Innovations have been present in pretty much every industry on the planet, so it should come as no surprise that pool table manufacturers have made several changes over the years, as well. If you are someone who appreciates exceptional pool table construction, you should be very thankful that you didn’t try to play pool back when our country was in its infancy.
The majority of pool table manufacturers back then looked at their trade far differently than the beautiful antique wood furniture that was commonly crafted during that era. Instead, many of them slapped together whatever wood they could find. As a result, pool tables were usually warped, making playing on them quite challenging. Of course, the mindset was a bit different then. It was more like how golf courses include sand traps and other torturous challenges that are deemed to make the game more interesting. If you could beat a tough pool table, you were held in high regard.
This is not to say that pool table manufacturers didn’t build a sturdy product. They actually had to make it support more than the billiard balls because most people then used their pool table for many other uses, such as their dining table or even a bed for houseguests. It was also used as the viewing location for the recently departed.
The rest of the pool table wasn’t all that impressive, either. It was not unusual for pool table manufacturers to use old shirt sleeves filled with cotton, saw dust, or feathers to create the sides of the tables.
Thankfully, pool table manufacturers have come a long way. Getting proficient with billiards takes plenty of practice, so there is no need for a cotton stuffed, warped wood table to keep things interesting.
