What Rhode Islanders Used to Do in the Summer
Michelle Houle, GoLocalProv Contributor
What Rhode Islanders Used to Do in the Summer
From Rocky Point to Crescent Park to the Warwick Tent, let’s look back on our favorite summer activities of the past.
What Rhode Islanders Used to Do in the Summer
Crescent Park
Crescent Park was an amusement park in Riverside, East Providence, Rhode Island from 1886-1979.
After declining attendance during the 1970s the park was closed. The only remaining structure is the 1895-vintage Charles I. D. Looff Carousel, designed and built by Charles I.D. Looff as a showpiece for his carousel business.
If you got a ring in the clown's mouth, you win a free ride on the carousel.
Rocky Point
Rocky Point Park was one of Rhode Island's most popular summer destinations.
Located in Warwick on the Narragansett Bay, the amusement park was in operation from the 1840s until it closed in 1995.
The best attractions were the Corkscrew, Log Flume, and the Freefall.
For lunch, families ate at the Shore Dinner Hall which served clamcakes, lobsters, and New England Clam Chowder.
You Must Be This Tall: The Story of Rocky Point Park, a documentary on the park, had its world premiere at the Stadium Theatre in Woonsocket.
The Beaver Brown Band
Rhode Islanders may have seen John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown before they became famous.
John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown began their careers in Rhode Island during the 1970's.
In 2012, they were inducted into the RI Music Hall of Fame.
Drive-ins
Although drive-ins are now a thing of the past, the Rustic is still in operation in North Smithfield.
Since its opening in 1951, three screens play two first run feature films each starting at dusk. The drive-in is open from late April through late September.
Warwick Tent
The Warwick Tent, known as the Warwick Musical Theatre, was opened in 1955 by Buster Bonoff.
The theater, which was located in a tent, paid homage to traditional circus structure by presenting plays in the round.
Warwick Tent began as summer stock but switched focus to famous singers and entertainers in the 1970's.
Narragansett Park
Narragansett Park was an American race track for horse racing in Pawtucket, Rhode Island.
The race track opened on August 1, 1934, which was two months after gambling in Rhode Island was made legal.
The grandstand seated up to 10,000 people.
Clam Bake
Hosting a clam bake is a tasty Rhode Island tradition.
Families would gather on beaches and serve mussels, crabs, steamers, lobster, and quahog.
Lum's Hot Dogs
A Lum's hot dog and a cold, root beer was the perfect combination on a summer night.
Although now closed, a few Lum's chains were located throughout the state.
Miniature Golf
Miniature golf is a perfect summer activity whether you are with friends or on an awkward first date.
To relive the experiences of youth, there are many miniature golf places to check out in Rhode Island.
