EDITOR'S NOTE: Following is one of several vignettes commissioned by the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce as a part of the Cozy Inn 100th anniversary celebration.
By TIM UNRUH
For the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce
The late Jack Stewart once shared a story with former Cozy Inn co-owner Max Holthaus.
Jack’s wife, Marsha Stewart, attended a healthcare convention out of state and struck up a conversation with a woman from another area of the country. They shared stories and found commonality in Salina.
“She said her husband was stationed at Schilling Air Force base 20 to 30 years prior, and always talked about a ‘hamburger joint there.’ Jack said ‘That’s the Cozy Inn.’ ”
When the Stewarts returns home, Jack hatched the idea to send an empty Cozy sack to the veteran, just for fun. When the mail arrived at the couple’s home the woman returned from the mailbox and left it on a counter in their home, with the rest of their mail.
“When the husband opened the door, he didn’t get a foot into the house and noticed a familiar smell. He said ‘Cozy Inn. Where’s it at?’ ”
The woman contacted the Stewarts to share the story.