Robert A. Stopper of Lyons has been an Erie Canal enthusiast and promoter of Lyons as an historic canal town for many years now. A former English teacher at Newark Central School and adjunct Finger Lakes Community College, Stopper became intrigued by the self-sufficiency of canal engineering and the long histo - ry of the local waterway while he was fishing and taking photos. "I have met so many wonderful people who work for the Canal system,” Stopper commented, "It is because of their time, early on, answering my questions and their interest in my photos, that I came to truly appreciate the canal and what it takes to operate it.”
Once he retired in 2000, he and a friend from Lyons happen to be along the canal when a visiting boat came into town with lots of questions. They soon found themselves checking the docks and helping boaters navigate the canal and well as encouraging them to explore Lyons. This quickly turned into an unofficial "greeter program" that has drawn attention from the Canal Corporation and is unmatched along the entire canal system.
New York State Canal Corporation Director Brian U. Stratton said, "Each year, the Lyons.167ism lies in the experience of the visitor," stated Worth. "He truly cares about people and wants them to enjoy and learn. He has made so many friends along the canal because he takes the time to talk and help when needed.”
In his acceptance speech, Stopper gave his fellow volunteer Canalway greeters all the credit. "They are all retired senior citizens, and they go out of their way to treat visitors with kindness. That is what people remember,” he said.
When not on the canal, he has given dozens of presentations to a variety of audiences about local canal history and infrastructure of the Erie Canal. This year, during the 200th anniversary of the opening of the Erie Canal, he was es- pecially influential with a committee of volunteer greeters and historic societies who arranged for the Buffalo Maritime Center’s commemorative Erie Canal Boat Seneca Chief to stop in Lyons on October 1st during their 30-day tour down the canal to New York City. The Event drew 600 attendees to the canal dock at Lyons.
The Town of Lyons Supervisor Jim Brady also recognized Stopper and the Lyons Canal Greeters’ efforts at a year-end dinner in early December where Stopper was to be presented with a commemorative engraved appreciation. Stopper, having just undergone hip replacement surgery, was unable to attend. "Today's recognition is long overdue,” said Mark Peake, Lyons Economic Development manager. "On behalf of a grateful Town Board, we present this token of our ap preciation.”
Assemblyman Brian Manktelow summed up Stopper’s achievements with a Proclamation from the State Assembly of New York. "This was a great way to recognize Bob and show appreciation for all the services that he has provided to the canal, the Town of Lyons, Wayne County, and New York State as a whole,” Manktelow said in a private ceremony at Stopper’s house on December 29th. "His legacy is incredible, and his efforts have created a lifework that will be seen by our community for many years to come.” The proclamation reads in part, he is more than a volunteer, he is a dedicated public servant, a passionate historian and a community leader whose work connects generations and strengthens civic pride across Wayne County.
Wayne County and New York State celebrated and commemorated the opening of the Erie Canal throughout the year. The digging of Clinton’s Ditch began in 1817 and was completed end to end in 1825, and since that time, Wayne County, the Empire State, and dare we say, the world, have been captivated by the Erie Canal.
