Little Remnants of History: Far Down of the Heights Called Dyker by Michael Demetrios Gabriel ‘24 and Dov Weinstein Elul ‘24

Poly’s extraordinary campus has long captivated community members and visitors alike. It’s easy to understand why. Among its treasures, the architectural blend of old and new, the tall trees that canopy the landscape, the sun that reflects off the buildings during sunrise and sunset, all work in harmony to transport one to a serene, collegiate-like experience distinct from the borough’s bustling tempo.

The school was founded in 1854 and in 1916, its home in Dyker Heights was established. Have you ever wondered where the traces of Poly’s past are? Some are hidden in plain sight. How has each space, marked with the academic memories and social lives of generations of Poly students, evolved over the past 170 years? How did Poly’s Dyker Heights campus come to occupy this land, and what are the transformative markers of its progress? These questions inspired seniors Michael Demetrios Gabriel ‘24 and Dov Weinstein Elul ‘24 to explore the school’s rich architectural history. The pair embarked on a journey of inquiry filled with interviews, research, and photography.

Taking a Chance and Following an Idea

“Every year, various ideas would fly around my head about something big or interesting I wanted to do that year. Some came to fruition, but most never did. This book started off as one of those ideas that was on the borderline of being thrown out in my mind,” Gabriel shared. “Usually, I was either too scared to take the first step or just didn’t have confidence that it was a good idea. This book broke that cycle, and I really do have to thank Dov for that. For me, this book represents the first time I truly stepped outside my comfort zone and acted on an idea I had. For [the Poly] community, I believe this book represents something more.”

A Book Comes to Life

Under the guidance and support of Poly staff, faculty, alumni, and fellow students, they co-created a 177-page exploration of Poly’s architectural evolution: Far Down on the Heights Called Dyker: A Photographic Journey Through the History of Poly Prep Country Day School. Gabriel and Elul spent countless hours, over spring break, during finals, days off, free periods, and more, reading through archives and written records, interviewing long-standing members of the school’s community, reviewing student publications as early 1899, and pouring through over 1,000 Polygons since the student newspaper’s founding. 

Originally conceived as a “then and now” photobook, the project expanded as archival searches revealed the vast richness of Poly’s history. The resulting book documents the historical evolution of Dyker Heights, highlighting significant changes since the school’s origins. Through ten chapters that cover the grounds, buildings, notable spaces, the clock tower, and more, the book brings to life the story of Poly. It includes photos of the past and present, maps, and text that provides context.

History is Everywhere at Poly

“Working on this project has allowed me to see many of the good parts and richness of the school’s history. I’ve been able to understand what makes Poly such a truly special place to many faculty and alumni,” Dov remarked. “My perspective has also changed in a very literal sense, like when I walk around the school now I notice little remnants of history like imprints on the wall from where things used to be or fire doors between the doorways or paint from where bleachers used to be.” 

Gabriel and Elul hope their project will inspire future generations of Poly students to explore and solve the mysteries within Poly’s history, reinstilling a sense of shared community. The book is also a homage to Poly alumni, allowing them to revisit their old classrooms and former fields or gyms with the turn of a page. Gabriel reflected that through the process of creating the book, he came to understand in a new and broader way that they weren’t the first students to walk these halls. “Our Poly in 2024 may be different from the Poly of 2004, 1984, 1964, et cetera, but at the same time, it is the same. There are people, traditions, and physical spaces that connect each and every one of our versions of Poly, whether you graduated in 1956 or just this past June,” Gabriel said.

“Ultimately, the project is a love letter to Poly.”

The book also preserves the present for future generations, capturing details of Dyker Heights as it exists right now. Ultimately, the project is a love letter to Poly. With their diligent investigation and illuminating tales of Poly through its different eras, Elul and Gabriel show that school pride and past can be hidden in plain sight. It can be found in the small, visible vestiges of history and through the stories of people who have played on its fields, created in its studios, traversed its rolling grounds, sat by the smooth wooden tables of the library, or rushed to class through the connected hallways of the Main building. The Poly of today will surely continue to transform and evolve while the memories made by the current generation of students and stewards are woven into its story.

About the Authors

Dov Weinstein Elul ’24 first came to Poly in 2021 as a tenth-grader after spending his freshman year at Midwood High School. At Poly, Dov wrote for The Polygon, reported for The Morning Devil, took photos for The Polygot, and created his own interview series on the Poly website, “Get to Know.” Dov also led Poly’s Jewish Caucus and played soccer for both Poly and the Manhattan Kickers Soccer Club. He also enjoys playing guitar in his free time. In 2024, Dov was awarded a National Gold Key Award for his photography. In September 2024, Dov will be attending Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. During his time at Poly, Dov has come to appreciate the diversity of Poly’s extracurricular offerings and is extremely grateful for the opportunities the school has presented him. […]

Michael Demetrios Gabriel ’24 started at Poly Lower School as a first-grader, joining his sister, Stavroula Gabriel ’25, who was in kindergarten at the time. Both his father, Demetrios M. Gabriel ‘85, and his uncle, Michael E. Gabriel ‘88, attended Poly, giving Michael a strong familial tie to the school. In Upper School, Michael ran for both the Cross Country and Track & Field teams, worked on The Polygon, publishing 20 installments including his original comic strip. Being at Poly for 12 years, his relationship with the school has had its ups and downs, but he is nevertheless extremely grateful to his parents for sending him to this wonderful school and to all the teachers, coaches, and staff members who have made his time here so memorable. In the fall of 2024, Michael will be attending the College of William and Mary, but before then, he returned to the Dyker Heights campus to work at Poly Summer camp as a counselor. […]