Library visit a success!

In the pouring rain a friend from Pawtucket brought me to the Pawtucket Public Library today so that I could use their facilities to begin researching for my book. Not only was the library impressive (we have a small one since I live in a small town!) but the staff was equally impressive. Any time I had a question, the staff answered it and several staff members showed interest in my project. They are a wonderful asset to the people of Pawtucket and beyond.

A very big thanks goes to Tim from the Pawtucket History Research Center. Between him and the Public Library they had several large folders brimming with photos and information for me to use. I spent about 3.5 hours at the library, scribbling away furiously in my notebook and devouring article after article of information and I already cannot wait to go back.

The generousity of people amazes me and I once again thank everyone who has helped contribute to the Narragansett Park site and my research over the last two years.

I ended my trip today with a visit to Building 19 (what is left of the grandstand) I remember my first visit there when I realized what the building had once been. The excitement and my need to photograph and video it all. My last two visits have brought upon feelings of sadness. I spend so much time seeing 'Gansett whole because of my research, that I forget what it actually looks like today. I spent a good hour discovering a few new things, such as original paint creeping through in places and seeing favorite things from previous visits such as the stairs on the ceiling that lead to nowhere (racehorse heaven maybe) and the escalators that lead to a mysterious second floor.

It is sometimes hard to deal with the fate of somethings, but I still left feeling that I am doing something right in striving to protect and share history.

Corrie McDermott~