Community seeks return of stolen memorial plaques at Huntington Lake historical site
HUNTINGTON LAKE, Calif. (KFSN) -- Memorial plaques honoring the crew of a World War II plane and other historical markers have been stolen from a treasured site at Huntington Lake, prompting community members to call for their return.
The thieves removed the plaques from the Billy Creek Guard Station Museum in the Portal Powerhouse visitor area. The museum is a three-building complex featuring historical exhibits and displays related to the Monache, or Western Mono Native Americans, and European pioneers.
Among the stolen items was the B-24 memorial plaque, which commemorates a World War II bomber that crashed into Huntington Lake more than 80 years ago.
Laurel Stiles, president of the Huntington Lake Big Creek Historical Conservancy, said the theft extended beyond a single memorial.
"This morning we discovered it wasn't just our plaque that's gone, but it's every plaque in that visitor area. 8 very large plaques put up by Southern California Edison to explain the history of the hydroelectric power system," Stiles said.
Museum managers are asking scrap metal companies to report anyone attempting to sell the plaques.
Anyone with information about the theft is asked to contact the Fresno County Sheriff's Department.
