SoMAS recently received a donation of a 1976 documentary film by Anne Belle, “Baymen: Our Waters Are Dying.” The 16mm film gift comes from Donna Burrell and her family. Donna’s grandfather, Edwin S. Furman, president of the Southampton Town Baymen’s Association at the time, and her father Edwin Furman, were one of the featured water-working families in the film. The film was in the care of Donna Burrell’s aunt in Canada and the family wanted to see their copy passed along to a local historical outlet for preservation.
The film was featured in a 1983 New York Times article “Film Maker Blends Bay and Ballet” and in a 2018 Dan’s Papers article “Showcasing Old Film’s Modern Message“.
Reporter Ann Benedict noted that “the film placed second at the Chicago International Film Festival in the category of “Documentaries on the Environment and Conservation” and Anne received a silver plaque for this distinction.” Copies of the film were available through public library systems in New York City and on Long Island. The film was “received with great enthusiasm by artistic and environmental groups alike”.
A memorial to Harry W. Reeves and Deceased Members of the Southampton Town Baymen’s Association, Inc. is located near the windmill at the Southampton Campus of Stony Brook University. This list includes:
- Pierre H. L. Cann
- Edward Laghcik
- William A. Dull
- William Stubelek
- Howard W. Page
- Martin Camarata
- Joseph D. Tuttle
- Cornelius Poillon
- Donald Ryan
- George F. Jablonski
- William Burczak
- Jacob Antilety
- Stanley Cheslik
- Julius Zykowski
- Edward G. Giery
- Austin Squires Van Scoy
- Anthony P. Ryder
- Stanley J. Doroski
- Robert Corwith White
- Fred H. Smith
- Stanley Witkowski, Sr.
- Frank A. Zarro
- Elmer A. Carter, Sr.
- Donald R. Penny
- James E. Slowey
- Walter W. Lane
- Edwin S. Furman
- Eugene F. Vonatzski
The Wednesday March 6, 2024 Southampton Seminar Series featured a screening of the film along with a panel discussion featuring SoMAS Faculty, former Southampton students, Baymen, and Southampton Trustees. Chris Gobler introduced the film, then Irene Tully, a friend of Anne Belle spoke. The panel included Will Caldwell and Mike DePerte (baymen), and Scott Horowitz and Ed Warner Jr., Southampton Town Trustees. The complete event recording is available on the SoMAS YouTube Channel.
The digitized version of the film is available on YouTube:
