Garfield Tomb Breakin

[LincolnMan]

Craig: you're absolutely right- it is stolen property. I hadn't thought of the cement idea. We had someone try and steal a small cannon from General Israel B. Richardson's grave in Pontiac, Michigan. Whoever had tried it gave up without getting it. The cannon is small but still a very heavy thing. No respect for things...

[LincolnMan]

(06-08-2014 07:55 PM)Craig Hipkins Wrote:  

(05-17-2014 10:30 AM)LincolnMan Wrote:  Amazing that anyone would do that. But there doesn't seem to be anything that is "sacred" anymore. The sword that was stolen from the Lincoln tomb was from one of the statues on the outside of the tomb. It was taken by a teenager who tried to sell it for scrap metal-bad idea.
The G.A.R. Grave markers that are placed at Union veterans graves are stolen all the time. They frequently are placed for auction on EBay. I also know I've mentioned this before but it applies here on this thread- a full size statue of Abraham Lincoln was stolen in Detroit years ago. It was damaged as a result. The thieves apparently could not sell it for scrap so they dumped it on an elementary schools front bushes- where it was recovered. By the way, I had attended the school as a kid. After costly repair, the statue was placed inside if Detroit's Main Library on Woodard Avenue.

Hey Bill, I have heard of G.A.R markers turning up in antique shops. What these people do not realize is that they are dealing in stolen property. We have placed a few of these markers on soldiers graves over the years and used cement to keep anyone from pulling them from the ground. Of course it is only a matter of time before someone comes by and uses a saw.

I just recently saw a GAR Grave marker in my favorite antique shop. This is a large antique store with many booths (vendors). I informed the owner of the situation who contacted the vendor. The item was removed for sale. I had actually asked for the item-as I am a member of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War. The owner declined my request. I still look for that marker and other markers during my frequent antique shopping.

[LincolnMan]

Saw another GAR Marker at a different antique store. This time the vendor had it promptly removed. I guess not all who deal in antiques realize some items are old are not to be sold.