ARGYLE
LAKE PARK
Directions: Argyle Lake lies just south of the Long Island Railroad tracks and just north of Montauk Highway (Rt.27A) in Babylon. Facilities: Argyle Lake, in the heart of the village of Babylon, is formed by a dam across the Carll's River. The lake is fringed by Babylon Village park land although the bustle of the village is evident beyond the narrow strip of lawn and trees. (25 acres) Anglers anxious to begin fishing in the early spring can take advantage of the strong run of yellow perch that typically occurs on the north end of the lake. Trout from the DEC hatcheries are added to the resident fish community to provide additional fishing opportunity in the spring and fall. Argyle Lake also contains some largemouth bass in the 15-18 range Fishing: Maximum depth: 4 feet Species Present (naturally reproducing):
Species Present (stocked):
Boats are prohibited, but the entire shoreline is accessible. Weddings: Argyle Lake is a very popular site for wedding ceremonies and wedding pictures. According to the Town of Babylon, taking wedding photographs does not require reservations. History: Argyle park was home to America's first black professional baseball team which was formed in 1885. It was on the Argyle grounds where that team, originally called the Athletics of Babylon, so dominated local white teams that a New Jersey promoter named them the ``Cuban Giants'' and sent them on the road to become the Harlem Globetrotters of their time and their sport. At the time, Babylon was just beyond the crest of its resort era, which had been sparked by the arrival of the Long Island Rail Road in 1867. First as the gateway to Fire Island's hotels and beaches -- the words "Fire Island'' were written as large as "Babylon'' at the original Babylon station -- the village began to accommodate the stream of summer visitors from New York City with the construction of more than a dozen hotels. Some of the most beautiful hotels on the South Shore were in Babylon, the largest of them being the 350-room Argyle which was located on Babylon's scenic Argyle Lake. Although the hotels are gone today, the village retains much of it's charm from the past. In the shopping district, there are many restaurants, shops and businesses. This area has a distinctly vintage feel, with it's Victorian-era light posts, brick walkways and historical buildings. In the surrounding areas there are beautiful old homes, many restored to their former glory.
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
