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When Steinbeck tells the history of
P.G.'s "Great Roque War" (Sweet Thursday,
Chapter 8), he drew on actual events surrounding the roque courts
that used to be located here. (Roque is a croquet-like game played
on concrete with short mallets.)
At the time, the construction of the new museum focused civic
attention on the park. One faction believed that the courts and
run-down shack were an eyesore and should be removed, while the
other side contended that this was the traditional location for
the courts. In 1933, the P.G. City Council could not reach a
consensus regarding the courts, and put the question on the local
ballot. By an overwhelming majority, the citizens of P.G. voted
to retain the courts. They survived until a few decades ago. |
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