Question concerning the pool room in The Hustler..

Just out of curiousity, did Ames pool room ever actually exist? Or was it simply a creation of Walter Tevis, and whoever put together the set for Hustler?

[Rod]

Yes in NYC, I'm sure someone can tell you a lot more if their old enough.

[Ken]

I stopped in there once around 1965. Real friendly place. Someone offerred to play me nine ball right away. He said I could have extra money balls like the 3 and the 6. We played a game just for fun and I got those extra balls in but I decided not to play any more. As a private in the Army I was making $78 a month and couldn't afford to gamble much.
KenCT

[jjinfla]

Hi Ken, I was in the Army in 1965 and remember that $78 a month paycheck. Have you joined the American Legion? Jake

Yes, it was just off Times Square. Jersey Red used to work there, and both he and Shorty Johnson played there regularly. Ames was one of three mid-town poolrooms, all of which generated action; the other two were 711, at 47th and 7th, and McGirr's, at 52nd and 8th (I think). GF