Staff writer
When Steve and Greta Kellepouris of Savannah, Mo., planned a weeklong vacation to celebrate their anniversary, Greta suggested touring unusual attractions in Kansas.
They began researching attractions, and when Steve read about the concrete rhinoceros statues in Marion, he knew they had to make the trip.
“I collect rhinos,” he said. “I have close to 100 rhinos in my office and home.”
The story of his collection begins with a book, “Rhinoceros Success,” by Scott Alexander. Steve read the book, which advocates readers exhibit figurative rhino-like traits, including having a thick skin and just letting petty problems bounce off, Steve said.
After reading the book, he began giving stuffed rhinos to teachers he thought embodied those principles at the school where he was principal. Eventually friends began giving him all sorts of rhino memorabilia.
“Even our Sunday school class, which he teaches, is called the RHINOS,” Greta said.
In that context, RHINOS is an acronym for Righteous, Honorable, Integrity, Noble, Obedient Servants, Steve said.
After making stops at other attractions, including the Garden of Eden in Lucas and Rock City in Minneapolis, the Kellepourises arrived in Marion Nov. 17.
They spent the night at the Historic Elgin Hotel and Bed and Breakfast in Marion, and on Thursday morning they walked around town taking pictures of rhino statues, using a map they found online to guide them.
They also bought two Marion T-shirts featuring a rhino — one for Steve and another for a fellow rhino collector he befriended online.
Steve, a University of Kansas alumnus and fan, said his favorite rhino statue was a KU-themed one at Carlsons’ Grocery.
He said it was nice how many people were happy to tell them about their rhino statues. Feebie Holdeman, 425 S. Roosevelt St., Marion, visited with them when they stopped to photograph the ballerina-themed statue at her home.
After touring town and seeing all of the rhino statues, the Kellepourises continued on their way to the Oz Museum in Wamego. They plan to return to Marion for Chingawassa Days eventually, perhaps after Steve retires.