Fall’s arresting colors

Well-known Mount Vernon photographer Bob Campagna received what seemed like a straightforward request from publisher Joan Liffring-Zug in October 1983.

"Do you have anything original of Cornell?" she asked.

The answer must have been no because on Oct. 27, 1983, Campagna climbed the 50-year-old Mount Vernon water tower to get an image of Cornell among colorful fall leaves. He invited Doug Hanson, a local art instructor, to accompany him.

The pair climbed the 120-foot ladder to the top, carrying 25 pounds of camera gear without incident. A passing motorist called police to report concern over people climbing the water tower.

Police Chief Guy Kuehl responded to the call and asked Hanson and Campagna to climb down.

The two were later charged with criminal trespass, with trial set for Feb. 23, 1984. The trial never happened.

Because Campagna was on the Mount Vernon City Council and specifically on its Sewer and Water Committee, it was determined that Campagna had a right to access municipal water facilities, and the charges were dropped.

Tara Templeman is curator at The History Center. Comments: curator@historycenter.org

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