Decor and Points of Interest

Words like one-of-a-kind, authentic and genuine, not only describes The Illinois Billiard Club itself, but it’s furnishings and museum artifacts as well. Surrounded by the elegance and charm of back-lit etched glass and mirrors, sculptured wooden cabinetry and elevated mahogany opera chairs dating back to the 1800’s … eight antique billiard tables representing three generations of American craftsmanship still stand ready to administer another hundred years of billiard diversity … ranging from entertainment, national and world class competition, to a widely sought after, mental and physical relaxation. Softly lit glass enclosed cabinets display original historical billiard documents, books, photographs, and hundreds of billiard treasures dating back to our nations first recorded public billiard tournament of 1863. Priceless to the educated collector of both photography and billiard treasures alike, is the first and only known photograph of the father of American billiards, Mr. Michael Phelan, seated amongst our nations first recorded professional tournament contestants and governing body of American billiards … an original photograph, taken by the studio of yet another illustrious American, the Civil War photographer and father of modern photography, Mr. Mathew Brady.

Nearly a century ago, Mr. William Frederick Hoppe, 52 time billiard champion of the world, at a time when the game was at it’s peak, began recording his illustrious and enduring career, when assembling his personnel scrapbook. Hoppe, for his entire life was respected by his opponents, loved by every fan, and profoundly admired by all of those that knew him … simply as a man. As the number of his championships grew, so did the size of his book … and his legacy. For nearly a quarter-century, The Illinois Billiard Club has been the custodian of Mr. Hoppe’s personal scrapbook … The Holy Grail of American Billiards. While the books monetary value is enormous, it’s historical significance to the integrity of American billiards is even greater. To help maintain accuracy of the history of American billiards, the 140 page book itself, measuring some 18 inches wide by 24 inches top-to-bottom, has been made available by the IBC to other reputable historians, yet this national treasure has most appropriately been preserved in the clubs bank-vault. However, as a memorial to the great behemoth himself, and as a reflection of Hoppe’s inspiring 46 year and life long career, several pages and historical documents from his personal scrapbook are on public display in the clubs museum. Elected the 20th Century’s absolute best billiard player and “King of American Billiards,” Hoppe, not only outlasted most all of his competion and various forms of billiard games that he once dominated, but also, the number of years in which he reigned as champion of the world, has yet been equaled in all 150 years of recorded American billiards … even today, some 42 years after his death.

Using a billiard table as H. G. Wells “Time Machine,” at the young age of 15, young William Hoppe was sent off to Paris, where after winning without one single loss, the Young French Masters in 1902, he also gained his first European title; Jeune Maitre Champion of France. This was more than a year before mankind witnessed the Wright brothers first 30 second flight, and with it, the birth of aviation. In 1906 he returned to Paris, this time at the age of 18 Hoppe won his first professional world title and crowned, ‘Champion of the World.’ A youthful achievement never before or since accomplished in the entire recorded history of world billiards. Nearly a half-century later, in 1947, aviations technology emerged to new heights and incredible speeds when our nations airplane, the Bell X-1, broke the sound barrier and smashed all world records … Hoppe was there, the same year he won his 47th world title!

An even more incredible gauge to his seemingly timeless roll as world champion, and if by divine intervention, Father Times favorite son, after retiring as champion of the world when winning his 52nd world billiard title in 1952 … just a brief 10 years later, the entire world watched as a young American astronaut by the name of John Glenn soured into outer space to establish our nations first orbit around the world. The world William Frederick Hoppe reigned, nearly uninterrupted for more than 46 years while accumulating his 52 titles as, “Billiard Champion Of The World.” A title he first achieved at the dawn of American aviation, and a title he retired with a few short years before humankind’s first extraterrestrial flight … that like Hoppe himself on February 1, 1959 … began exploring the heavens.

Billiard Club

The Illinois Billiard Club (IBC) was founded in 1973 and has operated as a private, members-only billiard club and virtual living museum of billiard collectables dating back to the 1850’s. Membership currently open to players of all skill levels.

