Saturday, October 3, 2009

THE FIRST COMMITTEE MEETING




Our first committee meeting was held at 7:00pm on Wed. September 30, 2009 in the Babylon Village Historical Society building on West Main Street. A photographer was there to record the historic event, and Babylon's local newspaper, The Beacon, was on hand to report on the story.
A presentation was given on the fountain's history, and what we know so far. A description and history of the Women's Exchange movement was given and the significance of their contribution was discussed.
There are legends that surround the fountain, and an effort was made to clarify what is fact and what is folklore.
An enormous amount of research has been done, but more is needed to find all the pieces of the historical puzzle. If indeed a trolley car hit the fountain as believed, when did it actually happen, and how much damage, if any, was done? If, as believed, pieces of the fountain (and statue) were sunk in Sumpwam's Creek, where exactly are they, and could they possibly survive 92 years in the brackish, murky headwaters of the creek? Stay tuned for more of the mystery as it unfolds..... meanwhile, make your tax deductible donation to the Babylon Village Fountain Fund, and mail it to Valerie Fronzo, Village Treasurer, 153 West Main Street, Babylon, NY 11702