What's In A Name?

ASHAWAGH HALL

Ashawagh, a word of Native American origin, is associated today with the hall in Springs. But in earlier centuries it referred to a locale in eastern Northwest Woods, between the two branches of Hand's Creek.

In 1909, the Springs Village Improvement Society bought Ashawagh Hall, once the Springs school house, for $1. Over the years, it has served the community as a central gathering place. Many wedding receptions and social functions have been held there, not to mention art exhibits, poetry readings, and other creative uses. The grounds are home each August to the Springs Improvement Society's Fisherman's Fair.

When the building was purchased, at the suggestion of Mrs. Nat Miller, it was named Ashawagh because the word meant "place where two roads come together" or, variously, "place between" - an appropriate name for a building at the intersection of Fireplace Road and Old Stone Highway.

The Montaukett word is similar to the Massachusetts nashaue, "in the middle," and n'ashaw-auk, "land in the middle." Variations of "Ashawagh" are found in various places on Long Island and in New England.

The records of East Hampton Town for January 1666 note that "John Osburne" exchanged his meadow lands at "Accobunock" and at "Ashshowale" (Ashawagh) with George Miller for Miller's share of the meadow at Great Swamp, on the western side of Northwest Woods. And in September 1705, it is stated that Jeremiah Miller exchanged "meadow ground at or adjoining unto the said creek and Ashawagh" with Thomas Baker, for a piece of Napeague.

M.N.