By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
The Kansas Merci Boxcar, located in Hays, was rededicated recently in its new permanent home in the Hays Veterans Memorial Park, 1305 Canterbury, with a ribbon cutting by the Hays Area Chamber of Commerce to mark the occasion.
The 40 and 8 railroad boxcar was relocated with the help of the city of Hays, and the Parks Department in particular.
Vance Chartier, 40 and 8 Chef de Train and director of the relocation process, thanked Jeff Boyle, Director of Parks, for his support.
“When we started this process, we started talking with the city parks manager Jeff Boyle. He helped guide us through the process, to get it though the city commission and then the process of getting a quality structure around the boxcar and not just another chain link fence,” Chartier told the crowd.
“In recognizing Jeff, we’re truly recognizing the entire Hays Parks Department because much of the work that was done here – the concrete that was laid, the staining of the posts, and a lot of other work was done by city workers,” Chartier added. “I can’t say enough how much we appreciate what they’ve done.”
A proclamation by Gov. Jeff Colyer of June 16 as “Kansas Merci Boxcar Day” was presented to Hays Mayor James Meier.
Ed Holzmeister, grand director of the Kansas Merci Boxcar, former commander of the Hays American Legion Post 173, former district commander, and a Korean War Navy veteran, read a history of the boxcar and the 40 and 8. The 87-year-old was then recognized for his support of the project by Chartier and Kansas Grand Chef De Gare Tim Russell.
The local 40 and 8 society raised about $11,000, with in-kind donations to move the historic boxcar from the front of the former American Legion to the adjacent park. City commissioners agreed to match $13,000 to build a protective shelter and fencing.
Among those recognized was Jennifer Shukar, Lincoln, Neb., who donated the money to build a metal non-slip staircase leading up to the boxcar. As a nursing student at Fort Hays State University, Shukar received a scholarship from the Hays 40 and 8.
The 40 & 8 boxcar is one of 49 from France donated in 1949 to thank Americans for sending much-needed supplies to the French at the end of World War II. The Kansas boxcar, which settled permanently in Hays, is considered one of the top five of the 39 that remain in the nation.
To schedule a tour of The Kansas Merci Boxcar and Museum, call Chartier at 785-623-6747 or email [email protected]. Check out the group’s Facebook page for more details.
