SOUTH HADLEY — The owner of Gerry’s Music Shop is expressing sadness over the apparent theft of a “beloved” flower planter made from a brass tuba.
For three years, the planter has sat in front of the popular local music store at 80 Lamb St. But on Tuesday morning, owner James Provost said he arrived to see that the tuba, which is 40 inches tall, had disappeared. In its place were marks where somebody had dragged the modified tuba across the grass, dirt and pavement.
A second tuba, which was not stolen, was attached to Gerry’s sign since opening day in 1946 and it was also being used as a planter. That tuba has sentimental value and Provost is relieved that it was still there.
“We are very sad and feel some sense of being violated,” Provost said in a statement. “We work hard to make Gerry’s look good in the community, and to bring music to everyone, but that falls on deaf ears.”
Provost said somebody had dragged the 40-inch-tall tuba — complete with an underground concrete pad — behind the building before loading it into a vehicle. He estimated the value of the tuba planter at $2,500, though he said the brass the instrument is made from would garner only around $30 on the market.
The tubas were first put in front of the store three years ago as part of an effort to make the business more attractive to the community, Provost said.
“We decided to use two tubas as showpieces by our front door for everyone to enjoy,” he said. “People appreciated them and we heard many comments.”
Provost said that the store is simply asking that the tuba be returned or that somebody will let them know where to pick it up.
“If you see the tuba anywhere, please call Gerry’s and let us know,” he said. “We would surely appreciate getting it back. No questions asked.”
The phone number for Gerry’s is 800-724-740, and Provost can be reached at jim@gerrys-music.com.