I thought the title of this post made for a fair summary of my world at this point in time. To illustrate this mixed bag I selected three photos.
First, the sunset. Well, that is something I never tire of and that is one of the many things that endear me to the desert southwest.
This particular sunset has a Route 66 connection and as this iconic highway is a thread that ties so many aspects of my life together it seemed appropriate for this post. This sunset was shot from the hills above Route 66 to the east of the historic district in Kingman, Arizona.
Located just west of the parking lot for the Quality Inn this ridge is another often overlooked little gem in the Kingman area. As the views from this lofty perch are nothing short of stunning I often wander up there when I just need a break and a place to meditate on the latest Route 66 related project.
Now, an explanation for the photo of the 1921 Hamlin-Holmin. On Thanksgiving, I took a deep breath and began clearing up the office as preparation for commencement of the next project, the book profiling the ghost towns of Route 66.Buried amongst the various files, notes, and books was a folder pertaining to the development of front wheel drive automobiles in America, remnants of a project that never materialized. In addition to this rare photo the file also contained three photos of the racers built by J. Walter Christie between 1906 and 1910. I posted these on the Memory Lane Garage page of the companion website, www.route66infocenter.com.
The development of front wheel drive is just one aspect of the early years in the American automotive industry that seem to have been lost in the mist of time. Another would be the development of alternative energy vehicles and hybrids.
That is a story for another day but suffice to say that before 1912 there were many locations where it was easier to have the batteries charged for your electric automobile than it was to buy gasoline. During the same period it was steam powered automobiles that shattered all speed records and before 1920 the Woods Dual Electric, a hybrid, was being driven on the streets of Los Angeles.
Now as to the last photo. This imposing brick structure is one of the last remnants from the Truxton Canyon Indian School in Valentine Arizona. The empty structure cast its shadow over Route 66 but few who pass by are aware of its colorful history. That too is a story for another day.
The last position of today’s post title is “welcome to my world.” So, let me tie these threads together and you have a better understanding of the strange world in which I reside. The front wheel drive vehicle piece is being resurrected in several parts. There will be a feature for the website, an installment of the Independent Thinker for Cars & Parts magazine, and sharing as well as gathering information via the forum on the Antique Automobile Club of America website (www.aaca.org).
The Indian School and its history is on going research project that is used to satisfy my curiosity, to add depth to the next book, and to help me develop a deeper understanding of the Hualapai people. Questions as to the buildings future ties in with an ongoing discussion about what to preserve and what let go of along Route 66 in the Kingman area.
The sunset is wishful thinking. For the first time in weeks we have a chance of rain and the clouds are building. So, perhaps, we will be blessed with a spectacular sunset this evening.
All of this, plus a morning spent at the office, is just another average day for me. Welcome to my world.
Wow, interesting post, thanks for sharing it with us.