Thieves broke into the Stocker-Stampfli Farm Museum, taking valuable donated treasures from the 135-year-old farmhouse that sits on 33 acres once cultivated by descendants of Swiss settlers.
The theft was discovered on Friday, by a photographer using the historic farm as a backdrop. Finding the back door of the farmhouse bashed in, she reported the theft to the farm’s caretaker, who notified local authorities and museum’s curator.
Grundy County Deputy Sheriff Cody Scissom investigated. The break-in is believed to have occurred sometime between Thursday night and Friday afternoon.
Jackie Lawley, president of the Grundy County Swiss Historical Society and curator of the museum, said the robbers ransacked the farmhouse and ripped provenance tags off of artifacts. They stole china, crockery, farm implements, furniture and tools. They also removed boxes of T-shirts and flags.
This is the second theft at the farm. In 2000, shortly after the death of Rose Marie Stampfli, who donated the farm to the society, thieves broke into the house and barn and took valuable antiques and farm equipment.
Ms. Lawley said that it is difficult to put a dollar value on the most recent theft because of the historic significance of the items taken. An exception is the theft of a relatively new Husqvarna lawn mower.
The recovery of the items, she said, is the society’s primary goal. She requested area antique dealers to be on the alert for persons peddling furniture, china and tools that lack any kind of documentation of previous ownership.
Persons with information are urged to contact the Grundy County Sheriff’s office at 931 692-3466 or www.grundycountytn.net, or Jackie Lawley at gc.swiss.historical.soc@gmail.com.