by Ron Ash
Some say we are all interconnected and what happens to one can touch everyone. I learned early on that this happens in our local business environment as well. The Rhode Island racetrack first opened in 1941 as a result of a Buick salesman known as Lucky. B A Dario had a passion for breeding thoroughbred horses so he decided to buy a small racetrack in town. This would eventually give birth to what is now Twin River Casino which was formerly “Lucky’s” Lincoln Downs.
Just over a decade earlier the Lavoie family of Glocester began making plans for a restaurant in Chepachet. They would use retired trolley cars from what was the Woonsocket Fairmont Line to create the diner. When the Pascoag Race Track officially opened The Purple Cat Diner expanded and flourished serving horse owners, jockeys and trainers. Until recently the shabby remains of the restaurant’s former glory still stood over our beloved village. Today an old family friend (Al Constantino) and his partner are recreating the property from scratch. Another idea in its infancy which will maintain Chepachet’s unique flavor while building fantastic memories for all. Hopefully they will be able to reintroduce the trolley cars in some way.
Feel free to share your memories related to this story. I’d love to hear from you. (photos by Frank Foster)
Happy camping.
My RV Guy 