I was born in Babylon more than 75 years ago, and I wrote a poem about the changes.

My great grandfather was a caretaker for the Keith Estate in West Islip. My grandfather, who was born on South Street, West Islip in 1879, was a caretaker for the Hawley Estate, West Islip.

I attended kindergarten in the Higbie Lane School,

Changes

Momma died

One hot summer day.

She passed down

The street in a

Mahogany box.

Momma came

as a bride

In 1926 to Long Island

Lived in the woods among

Pines intermingling with

Shrub Oak.

Skunk cabbage lying in the

Marsh with ferns.

The two storied

Shingled house nestled close

To Grandma’s place.

If the old house could speak

It would say:

"It’s all gone now,

Just like momma, pines,

Shrub Oaks, and skunk cabbage.

Changes have been made in

Babylon.

It’s house, upon house, upon

house".

West Islip, and Mrs. Bassi was the teacher. My memories are filled with wonderful friendly people; the shop keepers were so kind and cordial.

Dorothy (Leitch) Rowlinson