The Babylon Bayman Statue Can Become a Reality Through Private Donations

Dear Friend,

On behalf of the Babylon Bayman Statue Steering Committee, I am posting this to make you aware of an exciting community project that will pay homage to our once thriving clamming industry and especially to those that toiled on the Great South Bay. Through hard work, with determination and in the harshest of conditions, these individuals were members of a group that earned their living with tongs, rakes, sore shoulders and calloused hands. They are part of a heritage that inextricably links Babylon Village residents to the bay.

Pollution and over-harvesting have all but put an end to a way of life that was shared by so many. Full time clammers with families to support, college students who were saving for tuition and high school students who thought it was the perfect summer job- these are just a few of the profiles of the individuals who called themselves Baymen.

There are only a handful that remain.

Ever increasing nitrogen levels in the Great South Bay, overharvesting by commercial clammers, predators, mismanagement and inadequate regulation have all contributed to the demise of our centuries-old clamming industry.

Future generations need to be made aware that clamming was an integral part of the economy of Long Island’s South Shore, and that Long Island clams at one point accounted for almost half of the nation’s production.

It is with these facts in mind that we honor the Baymen. Please join us in our effort to construct a statue that will be an ever present reminder of the work ethic, dedication and contribution of these individuals. Although we are applying for grants from various charitable foundations, nothing is guaranteed and a majority of the funding will come from private donations.

Please visit our website at www.babylonbayman.org for more information related to the project and make a donation.

The $250, $500 and $1000 donation levels qualify the donor(s) to have a laser etched commemorative brick placed at the Statue site.

Sincerely,

Christopher Proto, D.D.S.

Co-Chair, Steering Committee

info@babylonbayman.org