The Kingman (Ariz.) Daily Miner has a good story about Route 66 aficionado Jim Hinckley and his efforts to kick-start more Route 66 tourism in Kingman — efforts which seem to be finally bearing fruit.
The Kingman Route 66 Association recently reformed, and Kingman’s historic downtown is being revitalized.
He’s been doing his part by converting his Penske truck rental office at 2620 E. Andy Devine Ave. into an unofficial visitors’ center, complete with brochures, books and a display case filled with automotive memorabilia, some dating back to the turn of the century.
“Basically, I just found a refuge for my eclectic collection of odds and ends,” he said. “I change it out about every six weeks.” […]
By trading information on upcoming local events with places like the Route 66 Mother Road Museum in Barstow, Calif., and the Afton Station in Afton, Okla., Hinckley said he can increase the chances of someone actually stopping to take a look around town, rather than just driving through it.
“There’re a lot of people traveling Route 66 who just don’t know about these events when they get here,” he said.
“(I want them to) look at it in a different light, to slow down, don’t just gas and go.”
The association’s second Chillin’ on Beale Street event is Saturday at 5:30 p.m.
Hinckley runs at least two Web sites, Route 66 Chronicles and Route 66 Info Center. Hinckley also published “Route 66 Backroads,” and is working on a book about Route 66 ghost towns.