Thieves targeted a historic schoolhouse last week and Vinton County asked the public’s help in getting back stolen items. No place is off-limits for thieves these days. Just yesterday, I told you about crooks ripping the sinks right off the wall in a church. Their latest target is the historic Hope Schoolhouse Welcome Center in Vinton County.
Hope Schoolhouse
On the night of June 15 or early morning, June 16 the historic Hope Schoolhouse Welcome Center was broken into. Thousands of dollars worth of merchandise and supplies belonging to the Vinton County Convention and Visitors Bureau and Moonville Rail Trail Association were stolen.
Hope Schoolhouse is a one-room school that served Moonville students. The shuttered building was converted into a welcome center. The Schoolhouse featured history exhibits and travel information for Vinton County. The center also served as a gift shop where visitors could purchases souvenirs of their time in Vinton County.
The crooks broke a window and a door to get into the old building. Then they loaded up on merchandise belonging to the Vinton County Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Missing Items
Among the Missing Items:
- t-shirts
- sweatshirts
- hoodies
- hats
- walking sticks
- hiking emblems
- mugs
- shot glasses
- hand-painted slates
- covered bridge throws
A lot of the merchandise was Moonville or Vinton County-themed, so it should be easy to spot. According to Vinton County Tourism,”All merchandise was exclusively sold by the Vinton County CVB and MRTA and features our logos.”
Also missing from the building were:
- Mini fridge
- cooler
- coffee pot
- ShopVac
- Decorated ceramic turkey
- black plastic totes full of extra inventory
What Is Wrong With People?
Residents expressed shock at the crime. One woman said, “This makes me ill. Why would anyone do this? At one time there was a piece of schoolwork there that my Grandmother did. I am 68 so you know how old it was. These people need to be locked up and throw away the key.”
Another woman lamented, “What is wrong with people destroying such history?”
Many suggested that people should keep a sharp eye out for the merchandise at flea markets and garage sales.
If you have any information, contact the Vinton County Sheriff at (740) 596-5242.