In a document uncovered in the Sachem Superintendent’s historic archives, circa 1965, there were a number of proposed elementary school names that were never used or changed for buildings in the Sachem Central School District.
On a small legend from the document, there are existing buildings or ones under construction, proposed building sites, future proposed building sites and pupil suggested name changes for existing buildings.
Today there are 12 elementary schools in Sachem. On the map, there are spots for 16, many of which were eventually built.
Among the buildings with proposed pupil suggested name changes were Lynwood (Cohasset), Gatelot (Cherokee), Grundy (Powhaten) and Waverly (Pocahantas). None of those changed from the original names.
At the time Tecumseh was a proposed site, another original naming option was Baer.
Tamarac is the only current elementary school not listed on this map. Based on the location of the suggested Menewa/Brothman building, this must be the location of Tamarac.
As for buildings that were never constructed, they include Mohegan, Massasoit, Oneida, Manitou, Calumet/Raynor.
Editor’s note: I’m in possession of a number of interesting files and documents from Sachem’s early history. Throughout the next few months I’ll be reporting on all the interesting finds, so stay tuned. Go Arrows!
-Words by Chris R. Vaccaro