Canajoharie, New York, is filled with a rich history. The Mohawk Native Americans, Revolutionary War forts and battlefields, Susan B Anthony's Canajoharie Academy (West Hill School), Beechnut Baby Food, The Erie Canal, and the beloved Canajoharie Dummy Light to name a few. Our historic sites have begun to decay throughout the years - some being outright demolished (The Hotel Wagner). It seems our Dummy Light is at risk of facing the same fate. This petition is being created to show how loved our light is and its importance in preserving Canajoharie's priceless history.

On November 11th, 2021, a Western Express tractor-trailer crashed into the historic Canajoharie Dummy Light. Abdias Alvareste, the driver from Palm Bay, Florida, was pulled over a quarter mile away from the light and "faced a penalty for fleeing the scene," according to The Daily Gazette. This is not the first time our light has been hit despite trucker routes being mapped out for drivers to safely navigate through the village.

Recently there has been talk that our Dummy Light would not be repaired and replaced altogether by an overhead traffic light instead. Concerns over repair costs are possibly impacting this decision - although it only seems fitting that Western Express would be responsible for repair costs.

The Canajoharie Dummy Light was built in 1926 and is only 1 of 3 remaining in New York State. The technology was advanced for its time. Everyone will have their own symbolism for this light. For me, it represents technological advancement and human achievement. We can only grow by paying homage to the past and our ancestors, who laid the foundation we build upon presently.

Please sign to show your love and support for the Canajoharie Dummy Light and share this with others!

#DontBeADummySaveTheLight

Join us on Facebook to continue to conversation:
Page: https://www.facebook.com/SaveTheDummyLight
Group: www.facebook.com/groups/808285383888487

Further Reading:

https://dailygazette.com/2021/11/15/truck-topples-historic-light-in-canajoharie-incident-is-second-to-damage-the-dummy-light-since-august/ 

https://www.crotonfriendsofhistory.org/dummy-forever