We are all a little poorer for the closing of Roosevelt. Racetracks like sports arenas have a special magic. When they're gone, they can never be replaced. Mike Farrell, sports columnist, 1988

{HISTORY}

Telling two stories in one, this vintage restaurant ware creamer may be small in size but it's big in history.

Featuring the Roosevelt Raceway logo, this creamer was made in the 1960s by Jackson China for the Harry M. Stevens Catering Company.  Harry M. Stevens handled concession and kitchen operations at a large assortment of ballparks and racetracks across the country, but when it came to harness racing none was more famous than Roosevelt Raceway in Westbury, NY.  

First operating as a racetrack for cars in the 1930s, it evolved into a horse racetrack in the early 1940s to accommodate harness racing specifically. A pioneer in its industry, many firsts occurred at Roosevelt including the start of night races, the inclusion of closed-circuit televisions around the pavilions showcasing each and every race, air-conditioned viewing stations, and over 15 different restaurants and cocktail areas within the raceway.  

Each of those restaurants and bars was operated by Harry M. Stevens Catering, a company started by a British mill worker turned American concessionaire. It's because of Harry's innovative ideas and entrepreneurial spirit that hotdogs are enjoyed at ballgames, that cocktails are served at horse races, and that all other matter of food cravings are satisfied at arena-style sporting events today.

Roosevelt Raceway operated between 1936 and 1988 when it was demolished to make way for apartments and retail shopping areas. But over the course of its 50-year run, the racetrack was a wonderland of innovation and entertainment drawing tens of thousands of race-goers on a weekly basis. It evolved and transformed in a myriad of different ways through expansions, renovations and improvements, that kept horseracing enthusiasts dazzled by the magic of a good race at a good track.  In addition to racing, the track also hosted music concerts, special wartime programs, political fundraisers, and equine industry events.

This creamer dates to the 1960s when the RR logo could be seen not only at the racetrack's restaurants but also in its programs and signage and even on the grass of the infield. Now a hard-to-find server today, it's fun to imagine all the excitement this creamer experienced back in the day when a night at the races was one of the most thrilling events of the year. 

{SPECIAL FEATURES}

• Features the midcentury double R logo
• Stamped on bottom with the Jackson China mark and the Harry M. Stevens mark
• Rare racterac memorabilia

{CONDITION}

In beautiful vintage condition. This creamer contains no chips, cracks, spots or stains. It is very clean and bright inside and out. 

{SIZE}

Measures 2.75" inches (height) x 3.5" inches (width spout-to-handle) and weighs 8 oz.

{FOR THE LOVE OF RESTAURANT WARE}

Vintage restaurant ware holds all sorts of exciting stories just like this one. Find more in the shop here.