Village Fountain Prepped for Unveiling

The replica of a fountain that used to stand at the intersection of Fire Island Avenue and Main Street has been installed in front of the historical society, and will be uncovered and dedicated on Monday, May 30.

The fountain, cast in a Kentucky foundry from a similar fountain still standing in a Pennsylvania town square, has been under wraps since last fall, protected from the elements while finishing touches were put on the grounds and site around the fountain.

The work is slated for completion this month, and the organizers of the fountain recreation are hoping to continue to honor Babylon Village history by mimicking the original 1897 dedication ceremony.

"The original fountain was donated by The Babylon Women's Exchange [a charitable women's club] and they also had their dedication ceremony on Memorial Day," explains Judy Skillen, co-chair of The Babylon Village Historic Fountain Reconstruction Project and Historical Society vice president.

"We want to replicate their program as much as possible."

The fountain committee describes the reconstruction as "a tribute to the work of the Women's Exchange and all charitable and service organizations in Babylon Village."

The "Dedicatory Exercises and Unveiling of the Fountain," as the ceremony invitation reads, will be held from  1:30 until 2:30 p.m. at the Babylon Village Historical Society, 117 West Main Street.