Family Business: Pool Hall and Taxi Service
My grandmother's husband, Tom J. Johnston, and his brother, Hal W. Johnston, went into business together in Walnut Creek, California. Their pool hall was located right on Main Street. Pictured is my grandfather behind the bar. The earliest news article I found about the business was an announcement in the Contra Costa Gazette announcing that Grimes & Nottingham Billiard Parlor will now be known as the Johnston's Billiard Parlor, effective November 1, 1944.[1] The previous business had been on Main Street since 1915. Tom and Hal planned to make several changes, including repainting.[2] Here is a shot of the outside of the new billiard parlor. They advertised the establishment as a recreation headquarter where beer, soft drinks, cigars, cigarettes, and candy were sold besides a place to play billiards and pool.[3] In March 1945, teenagers protested being barred from the poolroom, and new rules were established that those under 16 were still not allowed, but those between 16 ...