The first public national billiards championship is held in New York City's Irving Hall

The first American national billiards championship took place in New York City at the Irving Hall over eleven nights.  Eight players from around the country competed, with Dudley Kavenaugh of New York, who won six of his seven matches, declared national champion.  He won a gold-mounted cue and an inlaid billiard table worth around $1000, while second place finisher, Louis Fox of Rochester, New York, took home $250. (By John Osborne)