EVENTS & PRIVATE PARTIES

For banquets, private parties, and most all family or corporate gatherings, the independent or combined use of the Illinois Billiard Club and Bonnie’s Dining & Banquets facilities offers a unique experience not to be missed!

BANQUET AND PRIVATE BILLIARD CLUB PACKAGE

Who and what we are … Collectively for over 78 years we are two separate entities uniquely designed under one roof – a public banquet facility and private billiard club that either of which (independently or collectively) host four hour small to mid size planned parties and special events to accommodate 20 to 100 guests. Unique special events ranging from traditional family celebrations of life (Anniversaries, Graduations, Birthdays, Showers, Weddings, etc.) to corporate team building meetings, school, church, fund raisers and community events.

Who and what we are not … We are not simply the all too typical restaurant, gaming arcade, pool room, bar room, banquet room or any form of traditional public place of amusement.

Our basic business philosophy that has largely led to collectively over 78 years in business …

“Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always try to do that, but the really great ones make you feel that you too can become great.” … Mark Twain

As for the billiards side of our business … “Now in its 49th year our private clubs requirement of a few hundred dollars in annual dues has fortunately proven to keep people of questionable character out. Yet in complete contrast, has encouraged people of proven integrity and honor to join in!”… Jim Parker

“Dinner and Billiards” or “Appetizer and Billiards” Packages:
Weekdays and Weekends … $35
Holidays … $40


Dinner or Appetizer Functions without use of the Billiard Club:
Weekdays and Weekends … $20
Holidays … $30


Tax and service charge applies to all situations.

Payment by cash or Check.

Optional use of each billiard table … $60 per table

BANQUET & PRIVATE PARTY MENU OPTIONS

Choice of any one entrée, salad, potato and vegetable.
Fresh dinner rolls and butter
Fresh ground coffee, tea or milk
Dessert – Ice Cream and Italian ice


Entrées
Beer Batter Fried Chicken
Beer Batter Tilapia
Hickory Smoked Ham
Oven Roasted Chicken
Oven Roasted Turkey
Roast Loin of Pork
Top Roast Sirloin of Beef Au jus (additional $6 pp)


Optional Appetizers offered with Dinner Package
Bonnie’s Signature Baked Parma Bread – 2 Pieces pp … $5.00
Full Pan – 2 pieces pp … 24 pieces … $48.00
Beer Batter Fried Chicken Finger’s … Additional $5.00 p.p.


Salads
Chef’s Garden Fresh Tossed Salad
Caesar’s Romaine and House made Croutons, Add $2.00 p.p.


Potatoes
Sour Cream & Butter Whipped Potatoes
Baked Idaho with sides of Sour Cream and Butter
Bonnie’s Signature Cranberry & Pecan Dressing
Fresh Sweet Potatoes with Orange Butter Glaze
Lightly Seasoned Oven Roasted Potatoes
Skin on French Fries


Vegetables
California Medley, Buttered Corn Kernels
Mini Butter Corn Cobettes, Glazed Baby Belgium Carrots,
Green Beans with Sautéed Onion and Mushrooms.


Bar Options
Alcohol and bar charges are not included in menu prices and are
available as a tab or cash bar and quoted per function.
Four-hour charge per bartender $75.
Each additional hour – $20 per bartender.


Menu items and prices are subject to change without notice.

TAX, SERVICE CHARGE AND PAYMENT

Tax and service charge applies to all situations
Payment by cash or Check Only
Note: All menu items and prices are subject to change without notice

Billiard Club

The Illinois Billiard Club (IBC) was founded in 1973 and has operated as a private, members-only billiard club and virtual living museum of billiard collectables dating back to the 1850’s. Membership currently open to players of all skill levels.

EVENTS & PRIVATE PARTIES

For banquets, private parties, and most all family or corporate gatherings, the independent or combined use of the Illinois Billiard Club and Bonnie’s Dining & Banquets facilities offers a unique experience not to be missed!

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