Kingman Main Street in Kingman, Arizona, recently unveiled a plan for self-guided tours that includes a life-size statue of Route 66 author and resident Jim Hinckley.
The public arts project is being called “Kingman Tours: A Walkabout Kingman with Jim Hinckley.”
According to a website devoted to the project:
A Walkabout Kingman with Jim Hinckley involves an interactive, self-guided tour of significant sites along Route 66 and in historic downtown Kingman – all beginning with a life-sized bronze sculpture of Mr. Hinckley himself.
Jim Hinckley is an internationally acclaimed author, historian, and tour guide specializing in Route 66 based right here in Kingman. Through this project, Kingman Main Street wishes to recognize Hinckley’s contributions to our community.
KMS has commissioned Arizona-based J. Anne Butler, an experienced figurative bronze sculptor to create a sculpture piece to be placed at the historic Kingman Train Depot at 4th Street and Andy Devine. This site would serve as the first stop of several distinct interactive downtown walking tours, with virtual guidance and narration by Hinckley.
The project also would include informational kiosks at various historic downtown sites. Kingman Main Street is offering sponsorships ranging from $100 to $5,000.
Hinckley responded to the announcement in a typically self-effacing manner:
To say that I am humbled and honored is akin to saying that you won’t need a sweater in Needles, California come July. Still, the thought that people in Kingman would think enough of me to create a life sized pigeon roost, a bronze statue that will be the focal point for a small park that has a brick garden, including the Route 66 Walk of Fame, and that serves as the starting point for a narrated historic district walking tour is a bit overwhelming. When first informed about the Kingman Main Street project, and asked how I felt about this, my response was that I would feel more comfortable about this if I were dead. On a serious note, I am truly honored by this recognition. But the narrated walking tour has been a dream since 2014, so seeing it come to fruition is exciting. It will be a pleasure to share Kingman’s rich and colorful history with visitors.
(A miniature mockup of the Jim Hinckley statue via the Kingman Main Street website)