Hauppauge History: Honey Hollow Logs 50 Years of Childhood Memories

Honey Hollow Elementary School in Hauppauge welcomed its first students nearly 50 years ago. And while it was short-lived as a public school, it created lasting childhood memories for many Hauppauge residents.

Honey Hollow  was located on the southwest corner of Old Willets Path and Veterans Highway. The first students entered the building in 1961, where it served as a center of the community for 18 years. 

Patricia Martin, who taught at Honey Hollow from 1967 to 1974, remembers talking with fellow teachers about the school would not be finished in time for the first day of school in 1961. Half days were held until the building was completed.

Martin said approximately 750 students attended Honey Hollow that first year, enrollment steadily increasing to 1,300. The school’s first principal was Vincent Trinkwald and after four years Robert Young took over the position until the school’s closing in 1979.

“It was a very special school,” Martin said.

She remembers attending a talent show where Young and other administrators performed Swan Lake wearing tutus and sneakers.

Paul Borowski, , attended the school from 1966 to 1971. He said he made friends for life there and remembers them all playing games like crab soccer, handball and having kite flying contests.

Borowski and other former Honey Hollow students are eager to share many stories of their childhood memories.

Hauppauge resident Jason Feinman remembers the school’s rear gates located at Falcon Drive and Eagle Lane. Feinman, who was in fourth grade when it closed, said many students walked down hill to Honey Hollow and were called “back walkers.”

Matt Surico, who attended from 1967 to 1974, said he is reminded of his former school whenever he visits , where his kids attend. He said it has the same layout as Honey Hollow.

Matthew Heller, a student from 1973 to 1979, also remembers the layout of two Y’s connected at their ends. Heller said each doorway had a raised concrete landing, and he remembers running close to the outside wall so he could jump off of each of them.

Paige Deakins Supko, who was in fifth grade when the school closed, said the edge of the backfield was filled with honeysuckle and the Old Willets Path side had a big, old split-trunk tree.

Honey Hollow was closed in 1979 due to declining enrollment in the Hauppauge Public School district. Surico said years later it became a badge of honor to have been one who attended Honey Hollow Elementary School. 

In 1985, construction began on The Lakes at Honey Hollow condos on the property, according to an Oct. 13, 1985 article in The New York Times.

Borowski, as well as Martin and Surico, are looking forward to the 50th anniversary celebration on Aug. 6 at the Smithtown Elks Lodge. Several former staff members will be attending as guests of honor. 

“It’s sad that there’s no building, but the spirit is still there,” Borowski said.