#mohawk valley

One of the very few "dummy light" traffic signals sits in the middle of NY Route 10 in Canajoharie NY framed by picturesque historic buildings in the town square. I assume it's called dummy because it probably took the place of an actual cop directing traffic when first installed in 1926. Photo is from our brief trip to Connecticut over the July 4 weekend.

The Hotel Utica, as seen in a circa 1920s exterior view (top), an undated interior view of its dining room (bottom). The hotel’s popularity--including with distinguished guests like Franklin & Eleanor Roosevelt and Judy Garland--eventually necessitated the addition of three additional floors to the building. Photos from the Oneida County History Center.

“Downtown Utica's ‘Busy Corner’ lived up to its name in the 1930s, 40s and 50s. Its dozens of stores attracted thousands of shoppers each day. The corner was at the intersection of Genesee, Bleecker and Lafayette streets. Many buildings were demolished in 1968 to make room for the Bagg's Square Bridge project.”