Harry L. Johnson Statue is On the Move in Johnson City

A statue that's been on display in Johnson City for over a century is being relocated.

The Harry L. Johnson Memorial is being moved to a more prominent spot at Workers Park at Main Street and Lester Avenue.

The statue honoring the youngest brother of Endicott Johnson Shoe Company founder George F. Johnson was dedicated in 1922.

Joshua Holland, Johnson City's director of public services, said workers removed the statue last Friday. He said the statue and the all of the components of the memorial will be relocated to a recently-installed concrete pad.

Village residents have been talking about finding a more visible place for the Harry L. Johnson statue for a couple of decades. Some complained that it couldn't be easily seen in its the original location just west of Your Home Public Library.

At one point, there was an effort to relocate the statue to a village park on Harry L. Drive near the Oakdale Mall.

Johnson City officials ultimately decided to keep the statue in the park where it's been but to move it to a spot where people passing by could better appreciate it.

The relocation plan is part of a $1.4 million Workers Park improvement project. The work is being performed by G. DeVincentis & Son Construction Company of Binghamton.

Holland said he doesn't know when the memorial and statue will be moved but he expects it will be soon.

Along with the statue relocation, the park project calls for the creation of a story garden and a new pathway. Chess tables also will be installed in the park.

The work is being paid for with funds from a state Downtown Revitalization Initiative grant.

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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.