Good News: Newtown Inn's Iconic Sign Returned After Friday Night Theft

NEWTOWN, PA — After a sign for The Temperance House was stolen Friday night, the historic inn received a tip from a customer and the sign was returned undamaged Tuesday morning.

The Temperance House shared news of the theft on Sunday, saying security camera footage showed a man in a long-sleeved white t-shirt "and his buddy" removing the sign from the rear of the building. The theft occurred just after 1 a.m., according to the inn.

The Temperance House is a Newtown institution, established in 1772 and located at 5 S State St. Many community members shared messages of sympathy when the sign was stolen.

And the community also came through to help.

A representative for The Temperance House told Patch that, about 30 minutes after the inn shared that a police report had been filed, a customer called to say they knew who'd stolen the sign. The customer said the sign would be returned shortly — and sure enough, on Tuesday morning it was left on the property, wrapped in black plastic.

"I'm sure it would've made a great basement decoration for someone, but we are very happy to have it back!" a representative for The Temperance House said.

The inn had been clear that there would be no questions asked if the sign was returned, writing, "We all make mistakes."

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