LR Historical Society Yard Sale a Success

Saturday morning was a pretty busy time on Hawkin's Road, just north of the Expressway. Vendors set up tables on both sides of the road and everything from Christmas decorations to sleigh beds were set out for purchase.  It was a yard sale sponsored by the Lake Ronkonkoma Historical Society. 

The Historical Society was established in 1918 and is housed in what was once the Sachem Library, the edifice now is home to artifacts from past eras in a building that is reeking with charm and atmosphere.  One of the most striking features of the building is the impressive stone fireplace that dominates the main room.

Although the actual library has moved to much larger space, they rent the older building to the Historical Society.

Speaking outside the museum, the group's vice president, Evelyn Vollgraff explained what the organization was all about:  "Our main mission is to preserve the history of Lake Ronkonkoma. We have memorabilia and documented articles on display.  The museum is open every Saturday from 10 AM to noon and by appointment.  We also do classroom visits and we will go into the schools or classes can be brought here.  There are meetings once a month and it's basically to preserve the history of the area."

Talking of the history of the area, Vollgraff was asked if she knew anything concrete about the legend of the Native American Princess who claims a male in the waters of Lake Ronkonkoma on a yearly basis as an act of revnege.

"No more than anyone else does," she said. "Some people say it's fable, some people say it's true.  I mean, when this was a hoppin' lake, a gentleman did drown in it every year.  You never know!

"I do know that the Indians were here at one time  and  they may well have been the Sachem tribe.  That's where we get the name from, but we have no documentation on it."

The yard sale was a fundraiser for the Lake Ronkonkoma Historical Society to help defray the museum's operating expenses.  Among the items that were being offered for sale were antique tables and desks, souvenir t-shirts, hand knitted and crocheted items.  There were also some working antique radios. 

Judging from the large number of browsers who has stopped to check out the merchandise, the yard sale seemed to be a great success.