Police searching for historic statue, plaque stolen from Delaware County trail

ROSE VALLEY, Pennsylvania (WPVI) -- Pennsylvania State Police are searching for the thief who stole a historic beaver statue and plaque from a Delaware County trail.

Troopers say a bronze beaver and a Minquas Indian Trail Marker were taken from Rose Valley Road and Traymore Lane sometime between 5 p.m. on April 4 and 5 p.m. on April 5.

The marker, which dates back to 1926, depicted the great trail of the Minquas, or the Susquehannock Native American tribe, from the Susquehanna to the Schuylkill River.

Someone also made off with a tall stone monolith with an inscribed bronze tablet showing a procession of Native Americans on the trail carrying packs of beaver skins. On the base of the statue was a life-sized bronze beaver, which induced the first settlements on the Delaware River.

"The Minquas Trail brought in the Dutch and the Swedes to trade with the Minquas," said Mayor Tim Plummer of Rose Valley Borough.

Pennsylvania State Police have put out alerts across the region to scrap metal, pawn shops and area agencies.

"If they do try to scrap and or pawn these items, we will be made aware of that," said Trooper Jessica Tobin.

Bill Hale, president of the Rose Valley Borough Council, said a $5,000 reward is being offered.

"The borough is offering a reward of $5,000 for the return of the items. We really want the items back. We're not going to ask any questions," said Hale.