THANK YOU EVERYONE WHO CAME TO LIZZY THE LION DAY! ESPECIALLY TIFFANY & HER BOYS, WIHS VOLUNTEERS & ROARY & HER HELPERS! LIZZY'S EXHIBIT WILL BE UP FOR A WHILE SO YOU CAN ALL SEE YOUR PICTURES ON DISPLAY! STOP IN FOR OUR SCAVENGER HUNT, PRIZES & GOODIES BAGS!
WIHS wishes to thank Daisy Troop 2485 for their special visit to the WI History Center! The girls had lots of fun learning about the history of West Islip & drawing maps of their hometown!
UWE PAULSSEN
March 27, 1935 - December 28, 2024
We sadly mourn the passing of our dear friend, long-time member, and esteemed Trustee Uwe Paulssen. Former proprietor of our treasured LaGrange Inn, Uwe was a familiar face for decades at West Islip’s landmark restaurant and catering hall.
Uwe emigrated from Germany and joined the staff of the much loved restaurant under the ownership of Willie Stukenbroker & Herman Junge in 1959. Working his way up from waiter to manager, partner, and then owner, Uwe expanded the LaGrange and turned it into a first class establishment hosting dignitaries, local politicians, organizations, and community events. Weddings and family parties were his specialty and his enigmatic personality, warmth and eye for detail in every aspect earned him immense respect and many, many Culinary Awards.
He was instrumental in the revitalization of his cherished former restaurant; now the West Islip History Center @ LaGrange; and volunteered at the Center in its beginnings, sharing photo albums and LaGrange memorabilia with our community. For those of us who knew him he was an amazing, generous, kind man and a beloved community member. He, along with his surviving wife Elke, raised three children in West Islip; Audrey, Denise and Christopher. He is also survived by his six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
On December 12th, the West Islip Historical Society hosted its 4th annual holiday gathering. It was cold!! But the WOWI ladies kept the hot chocolate flowing, Santa handed out candy canes, and the West Islip High School Band and Chorus entertained. A great time was had by all!!
On November 10, 2024, the West Islip Historical Society held an event honoring West Islip's veterans of World War II and the 80th anniversary of D-Day. In attendance were two veterans, Anthony Scuderi and Gabe Grenci.
The West Islip Historical Society would like to thank the American Legion Post 1738 and Boy Scout Troop 179, especially Ryan Lidonnici for his playing the bugle to honor those who did not return.
The exhibit is still up in the museum, please come in Sunday or Tuesday from 12:00 to 2:00 pm to see all the authentic World War II items we have on display.
The West Islip Historical Society is honoring the 50th anniversary of the West Islip Beautification Society. Come in and see the pictoral history of 50 years of making West Islip a beautiful place to live. This group works so hard and we appreciate all they do!
West Islip Historical Society in partnership w/Babylon Village Historical Society, TOB Historian Mary Cascone and TOI Historian George Munkenbeck erected an historic marker on Montauk Hwy at Hawley’s Pond.
Thanks to a grant to Babylon Village Historical Society, Pres. Judy Skillen, Mary Cascone for her diligent research, George Munkenbeck for all his assistance, and Mayor Mary Adams for her help with the installation. A wonderful joint effort by all.
A Wonderful Time Was Had By All!! Thank You To WOWI, WIFD, Santa Claus, WIA, WIHS Band & Chorus! Our West Islip Businesses who Generously Donated to our Raffle, and All of Our Guests Who Made Our Old Fashioned Holiday Gathering a Success!!
Thank you All who came to the History Center on October 8th, 2023 to honor Lorraine Pace, Donna Marano & The WI Breast Cancer Coalition! The WIBCC Exhibit will be on display for the rest of the year!
West Islip Historical Society honors
West Islip Country Fair Committee
on their 45th Anniversary with Special Exhibit at the West Islip History Center
WI Historical Society would like to thank Boy Scout Troop 179 for their help in removing old pegs from historic floor boards at the WI History Center!
Also thank you to Leg. Steve Flotteron for organizing this event!!
On December 2nd, WIHS Board presented Good Samaritan Hospital with a plaque in appreciation of their sponsorship of the West Islip History Center.
Pictured from left to right are John McMurray (COO), Justin Jaycon, Ruth Hennessey (Pres) from Good Samaritan, Lynn Luttenberger (Pres.), Elke Paulssen (Trustee), Harry Higbie (Chairman) and Gail Gyarmathy (VP) from West Islip Historical Society
A Special Exhibit of the History of Good Samaritan Hospital is now on display at the WI History Center - All are welcome!
Old Fashioned Holiday Gathering
Thank you to all who attended!
Huge thanks to the West Islip organizations and businesses who contributed to the success of this event, we are so grateful for you!
The West Islip Historical Society held its first annual holiday gathering, and a great time was had by all. These are some of the first unofficial photos we've gathered.
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https://www.facebook.com/WestIslipHistoricalSociety/
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October 2019
December 2018
Happy Holidays from all of us!
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ALL ARE WELCOME!