Attendees listen to speakers at presentation.

The school year is over, but the memories live on. That was the message conveyed at the Babylon Village Historical and Preservation Society’s Ole Times Day celebration that depicted the story of Babylon Public Schools and its students dating back from 1874.

Ole Times Day, which is held annually by the society, portrays people, places and events from Babylon’s yesteryears. This year’s event was held Sunday, May 6, at the museum.

The program featured narrations by former students, one as far back as 1926, as well as a history of the school buildings. A display of old photographs, diplomas, programs and related memorabilia accompanied the event.

The Ole Times Day celebration is also the event at which the Percival Award for excellence in history is awarded to a high school student who achieves the highest mark on the history regents. Historical Society President Alice Zaruka reported that once again two students were selected for the honor, because of their outstanding grades.

At the refreshment table : Ruth Albin, Dot Marx, Ann Neville and Nancy Newton.

Katharine Nylund, a Babylon High School student achieved a score of 100 percent, and Brian Kudrle, a resident of Babylon Village attending West Babylon high School, placed second for the award with a score of 99 percent on the regents exam.

"This is the third year in a row that we have had two students who have obtained these marks. That is remarkable," said Zaruka.

Katharine Nylund will attend American University and Brian Kudrle will attend the Coast Guard Academy.

The museum offers a cool respite from the summer heat while learning about Babylon’s local history. Residents and visitors are invited to stop in between the hours of 2 and 4 p.m. Wednesday and Saturday. You may call 631-669-1756 for a special visitation..

shown with Babylon Village Historical Society model: Betty Hanse and Jackie Marsden.

John Rinklin, Bill Zaruka, Joy Torrey and Wayne Horsley. Alice Zaruka, is shown at left with Mr. and Mrs. Kudrle and Brian Kukrle, winner of the Percival Award for excellence in history and Tom Sullivan, chairman, award committee. Katharine Nylund, winnerof the Percival Award. Trustee Betty Hanse addresses the group. Gerry Skillen, treasurer, talks to Historicical Society Founder, Gilbert C. Hanse.