The mayor of Harbour Grace remains hopeful that the town’s statue of Amelia Earhart can be returned to her rightful place.
The statue was removed by thieves in April, and the police investigation into her disappearance continues.
The platform where Earhart’s bronze likeness once stood, along with commemorative plaques, sit empty after being stolen in late April 2025. (Town of Harbour Grace/Facebook)
It’s widely believed that the culprits were interested in melting the bronze down for cash, but with every local salvage company on high alert, mayor Don Coombs remains hopeful the statue can be returned, even if she’s been cut into pieces.
If not, he’s spoken with the original sculptor, Luben Boykov, who still has the maquette for the statue and can replace her if necessary.
“I think she’s a part of not only our community, (but) the province and aviation worldwide” says Coombs. “We have opened a claim the town insurance plan…we’ve got the replacement value.” He’s spoke to Boykov and has an idea how long it would take to create a second statue if necessary. He’s also spoke with sculptor Morgan McDonald who worked on the sculpture with Boykov.
