SHAWANO, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – One of Shawano’s well known historical markers starting getting a new look this week.
The Memorial Park tank project is underway.
“We are going to clean it up and make it look very nice.”
Shawano Parks and Rec Artist Tara Kelliher says they finally have good weather to get repaint and restore an old tank that was donated by the VFW in the 1950’s.
While she has worked on other projects, this one stands out.
“This is not your typical artist’s job.”
The color of choice, Tank Drab Green had to be specially ordered to keep the tank authentic.
“The biggest challenge really is to make sure we’re using the right products to make sure that we’re considering its significance as a piece of military equipment. And making that historically accurate. That’s pretty important to us,” said Kelliher.
The Boys Scouts are helping with the project.
Sam Edwards says he wants to see the tank live on.
“I think it is really important to Shawano because it has been here since 1953 and generations have seen that tank.”
Gabe Bohm said he hopes the experience offers memories.
“When I’m older, I can tell my kids and stuff, that hey, that tank, I helped restore it, I helped paint it and everything.”
The goal is to have it complete for Independence Day in Shawano.


