Advertisement
Meet the ambassador who greets fellow boaters transiting the historic 338-mile Erie Canal as the world-renowned man-made waterway marks its bicentennial this year.
Bob Stopper (inset) took this photo before welcoming regular visitors Ted and Sarah Pongracz aboard Manatee last summer while transiting the Great Loop. Photo: Bob Stopper
New York’s historic Erie Canal marks 200 years of continuous operation in 2025. With more than 70 celebratory events on tap, the state hopes more out-of-state boaters will be drawn to experience cruising the engineering marvel that became an aquatic gateway toward western expansion for a young, growing nation.
Those who travel the western part of the canal – specifically the stop at Milepost 220 in Lyons, New York – have a good chance of meeting local legend Bob Stopper. For the past 15 years, Stopper, 83, has coordinated the Lyons Erie Canalway Greeters and Erie Canal ambassadors, a unique senior citizen volunteer group that meets and greets boaters, bikers, and hikers from around the world and welcomes them to the canal and the community.
“Every boater has a beautiful and interesting story to be told, and as a former English teacher, I love to talk,” he explains. “I especially like to assist veterans and the physically challenged. Over the years, a wonderful camaraderie has been established, and many of the boaters are still in contact with me and other greeters. I try to photograph most of the boaters in the morning as they exit Lock 27, and then I send the photo to them to share as they wish.”
Stopper says about 300 boats dock at least one evening in Lyons during a typical boating season, and he personally welcomes many of them. He adds that visitors are often pleasantly surprised by the greeting and help tying up. “Welcome! How can I help you? First time on the canal? Need a ride somewhere?” are usually among the first words from Stopper. The welcome visit can last 10 minutes or a few hours, depending on the visitor.
Stopper, left, offers local knowledge to a visiting boater. Photo: Bob Stopper
“As a Canal Ambassador, my prime goal is to promote an appreciation of the legend and history of the canal,” he explains.
If the visitors have time, Stopper loves to show off original canal artifacts within walking distance of the dock, including mule barns, aqueduct remnants, and a tour of the dry dock. As part of his volunteer duties, Stopper also narrates canal cruises that showcase the canal, countryside, and local history.
“As time moves on, I think more people do appreciate the dedication, craft, skill, labor, and lives lost in the production of this historic icon,” he says. “The best way to experience and appreciate that history is to travel the waterway itself. I consider it an honor, and I appreciate the opportunity to share and promote the Erie Canal heroism of yesteryear.”
More than just an ambassador, Stopper is an avid boater and fisherman himself.
“My 19-foot open bow Bayliner is perfect for the Erie Canal. In my small boat, I’ve boated most of the canal in segments from Waterford to Buffalo,” he says. “When I wish to go lake trout, bass, walleye, or perch fishing, my boat is easily trailered to Seneca, Cayuga, or Oswego lakes.” At 338 miles long, the Erie Canal is the longest part of the 524-mile New York State Canal System, which also includes the Champlain, Oswego, and Cayuga-Seneca canals. More than 80 public boat ramps provide access along the canal.