PORT TOWNSEND — A commemorative plaque that was taken from the Memorial Field gate has been found and returned.
The Rakers Car Club paid for the gates to be powder-coated last year and installed the plaque just before Christmas.
It was discovered missing Friday.
The 5-inch-by-8-inch plaque was attached to the gate with a backing and was made of coated aluminium with black lettering that noted the club’s contribution and included its logo, the profile of a 1930-era Ford coupe on a rake.
The plaque was found outside of the Port Townsend Gallery, 715 Water St., by artist Dan Groussman this week after stories were published by the Peninsula Daily News and on the Port Townsend-Jefferson County Leader website.
Groussman then notified the Leader, which made arrangements for the plaque’s return to the club.
“He saw the stories in the paper, noticed the plaque outside his business and put two and two together,” said club member Dan Thorne.
Remounting plaque
On Wednesday, Thorne and club President Vic Olson visited the field to determine how to remount the plaque.
Thorne said the plaque, which was not attached securely to begin with, was probably pried off with a screwdriver.
When the plaque is remounted, the club plans to remove the Allen wrench interface so it is more secure, Thorne said.
Thorne described the theft as a harmless act of vandalism.
“We were kids once,” he said.
Olson, who grew up in Port Townsend, said the theft reflects a change in town.
“When I grew up, my grandparents never locked their front door, and you could lie down in the middle of the street after the bars closed,” Olson said.
“Now I am at the point where my car is always locked, along with my front door.”
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Jefferson County Reporter Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at charlie.bermant@peninsuladailynews.com.
