Endicott’s George F. Johnson Statue Will Not Be Moved

It turns out that the iconic statue of shoe company founder George F. Johnson will not be relocated for a long-planned restoration project.

A memorial honoring the businessman who oversaw the growth of Endicott Johnson is located in the recently-developed Tiger Park next to Union-Endicott High School.

In January, officials announced plans to move the large statue to Endicott Artistic Memorial Company on East Main Street in Endwell, a short distance from the park site.

But company owner Scott Klempka discovered when the statue could not be lifted from the spot where it has been located for more than seven decades.

Klempka said an 8-ton crane was brought in but the statue "wouldn't budge." So the plan was adjusted to do the restoration work at the site.

Once underway, the project is expected to take about three days to complete. Klempka said the work likely will be done during the warmer weather of June.

Nicole Wolfe, Union-Endicott School District superintendent, said the restoration work is being funded through community donations, including contributions from individuals, local businesses and the Endicott Rotary.

In a statement provided to WNBF News, Wolfe expressed appreciation to those who have supported the effort "to honor our shared history and community pride."

The eight-foot George F. Johnson statue was dedicated in October 1951. IBM's Thomas J. Watson was the main speaker at the event. According to The Binghamton Press, about 15,000 people attended the dedication ceremony.

Johnson was 91 years old when he died at his home in Endicott in November 1948..

WNBF NEWS VIDEO: A visit to Tiger Park in Endicott on January 13, 2026.

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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com or call (607) 545-2250. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.