The Blue Ox Veterans Program

The Blue Ox Veterans Program is part of the newly formed not-for-profit Blue Ox Historic Village and School. Your tax exempt donations of any denomination are gratefully appreciated.

The Veterans Program

The Veterans Program is the newest evolutionary step for Blue Ox, which has always been a place of healing. A millwork manufacturer and a working museum, Blue Ox has also for the last sixteen years operated a high school program allowing at-risk teens an opportunity to learn and succeed in a project-based environment. The program is in collaboration with the Humboldt County Office of Education.

The Veterans Program was started in 2014 after Blue Ox founders Eric and Viviana Hollenbeck went through a challenging inner journey as Eric faced his personal PTSD demons from his combat experiences during the Viet Nam war. The program allows veterans an opportunity to develop a new self-identity through meaningful hands-on craftsmanship. The program is in collaboration with College of the Redwoods. 

The Lincoln Hearse

The Veteran’s first project has been to create a replica of the hearse that carried President Lincoln for the final leg of his national funeral procession. The hearse will be the centerpiece during the 150th anniversary commemorative ceremonies honoring President Lincoln to be held in Springfield, Illinois May 1-3, 2015.  

The Blue Ox Veterans, working from the only known photograph as the original hearse was destroyed by fire, have recreated the hearse wooden frame and chamber as well as all the decorative metal casting which have been gold and silver leafed. This labor or love was orchestrated by the Staab Family of Springfield, demonstrating their commitment to history and to veterans.

A Labor of Love

The entire build team of veterans and their families, as well as the Blue Ox staff that assisted in the building of the hearse, will be hosted in Springfield to participate in the official presentation of the hearse and to be part of the commemorative events.

Viet Nam Veteran Jay Jones of Custom Wagons fabricated the rolling chassis, and Viet Nam Veteran Jack G. Feather of Tombstone Hearse and Trike Company, is currently assembling the chassis, finishing the interior and painting the hearse. Information about the ceremonies in Springfield is available on the 2015 event tab at www.LincolnFuneralCoalition.org After the event the elaborate hearse will be in the custodial care of www.StaabFamilyLivery.com.  

The Future

The restoration of a historic horse drawn trolley for the city of San Francisco is being discussed as a possible new project for the Veterans Program. With grants and other financial assistance, items of social and cultural significance will be able to be restored as projects of the Veterans program. Plans are also underway for the expansion of all of the Blue Ox programs, including the veterans program, the high school program, the radio station and the historic park. A detailed feasibility study is the first step, and the City of Eureka is facilitating this step.

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