I actually grew up right near that area until I was in 4th grade (803 East 41st Street, KCMO). Of course I never knew anything about these places then when I was young up but I always thought it was cool that I lived near that area of the city. Heck by the time I was born (1965) till we moved (mid 70's) those places were probably long gone. I don't know. I've heard stories from my oldest brother about how my Dad loved to play poker and now that I'm older I wish he was around know so that I could ask him about the card rooms or locations where he played. Growing up I remember him playing cards and dealing poker hands to himself. I grew up playing lots of cards with my Mom and Dad (Spades, Hearts, Pitch, Rummy - my parents were very competitive playing cards with me in my early years).

I had to cross Troost when we walked to elementary school and it was a busy street. (map below shows my house location near 31st and Troost).

A few years ago I had read the book called "Amarillo Slim in a World of Fat People" and I found a typo (see message below). Amarillo talked about playing pool at 31st and "Truce" and I'm 100% positive they meant Troost. I did receive a reply back saying they would probably get that type researched and fixed in later editions.

I also have an old street stop light that came from an intersection on Troost street. One day there was an accident and car ran in the a street light post and knocked the light off the pole. My older brother brought it home and I still have it today!

Arrow shows where my house was: