Historic Painting of Local Landmark Once Again on Display

A painting of a historic windmill that was an emblem of Babylon's history in tulip cultivation is once again on display in the . The depiction of Bulk's Nursery and windmill, which once stood at the corner of Montauk Highway and Bergen Avenue was painted by former Babylon Village resident Mildred Baur Kerr.

According to the office of Suffolk County Legislator Wayne Horsley, the painting was stored at the Babylon Library for a number of years. West Babylon resident Lucy Duke contacted Horsley requesting Ms. Kerr’s painting be displayed at the historical society museum. Horsley, who is also a museum Trustee, approached the Library Board of Trustees who agreed to loan the painting to the Village Historical Society.

“The windmill at Bulk’s Nursery was a landmark for more than fifty years,” said Horsley. Jack Bulk, a native of Holland, operated Bulk’s Nursery at the corner of Montauk Highway and Bergen Avenue from the 1920s to the 1980s. The four story windmill was built in 1929 from Dutch blueprints and stood until it fell into ruins and was demolished in 1983. 

“Ms. Kerr captured the essence of the windmill in her painting. It is yet another reminder of a bygone era and Babylon’s history as a leader in the tulip industry,” noted Horsley.

West Babylon's history in tulips was also celebrated this weekend at a recreation of the tulip festivals and parades that were once a regular occurrence in the hamlet. Patch will have photos and a story on yesterday's festival.