On Friday May 19th, HSIH President Cathy Romano with Islip student Leo acted as tour guides sharing a historical perspective on the Main Street Food Tour with Islip students.

History highlights were prepared by Rob Finnegan, historian, and Elizabeth Thomas, educator, where the students learned tidbits of our Main Street past and present history while visiting: The Pizzaria, Manhattan Sweets, and Coyle's Ice Cream shop.

The tour began outside the MS/HS campus with an overview of the maritime, timber, and canning industries, mentioning how Main Street's roadbed glistened with oyster shells. Three former school markers (Little Red on Main Street before the Monell Avenue two-story school (now Islip Public Library), then 401 Main Street) shared the Islip's education history from 1854 through 1977.

The tour goers were fascinated by the Monell school fire drill slide, along with the tales of walking schoolbooks in grocery bags from 401 to the current Middle School/High School campus.

As the Islip Town seat of government, we saw the three Town Halls (1869-1907), (1906-1931) and (1932- present). We summarized the changing face of Main Street due to the 1900 Big Fire and 1905 Great Fire as covered in the last Quahog.

Finally, Islip's water history with the Americas Cup sailing history, the Old Mill lumber processing, and the Doxsee Clam and Cannery reminded students that our geography is still the key to development in our beautiful historic hometown. A huge Thank You to Islip educators:  Julia Johnson, Regina DiPrima, Natalie DeSena, Melissa Horn, and Robert Drysielski, Social Studies Coordinator, for partnering so well with us to make the walk a success for nearly thirty Food and Consumer Science, EXCEL, and Life Skills students! 

Scenes from the 2023 Food Tour