A Route 66 landmark in Kingman bit the dust Tuesday evening. The taxi stand on the corner of Fourth St. and Andy Devine Ave. (Route 66) was demolished by a drunk driver to such a degree the city had no option but to finish the job and haul off the remains.

Tragically, arrangements were just finalized for restoration of the clock above the door. It is hoped the clock will be repairable.

The building was a Kingman fixture for more than sixty years. More information is found here at Route 66 News. http://rwarn17588.wordpress.com/2009/09/24/car-crash-destroys-historic-kingman-building/

Frustration would be a succinct summary of last evenings meeting of the Kingman Route 66 Association. Still, progress is being made.

We have a stunning mural depicting the history of the Hualapai people against a backdrop of the Grand Canyon approved. We have the city on board and the property owner. Now, we are awaiting verification of historic content from the Hualapai tribe and approval of our funding request from Grand Canyon West.

We have a matching funds grant for the restoration of a vintage Packard sales and service sign that will be placed on its original location at the Old Trails Garage west of the Hotel Brunswick. Now, after, months of unbridled enthusiasm for the project, the property owner is developing cold feet about digging the sign from its dusty hiding place. I suspect the appraised value of the sign is playing a role here.

The long awaited website is so close to launch and yet is so far. Our originally scheduled date was August 15 but that has been pushed to October 1. I suppose I can find satisfaction in the fact the final product will be a jaw dropping center of information that will surely put Kingman at the heart of historic Route 66.

Chillin’ on Beale Street has proven so popular it will resume in November. October in the historic district is already quite full with the Andy Devine Days celebration, an Oktoberfest and celebration of the Power House Centennial, and then a Halloween trick or treat car show. As always details will be posted.

The kick off for the rodeo at Martin Swanty Chrysler went well. Good music, a supportive community as evidenced by the turn out, good food, and a brief look back into a time when real cowboys were still found on the streets of Kingman.

On a personal note there is a chance, albeit a slim one, that I will still be able to take the long awaited Route 66 cruise in late October to seek out the ghost towns along the way. So, if you have a shop that sells or wishes to sell my books please let me know. I would pleased to introduce myself and sign them on my way through.