Monday Profile: Jack Abrams

When Jack Abrams discovered the rolling hills and winding roads along the North Shore some 55 years ago, he and his wife were hooked.

Fresh out of the U.S. Army, newly wed to his young bride, Eileen, and starting a career as an educator, the couple decided to put down roots in the Town of Huntington and buy a home in East Northport — and they haven't left since.

An educator with the Huntington School District for more than 30 years, Abrams said he was humbled when the town named the former Huntington Intermediate School in his honor in 2008.

Today, as always, the 80-year-old possess a sharp wit and wisdom on all things Huntington. He recently took time to sit down with Patch and reflect back on his life, hometown and esteemed career:

 Huntington Through The Years

"It’s a better place, no doubt.” said Abrams.

Abrams cites improved services such as busing to help senior citizens get around, as well as facilities like the Cinema Arts Centre (where he belongs) and the senior beach at Centerport. At least once a week he is there to “sit, watch the water and read the news.”

Walkability, restaurant variety and Heckscher Park are some of his favorite things about Huntington.

“Huntington village is the type of town, as you know, like Northport, where it’s fun to just pull up anyplace, get out and walk — up and down the streets,” he said.

Curating Our Schools’ Past, Present and Future

The Heritage Museum, located at Huntington High School, has been the baby of Jack Abrams since he began curating more than 20 years ago. Stocked with vintage photos, school building plaques, student artwork, sports memorabilia and yearbooks dating back more than 80 years, the museum is a true treasure for the Huntington community.

Officially stepping down as curator in the near future, he has worked to amass an impressive collection archiving more than 350 years of the Huntington school history which will no doubt continue to grow. It is truly a unique gift that Abrams has given to the community.

“I don’t think there are any other schools curating like this,” Abrams admits. Fourth-graders even make a special field trip during the school year to get a personal tour of the museum by Abrams himself.

On Community

On Sept. 17, Abrams will proudly serve as the grand marshal at Huntington’s “Unity in the Community” Parade and Fair. He said he is happy to be this year’s honoree and appreciative of the efforts to make citizens proud of their town.

''I’m really interested in this 'Unity in the Community','' he said, "because it’s a heartfelt concern that people have, they want to be included in the overall picture.”

Regarding Education

Abrams said schools have improved through the years because of the modern techniques, curriculum and resources that didn’t exist during his time as a teacher and principal.

And on politics and controversy currently associated with Huntington schools? Abrams says it is nothing new or unique to Huntingon.

“All you have to do is go to a school board meeting," he said. "That politics stuff? If only we could get rid of that,” he said with a smile.

One of his fondest memories as an educator came ironically when he had the misfortune of coming across a dead possum with his car, and was surprised to find eight babies who had survived. Abrams saved the young and went around to the primary schools to entrust fourth-graders with the surviving animals, naming them after each school: Washington, Jefferson and so on. He recalled curling their tiny tails around a pencil to discuss the term ‘prehensile'.

“I knew the kids would never forget that.” It was a real-life, hands-on opportunity that Abrams used to teach science and nature.

With a new school year just around the corner, Abrams said he still feels that back-to-school excitement when September arrives. “Oh, I still wander around and see all the schools, pop into classrooms,” he said with a sparkle in his eye.

What's your fondest memory of Jack Abrams as a teacher? Tell us in the comments.