A theft was committed at the Dallidet Adobe, a historical landmark facility managed by the History Center of San Luis Obispo on the weekend of Aug. 24. 

The perpetrator stole a copy of Nathaniel Hawthorne’s “The Scarlet Letter” during a guided tour of the building. The book was over 125 years old.

While the monetary value of the book is low, it’s value to the History Center as a historical item was important. The crime led members of the History Center to reconsider their position on security in the facilities. 

According to Executive Director of the History Center, Thomas Kessler, members are not letting this theft bring them down.

“What happened with the book was very unfortunate,” Kessler said. “We always made an effort to make the Dallidet open to the public.”  

Kessler also stated that they wanted to keep the building as authentic as possible, and they didn’t want to put everything under glass for security purposes. 

“We’re not expecting any police action at this point,” Kessler said. 

The theft at the Dallidet Adobe has made members of the History Center question their security at the facility. However, Kessler is unsure of what form the increased security will take. In order to increase security, the History Center would have to raise more money. 

The History Center recently hosted a fundraiser gala at the King David’s Masonic Lodge in downtown San Luis Obispo. The History Center is a nonprofit organization. However, according to Kessler, they will still need funds. 

“The gala was basically an all purpose fundraiser for the organization, which certainly does include the Dallidet,” Kessler said. “I’m very happy with how the gala turned out, we’re not exactly sure how much money we raised yet but the event was a success.”

Kessler stated that they aren’t letting the thievery get them down. 

“We’re really looking to put that matter behind us,” Kessler said. “It was an unfortunate thing that just sometimes happens. We would rather focus on the positive things that we are doing, like the gala and soup tasting events we recently did.”