Stimson Middle School brought back the Highhold Games, a long-lost West Hills Thanksgiving tradition, in celebration of the South Huntington School District’s 100th anniversary, and to pay homage to the distinguished statesman the school is named after.

Henry Lewis Stimson played a very influential role in American government in the early part of the 1900s as Secretary of War under President Taft, Secretary of State under Herbert Hoover and as Secretary of War in the cabinets of Presidents Roosevelt and Truman. Stimson was also instrumental in directing the United States’ atomic bomb program and advising President Truman.

Stimson was a longtime resident of West Hills, NY, living with his family in an estate there he called Highhold. The name was inspired by the view that the more than one-hundred-acre property provided from the Long Island Sound to the Atlantic Ocean. The estate is no longer there, and the property has become a big portion of West Hills County Park on Sweet Hollow Road in Melville, NY. 

Every Thanksgiving Day from 1904 into the 1920s, Stimson would place an open invitation ad in The Long Islander inviting his friends, family, and neighbors to the Highhold estate to compete in a series of games including trapshooting, spar fighting, barrel racing, and steeplechase. Originally it was a way to say thank you to his neighbors for allowing him to cross on to their property while fox hunting. It was said Stimson entertained many dignitaries and even held negotiations at Highhold during hunting trips. The games became an annual tradition that fostered community in West Hills.  Hundreds of people would gather to compete and win trophies, enjoy cider, coffee, and donuts, and warm themselves by the bonfire.

During the summer of 2024, the Stimson Middle School team sought to create a meaningful contribution to the centennial celebration while showcasing their building.  After some initial research that led them to connect with Robert Hughes, the Town of Huntington historian, Mr. Hughes introduced them to Stimson's "Highhold Games.”  This sparked the administrative team's enthusiasm and creativity and it was decided then to resurrect these games.

Inspired by this rich history, the Stimson team began brainstorming how to revive and celebrate this 100-year-old tradition at our very own Stimson Middle School. The key was being able to integrate it into our centennial celebration as a tribute to both the past history and how to weave this event back into the fabric of our community to continue to build into our legacy.  Reviving the Highhold Games originated as a simple idea in late July, but it quickly grew into an unforgettable event that brought back a century-old tradition. 

The success of this event was made possible by the contributions of many key individuals, and we wish to acknowledge their efforts. 
First, we thank the Highhold Committee members for their time and creativity in planning this event as well as The Stimson Technology Department for their handiwork in constructing cornhole boards and barrels for our games. A special shout out to Mr. Bilicki and Mr. Collins for going above and beyond. 
We have to thank the Silas Wood/Stimson PTA for generously donating the donuts and cider that were served to all in attendance as well as the commemorative plastic cups given to guests. The PTA also donated the decorations used for the event and our incredible fence design along Oakwood Road. 
A very special thanks to the Stimson Life Skills Students and staff for donating their time and skills to prepare the apple cider donuts for our event. 
We thank the Booster Club for selling pizza and refreshments and the teacher center for printing some of our amazing posters displayed at the event. 
Special thanks to the National Junior Honor Society members for volunteering their time and selling snacks during the games. 
We thank the Huntington Manor Fire Department for all they do and the Halesite Fire Department for bringing their 1920’s vintage fire truck to the Highhold Games.
A special shout out to Mr. Thomas for developing AI Henry L. Stimson and bringing him back to life to open the games! 
We’d like to thank Robert Hughes, the Town of Huntington’s Historian and The Huntington Historical Society for providing access to some amazing artifacts. 
Dr. Corrado, thank you for providing us with a WWI reenactment and historical memorabilia.
The Highhold Games would not have been the same without the sweet sounds of Stimson’s Jazz Choir. Thank you to the choir and their director, Ms. Orlando and to Mr. Rovalino for providing sound support. 
Thank you to the South Huntington PR department for documenting this historic event for our community. 
Our clerical staff generously donated their time to help decorate our halls and we sincerely thank them for that. 
And to our dedicated custodial and buildings and grounds staff…so much went into preparing for Highhold and it was expertly executed because of you…Thank you so very much. We have to thank our Security Staff. They went above and beyond to ensure the safety of our guests. 
A sincere thank you to Seasonal ‘Scapes for generously donating flower arrangements that made the Highhold Games stage so beautiful and festive.. 
We extend our gratitude to the many local elected officials that supported the Highhold Games with their attendance as well. 
Most importantly, The Highhold Games were so much fun because of the amazing students of Stimson Middle School. We have to thank them for being so involved in their school community and bringing the games to life with their cheers and laughter. 
And finally to the Board of Education and district administration, we thank you for your support in this endeavor. The success of the Highhold Games is a shared success for the South Huntington School District and we could not have done it without you. 

See more photos of the 2024 Highhold Games here. 

The event began with the Opening Ceremony that provided an overview of what the event is and historical context, as well as a performance by Stimson’s Jazz Choir of Fats Waller’s “Everybody Loves my Baby” 

Together with all of our stakeholders, we were able to celebrate this momentous occasion in a similar fashion as Henry L. Stimson once did and proudly foster an evening of community, comradery and competition.

Through the discovery of these games, it was found that Stimson’s wife, Mabel, would serve cider and cider donuts. Concessions were open for our modern day games and included apple cider in a commemorative cup and apple cider donuts, graciously provided by the Silas Wood/Stimson Middle School PTA.

We thank the Huntington Manor Fire Department for all they do and the Halesite Fire Department for bringing their 1920’s vintage fire truck to the Highhold Games.

Recreational and tournament games included flag football, Corn Hole (with boards made by our Tech students), Can Jam, PickleBall, egg on a spoon race, and barrel racing.

Families stepped back in time in front of the photobooth!

The Flag Football tournament was a fan favorite at the modernized event. 

Below is an article about the Highhold Games from “The Long Islander” November 1913: