WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Part of Kenyon Hall’s Mighty Wurlitzer sign stolen (update: found)

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12:01 PM: Historic Kenyon Hall, the event venue in Sunrise Heights, is just beginning a summer-long closure this week for some much-needed renovation work (as explained here). One part of that work involves the hall’s iconic Mighty Wurlitzer sign – heralding its beloved pipe organ – part of which is suddenly missing, because somebody stole it:

It is one half of the Mighty Wurlitzer sign that was stolen over the weekend. We are in the process of refurbishing the sign to re-hang during the remodel. We are asking it be returned, no questions asked. This sign is part of a registered City of Seattle historical site and is very important to the history of the building. The missing piece is 8 feet by 18 inches.

The sign is made of “wood pressboard.” We’re told it was leaned up against the south-neighboring building (home to The Westy) when taken. If somehow you’ve found yourself in possession of the sign and don’t know where Kenyon Hall is so you can return it – 7904 35th SW.

2:17 PM: The sign has been recovered. Just heard from the Kenyon Hall volunteer who sent the original report. She says:

Sign was FOUND!!!! By a kind neighbor who was at EC Hughes Playground with their kiddo and saw it in the encampment area.

Jake June 30, 2025 (12:05 pm)

I wonder if someone just thought it was trash on the side of the building? Hopefully it’s returned!

K June 30, 2025 (4:44 pm)

That was my first thought too.

anonyme June 30, 2025 (12:55 pm)

People will steal anything. A few years back, when SDOT was working on my street, I watched as a prominent Junction businessman pulled up in his pickup truck and stole the street signs that were waiting to be reinstalled. It must be some kind of souvenir mentality that assumes entitlement and ignores the fact that it’s felony-level theft.

Just wondering June 30, 2025 (9:00 pm)

Did you ask him why he was stealing them?
- anonyme July 1, 2025 (6:12 am)
  
  I don’t usually confront people in the process of committing a felony, but I did call police. The thief had been stupid enough to post a yard sale sign at the same time as the theft, so he was easy to find. Police responded, and I made an ID. Don’t know what happened beyond that.