CHAPTER I: NAMES OF PLACES

Did you ever wonder what the name Mahopac means?
One expert tells us that it is an old Algonquian Indian word for "The Lake of the Great Serpent" or "Snake Lake."
No one seems to know how or why our peaceful lake got its name. Even maps made back in the days of the Revolution list a Lake Mahopac.
At other times, the lake has been called "Big Pond," "Carmel Big Pond," and even "Hughson's Pond." George Hughson was the first white man to settle on its shores. His log cabin was located on the north side. Finally, "Mahopac" became the permanent name of the lake and the community that grew up around it.
Some other landmarks have names which are very important historically. Kirk Lake was named after an old man who lived somewhere on its shores. His name was, of course, Kirk. Lake Secor got its name because a family named Secor settled near its waters.
We also have Wixon Pond, Austin Hill (on which one of our schools is standing), Barrett Hill, Stokum Avenue, Hill Street, and Hitchcock Hill. These were all named long ago for the early settlers who lived nearby.
The names that were given to other landmarks describe them or tell about events which happened there. Round Mountain and Round Hill both got their names because of their shapes. Near Round Mountain is Turkey Mountain. It was, in early times, covered with white oak trees and it was a favorite place for wild turkeys.
South of Lake Mahopac is Watermelon Hill. Many watermelons were found growing there. We have a Rattlesnake Hill and even a Battle Hill, which we will hear more about later.
There is a little pond near the Middle School which once had the charming name of "Cranberry Pond." The cranberry bushes that grew around it have disappeared, leaving only plain, little Mud Pond.
Grand Island is now known as Canopus Island. Stillwater doesn't move very fast. It also forms a large swampy area. German Flats, located where Hill Street runs into Long Pond Road, was the home of a group of German farmers at one time, and like many towns, we have our own Indian Hill.