During my senior year, several of us young men from SPHS  would make the trek to a 2 story bulding at the NW corner of Fair Oaks Ave. and Colorado Blvd. in Pasadena. We did this on a somewhat regular basis. Our destination was a pool hall on the 2nd floor called The Cue Club. The owner/proprietor was a rather large and imposing black gentleman named Babe. There were several pool tables so having to wait for a table to open up was not a problem. We played many racks of pool each evening we were there. Babe was a cordial host and was always there to rack the balls for each new game - and to be sure we paid for using his establishment. That area of Pasadena, at the time, was anything but desirable. There were liquor stores and bars almost door to door - it was the "skid row" of its time, at least for Pasadena. It was the definition of "seedy". Now, that area of Pasadena is home to "Old Town". It has changed into a trendy area with nice restaurants, retail stores, theatres, coffee places, etc. On any given day or evening, you can find many people strolling thru the area. The bars and liquor stores are no longer a part of the landscape. Neither is the Cue Club, but the 2 story building remains. Whenever I'm in Old Town Pasadena I look up toward the 2nd floor and smile to myself remembering the many enjoyable times playing pool. I also recall Babe and his welcoming manner. I believe that we guys from SPHS were the only whites who frequented his fine establishment. For me, at least, Babe was the first black person I had ever really talked to about anything. South Pas in those days was not exactly enlightened when it came to racial diversity. So, here's to fond memories of The Cue Club and Babe.

Steve Ledder

SPHS 1960       

John - Thanks for your input. My cousin, Greg Cocks, graduated with you in '68. Greg

still lives in South Pas.

Steve L.

Great story. Moore and I used to ride up Colorado to the YMCA to play basketball. We always triple locked our bikes, and we never had anything stolen.