06/01/2026
As part of our Generations of a Nation series, Cheryl shared some wonderful memories of her husband, Ernie from the Whitney Place Tapestry Community. While Ernie had many talents—including engineering, finance, and sales—his true passion was car racing.
Cheryl recalled that in the early 1960s, car racing meant taking your 1956 Chevy or 1959 Bonneville out for a quarter-mile run. With his natural initiative and adventurous spirit, Ernie searched for and found what he believed was the straightest quarter-mile stretch along Route 95 in Rhode Island, just south of Kent County.
In the middle of the night, Ernie and his friends painted thick white stripes across both ends of the quarter-mile stretch, creating their own racing strip. Cheryl laughed as she remembered how popular it became among the local young racing community—until it appeared in The Providence Journal.
"You know what that means," she said. "The fun is over!"
Soon after, the white stripes were painted over in black. But Ernie's passion for racing continued to bring him awards, trophies, and success. More importantly, it brought him friendships, laughter, unforgettable stories, and memories that continue to live on through those who loved him.
There is something truly special about the memories that stay with us and the joy they continue to bring. These stories connect generations, reminding us that passions and treasured moments never fade—they live on forever in our hearts.
🚗 Part of Generations of a Nation—SALMON's tribute to the people and stories shaping our communities. ❤️
