> At a Glance
> – A walrus baculum disappeared from Donkey’s Place on Dec. 29
> – Three patrons hid the wall-mounted curiosity under a scarf and walked out
> – The 1940s-era Camden landmark wants the quirky relic back-no questions asked
> – Why it matters: The piece was a beloved conversation starter for regulars
A long-running Camden cheesesteak institution is missing one of its most talked-about decorations after three bar patrons slipped out with a walrus baculum that had hung on the wall for decades.
How the ‘Family Jewel’ Vanished
Security footage shows the trio finishing their drinks while a bartender stepped away. In that brief window, the group removed the bone and concealed it beneath a scarf before settling their tabs with credit cards and leaving.
Bartender recalled:
> “When they left, they put it underneath a scarf and just took it with them.”
Community Reaction
Staff say the theft has dulled the restaurant’s usual buzz.
Melissa McNamee, an employee, noted:
> “People are upset because it’s been around forever, and been a little joke between our regulars and everything.”
Owner’s Simple Request
Robert Lucas, Jr., who runs Donkey’s Place, isn’t pursuing charges. He simply wants the artifact returned.
Lucas explained:
> “It’s a conversation piece. Yeah, hand it out and like, ‘Hey, guess what this is.'”
Key Takeaways
- The stolen walrus baculum was a beloved wall fixture since the 1940s
- Surveillance cameras captured the Dec. 29 theft and credit-card receipts identify the patrons
- No police action will follow if the item is returned
- Regulars miss the quirky tradition that once sparked lively bar chatter
Until the missing ‘family jewel’ is back in its rightful spot, Donkey’s Place regulars will have to find another way to break the ice.
