Winona Pool and Billiards Club

The other day I had the opportunity to photograph and spend some time at the Winona Pool and Billiards Club for an assignment in one of my classes at Winona State. The assignment was to make a photo story, and this is what I chose to photograph.

I was a little apprehensive at first because I hadn't heard much about the club and I had never been to the club. The club appeared to be pretty exclusive. Everyone at the club was incredibly nice, and inviting. All three people I talked to and photographed at the club were really inviting and friendly to talk to.

Here are my photos. Thanks for looking!

All photos ©Joe Ahlquist

Larry Kendrick, of Winona, Minn., shoots pool at the Winona Pool and Billiards Club Monday, March 25, 2013, in Winona. "It's a sport you can basically play forever," Kendrick said.

David Thompson, of Winona, Minn., shoots pool at the Winona Pool and Billiards Club. Thompson has been playing pool for about eight years and enjoys the competition and the people at the club, he said

Bill Haxton, of Rolling Stone, Minn., shoots pool at the Winona Pool and Billiards Club. Haxton played pool for 24 years before taking a 17 year break while farming, and has now been playing for three years since retiring.

Kendrick re-racks the balls before playing another game. "I kind of forget about everything else," Kendrick said about the game, "it's relaxing."

Kendrick chalks his pool cue during a game. "If you're mobile you can play it," Kendrick said about the pool.

Chalk sits on the edge of a pool table at the club.

Kendrick leans in to take his shot. "A lot of this game is controlling the speed of the white ball," Kendrick said.

Kendrick watches as Thompson takes his shot.

Kendrick, who hadn’t been playing his best games of pool, takes his shot. "Some days you're on and some days you're off,” Kendrick said.

A sign hanging at the Winona Pool and Billiards Club. According to club member Bill Haxton the club has 35 members.