SEATTLE — In the last two weeks, the Ballard Bell Tower's historic plaque was discovered missing. It marks the fifth time in four months that a bronze memorial plaque or statue has been stolen from Seattle parks.
"I'm still kind of struck by the fact of how someone managed to pry it out," said Anthony Salazar, an urban historian and community advocate.
Salazar is among the people who have since notified Councilmember Dan Straus' Office about the theft.
The property crime aligns with a nationwide trend of similar property crimes, including in Seattle, where just in the last four months, two bronze statues and 10 plaques have been stolen. Bronze currently sells for about $2.40 per pound.
"It literally leaves a hole in our community," said Salazar.
Scandinavian immigrants first settled in Ballard in the 1800s, and put up a City Hall on Ballard Avenue and 22nd Avenue Northwest.
"You'd hear the clanking of the street bells, or the horse drawn carriages, and people bustling about," said Salazar.
Decades later, after the building suffered damage in an earthquake, somehow the bell tower was saved. Eventually, in the 1970s, King Carl Gustaf XVI of Sweden helped unveil the refurbished bell tower.
The tower has since become somewhat of a north star for shoppers at Ballard's famous farmer’s markets every Sunday. For decades, a bronze plaque depicting a compass laid beneath it.
That is, until now.
"Really, outrage," said Salazar of his reaction. "It's one of those things where you just feel like our community has been violated.”
These are acts so disheartening, it can be easy to lose faith in humanity. But Salazar said it does not represent the character of the city.
"So much giving here in Ballard," said Salazar.
On this Thanksgiving holiday, those trying to steal Seattle's history are far outnumbered by those working to preserve it.
Examples of this are everywhere, including inside Conor Byrne Pub.
"A lot of people had history here," said Brian Baillie, employee and co-owner of Conor Byrne Cooperative.
Formerly privately owned, the 125-year-old music venue nearly shuttered this year. But hundreds of people passionate about preserving it came together to salvage the historic business.
"The community made it happen," said Baillie.
They came together with employees to buy into a co-op model. Now, the venue’s better than ever, according to Baillie.
"All this needed to happen, in order to have this positive response from the community. That really put us in a, I'd say almost a different place, better place," he said.
Now, it's a place where community members can keep giving back. Next week they’re launching a toy drive for Seattle Children’s Hospital.
"We're gonna have a drop box over here," said Baillie.
Wrapped toys or musical instruments that inspire creativity will be collected.
"Something that would inspire the kids to create something," said Baillie.
Their story, just steps away from the Ballard Bell Tower, proves that sometimes our biggest setbacks can even become our moments to shine.
Salazar said he is grateful that Councilmember Strauss' office has agreed to pay for a replacement plaque, though it will likely be expensive.
"We've got to figure out a temporary replacement," said Salazar. "Mike Stewart, with the Ballard Alliance, is recommending putting in a concrete cap."
Salazar said a long-term replacement may cost around $10,000.
"We can find ways to come together and, you know, find solutions," said Salazar.