It was to keep the peace that a metal statue of a hanging man was removed after 25-years from a Hamilton Township roadway on Friday, June 26, 2020.
The originator of the piece said it has stood/hung for over 25-years and used as a mailbox on Hamilton Road, just south of Highway 401 on a road that borders Port Hope.
In a short period of time, a social media post on June 24 was shared over 400 times.
The post gave a location of the hanging and said “this is disgusting.”
On Friday morning a representative of Hamilton Township met with the originator of the sculpture and it was agreed it would be removed.
The originator who did not want to be named said he agreed to have the sculpture removed to, “keep the peace in the neighbourhood.”
Members of Hamilton Township Works Department carefully removed the statue and mailbox and took it to the property of the originator.
While the figure was being removed one woman drove by shouting, “it’s a Port Hope landmark.”
Others on social media were also clearly upset about the figure being removed while some agreed it should be taken down.
The owner said to Today’s Northumberland he is unsure if, or when the figure will be placed back in its location.
The owner said the meaning behind the figure is a personal one but it has nothing to do with colour.
Today’s Northumberland reached out and is waiting for Hamilton Township Mayor Bill Cane to comment.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
