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Ascension Parish deputies ask for help finding statue stolen from Houmas House
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DARROW — A silver statue of Abraham Lincoln was stolen Saturday night from Houmas House and Gardens, according to the estate and the Ascension Parish Sheriff's Office.
The 64-pound, solid silver statue of the 16th President had been on display at the plantation for more than 20 years. Owner Kevin Kelly said thieves used a heavy garden statue to smash a porch window and grab the Lincoln sculpture.
“They threw it through this window, broke the window out and they grabbed the statue and took it and left,” Kelly said.
The 16-inch statue, depicting Lincoln sitting on a bench, was sculpted by Gutzon Borglum, the American artist best known for carving Mount Rushmore. Only a handful were ever produced.
“I don't really know how many were actually created. It was supposed to be an addition of 50, but I think they only sold four of them,” Kelly said.
According to Kelly, the statue also carried a colorful backstory. A New Orleans oil baron acquired it after donating to Borglum’s fundraiser. To calm his angry wife, he told her it cost only $1,200. After his death, she later put it out at a garage sale for that same price, where Kelly purchased it.
“Everybody loves it because of the story,” Kelly said. “But we also like to say to all those husbands who like to lie to their wives, when you die, your wife will get even.”
Visitors had come to see the piece from around the world, Kelly added, calling it one of the most memorable features of the home.
Kelly says he’s worried the thieves could try to sell or melt it down.
“If you melted it down, you’d be $48,000 for the silver,” Kelly said. “But that’s not the historic value. It’s not the uniqueness of it. It’s not the artwork of it.”
The Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Office has notified pawn shops nationwide about the theft.
“If it’s an honorable pawn shop that follows the laws, I think I’ll get it back,” Kelly said.
Kelly also called the crime “sad,” saying this was the first time Houmas House has experienced a break-in.
Ascension Parish deputies ask anyone with information about the statue’s whereabouts to call them anonymously at 225-621-4636 or send a text to 847811.
A cash reward is up for grabs for the statues return.
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