Lake Pocotopaug Sign Back After Two-Month Hiatus

After an arduous job last year of rebuilding the iconic Lake Pocotopaug sign that hangs at the end of the lake off Route 66, the East Hampton Rotary Club recently had to remove and repair it.

The sign, which hangs from a tall, white bow and arrow, greets visitors as they enter the town's commercial district on Route 66. It has hung on the shore of the lake for some 60 years and for decades the Rotary has taken care of it.

Last year it was taken down and rebuilt by the Rotary Club. But about two months ago a wind storm flipped the sign over the arrow, damaging it. After the Rotary repaired it, the sign was reinstalled by workers on Wednesday, March 27.

Rotary member Red McKinney, who has helped maintain the sign, said in its 60-year history, he doesn't think the sign has ever been damaged in a wind storm.

The origin of the bow and arrow that holds the sign is symbolic of the Wangunk Indian history surrounding the lake. Legend has it that Princess Pocotopaug, or Namoenee, jumped to her death over at Markham’s Cove, a willing sacrifice to appease the Great God Hobomoko and bring an end to the many drownings the Wangunk tribe had suffered.