+++ Did You Know? +++
In the 1970s, Helen Kipybida collected tidbits of West Islip history for her “Did You Know?” column in the Babylon Beacon newspaper. She donated several of her columns to the West Islip Library for a 1976 Bicentennial Celebration exhibit, and we’ll publish excerpts from them again here for all to enjoy. Check back often to see what’s been added.
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April 2008
'Did you know'....there used to be a dude ranch north of Hunter Avenue between Higbie Lane and Boulevard Avenue? We're still gathering photos & stories about it - but look at Dan Andrews' page for early information -
March 2, 2008
‘Did you know'….that Higbie Lane used to be called "Love Lane?" See it noted on this 1829 map, and on this 1888 map, and read about it in this excerpt from Babylon Reminiscences, by Benjamin Field, c.1911.’
February 18, 2008
‘Did you know'….that a little bit of Florida grew in West Islip in the early fifties? A type of Spanish Moss hung majestically in long silvery festoons from the branches of trees near the bridge that formerly crossed Hawley’s Lake.’ That was the George Street Bridge, and it mysteriously burned one Halloween night long ago. The bridge was still there in 1954 – see it on this map and in this photo. See what the bridge area looks like today
Do you have any stories about the bridge? Share your memories with us by email; westisliphistorical@gmail.com or write to us at West Islip Historical Society, PO Box 231, West Islip 11795.