In a remarkable turn of events, a stolen statue of aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart has been recovered, thanks to the efforts of a local grandmother in Newfoundland. However, the aftermath of the discovery has cast a shadow over her reputation, as she finds herself wrongly accused of orchestrating the theft.
A Heroine Turned Suspect
Last August, Elaine Traverse, a 67-year-old retiree from Heart’s Delight, was drawn into a whirlwind of suspicion after she discovered the broken remains of the statue, which had been missing from Harbour Grace since spring. The bronze figure, a tribute to Earhart’s historic solo transatlantic flight from the town in 1932, was reported stolen in April, inciting outrage among residents who cherished its significance.
Traverse’s fateful day began like any other. While driving home with groceries, she took a familiar dirt road to let her dog, Mya, run free. It was then that Mya’s barking led her to investigate a strange sight in the underbrush. To her shock, she recognised the statue’s distinctive brown hue. “Is it a body?” she had wondered initially, only to find out from her son, David, that it was the missing statue—a piece of local history valued not only for its artistic merit but also for its emotional connection to the community.
The Investigation Takes a Turn
After alerting the authorities, Traverse led the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) to the site where the statue had been hidden. Unfortunately, the joy of recovery quickly dissipated when police began questioning her motives. Despite her insistence that she had nothing to do with the theft, officers subjected her and her son to intense interrogation, even administering polygraph tests, which they both passed.
The community’s response was equally troubling. Rumours circulated, and many residents speculated that Traverse had orchestrated the theft to claim a reward of $25,000 offered for the statue’s return. “I have not had anything to do with the theft of this statue,” she stated emphatically. “I’m disabled. I can’t even lift a 15-pound bag of potatoes. So how am I going to lift the statue?”
Isolation followed. Traverse reported that locals began to shun her, turning away in public and leaving her feeling alienated from her community. The emotional toll was significant; she felt compelled to relocate to escape the hostility.
A Community Reunites
As for the statue, its recovery marked a bittersweet victory. The damaged pieces were entrusted to sculptor Morgan MacDonald at the Newfoundland Bronze Foundry, where he dedicated months to restoring it. Drawing on his apprenticeship with the original sculptor, MacDonald carefully reconstructed the statue, ensuring it would once again stand as a proud symbol of local heritage.
The town of Harbour Grace is preparing to celebrate the statue’s return with a rededication ceremony planned for May, and they are expecting attendance from national and international aviators’ groups, including the Ninety-Nines. “We’re going to have a major party; that’s the best way to celebrate her coming back,” stated councillor Christina Hearn.
A Reward Unclaimed
Despite the statue’s recovery, Traverse has yet to receive the reward, a point of contention that adds insult to injury. The terms of the reward required not just the statue’s return but also information leading to an arrest, which remains unresolved. The RCMP have confirmed that the investigation is ongoing, with the identity of the thieves still a mystery.
Why it Matters
The saga of Elaine Traverse illustrates the profound impact that community perceptions can have on individuals, particularly in small towns where everyone knows each other. While the recovery of the Amelia Earhart statue is a cause for celebration, the unfounded accusations against Traverse highlight the dangers of jumping to conclusions and the importance of maintaining faith in our neighbours. As the community prepares to reunite around their cherished heritage, it must also reflect on the treatment of those who have unwittingly found themselves at the centre of controversy.
