are an easy 1st and 2nd. However we must bring back The Fashion Police. Even as teenagers it was mandatory to be dressed to the “nines “, even if we were just sitting on the steps

A Good Story, Great History: Meet Poolhustlers

Every so often, a book comes along and the literary community is compelled to embrace the story. So much that high school and college curriculums deem it mandatory reading. Is that my book , not quite, however in time Poolhustlers will be that book because of its Rich Historic Content, Amazing Detail and Most of All , it’s a Damn Good Read !

MY FRIENDS CALL ME MISSISSIPPI

One of my most important lessons I acquired while taking on the task of writing my book was “DO NOT BE AFRAID OF DEVELOPING YOUR CHARACTERS “ To all the up and coming authors and even the veteran story tellers, the characters are there to help us tell our stories. Over our next few conversations, I am going to share some of these unforgettable characters from this extraordinary tale !!!

The Legend of English Dan

Right before the housing market slowed down in 2016, I was driving the inner city bus (SEPTA) in Philadelphia during the day and flipping houses on the side. After my last house sale went horribly slow , I told my son in law (Harrison Realty Group), I’m going to write a book. He gave me a very peculiar look, however I would not be deterred. I took the cash from the sale , paid off some debts and purchased a dozen spiral notebooks and a box of No. 2 pencils (never quite learned how to type) . I sat with my father Eddie (ENGLISH DAN) Gordon and picked his brains and insisted that he relive and retell a story he told me a long time ago. Poolhustlers The Legend of English Dan is an absolute must read and I can personally guarantee, you won’t stop reading until it’s over!!!

Greats performed their magic

For those who are old enough to remember that special moment in time when there was a pool hall on every street corner in all the inner cities of America, visit my website ramelself.com and share your treasured memories. I am going to share my story and pictures of one of the most famous pool hall owners on the East Coast. Chick Davis was revered and respected in Philadelphia, they painted a huge mural of his likeness around the corner from his pool room at Broad and South Street. Family is one of the most important factors in my story POOLHUSTLERS, and when you read this amazing tale, you too will be a part of this family. Chick Davis was best man at my sister’s wedding and his daughter LaDeva Davis was my Junior High School music teacher. Ms Davis shared this classic photo of her dad’s pool hall. This is where ENGLISH DAN and so many other Pool Hall Greats performed their magic!!!