Courtesy of Kathy La Capra, we’ve been given a wonderful collection of photographs—some dated 1937—showing groups of students and their teacher at the Tyler Avenue School in West Sayville. Our mission? To identify as many of these children and their teacher as possible! Do you recognize a family member, a neighbor, or even a familiar face from local history? Every clue, memory, or suggestion could help unlock this mystery, so don’t hesitate to share what you know!
The story of this school begins in late 1924, when the Smith and Graves Company broke ground and dug the cellar for the new building. By 1925, the Tyler Avenue School opened its doors, constructed at a cost of $21,490—a significant investment at the time. The community proudly regarded it as a charming and much-needed addition to West Sayville.
The school was built on a spacious lot, just north of John Seerveld’s nursery. Designed as a one-story structure, it featured three classrooms and an assembly hall that could be divided into two rooms if needed. Behind the building lay a large playground, where generations of children undoubtedly shared laughter, games, and memories.
For many in our community, this school holds a special place in their hearts. Some of our alumni may even recall walking its halls or sitting in its classrooms. Personally, I have fond memories of my third-grade year there, thanks to my wonderful teacher, Mrs. Helen Ennis.
Though the building has since been torn down, these photographs preserve a piece of its legacy. Now, it’s up to us to bring these images back to life by putting names to the faces captured in time.
Take a look at the photos linked below—do you spot anyone you know? Your insights could be the key to uncovering more of West Sayville’s rich history!
📸 View the photographs here:
👉 https://photos.app.goo.gl/qbhGapYHmVdzsNG36
Let’s work together to honor the students and teachers of Tyler Avenue School—share your thoughts in the comments!
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