A $100k Violin

The connections between the CCC corpsmen and the local Orcas community stretched far beyond the building of the tower. One such relationship led to the recovery of an instrument worth six figures.

At just 12 years old, Art Reddick showed up at Orcas Island to join the CCC effort to build the tower. Frequently the Baileys—Mr. Reddick’s homestead family—hosted their friend Charley Levelle.

Whenever he came, Mr. Levelle brought a prized possession: his violin (or his “fiddle,” as he called it). He would light up the Bailey home with music, and even as a boy young Art could tell how much the instrument meant to the man.

Around 1963—about 30 years later—Mr. Reddick returned to Orcas for a visit. He passed by the Bailey home, which the Baileys had left years earlier, and tragically discovered the home had been broken into. But a hidden surprise was waiting inside.

Amidst the rubble strewn across the floor was none other than Charley Levelle’s violin. Art picked it up and took it home, hoping somehow he could get it back to its rightful owner.

The violin’s new steward made contact with Charley’s brother, saying he had the instrument and wanted to find a way to get it back to Charley. But it wasn’t until 33 years later that he got a letter from Charley with an address to send it.

Sometime after mailing it off, Mr. Reddick received another letter from Mr. Levelle describing how he took the old violin to get refurbished so he could give it to his nephew—a simple gift. Another surprise was waiting—this time for Charley.

Upon inspecting the instrument, the man across the desk informed him that this was no ordinary violin. It was a genuine Stradivarius and worth up to $100,000.