Tow Tater, the 1951 International boom truck (shown above in May) that was a primary inspiration for Mater in the movie “Cars,” was vandalized late Friday or early Saturday in front of the 1940s-era gas station that’s become a Route 66 welcome center in Galena, Kan.
Melba Rigg, one of the Four Women on the Route that run the station, reports:
I am sorry to say Tow Tater was shot 4 times in the windshield by unknown vandals. […] I open up on Saturday morning and […] was shocked to see a spider crack in the upper top center of Tow Tater’s windshield. Looking closer, I see three more holes. I was sick and so mad. We called the local cops and was informed that we were the lucky ones; four other cars had their windows broke completely out.
… We have been working so hard to bring RT. 66 back. […] We are mad and sad at the same time. Tow Tater’s windshield cannot be replaced; it just would not be the same Tow Tater. […] They better pray the cops find them before I do.
(NOTE: Excerpt was edited for clarity.)
That last sentence is telling. I’ve met Melba, and she’s as nice as pie. But she also comes across as a woman who doesn’t suffer fools gladly. At least the vandalism wasn’t a lot worse.
We came through Kansas in June and stopped at the “then under construction station” got some photos of Tow Tater and spoke to the workers. It saddens us to hear how destructive people can be, hopefully they will be caught.
I don’t understand the reasoning behind such destruction of someone else’s private property, and such a wonderful landmark.
any update on this? such a sad thing to happen to the nicest guy in the world!!!