Route 66 - Downtown Kingman, AZ

Our time in downtown Kingman was exciting and informative. The people we've met were very kind and love to talk. The local people have their own life experience as they spent many years in Kingman. The two places we've enjoyed were the Kingman Museum and the "Hall of Presidents," in Mohave Museum.

One of the fascinating experience for us was seeing the Route 66 Electric Vehicle display. There are many interesting collections of transportation artifacts but let me just highlight three. The Willie Nelson's Rolls-Royce Themed Golf Cart. The country singer Willie Nelson is someone most people would associate with playing guitar; not taking to the golf course for a game of 18 holes. 

Built in 1981 as a special gift from his former wife Connie, the electric golf cart with Rolls-Royce features.

The cart had a mini bar, radio, head lights, turn signals and of course, the iconic look of a Rolls Royce.

The second interesting transportation artifact is the Custer Chair Car. Manufactured by the Custer Specialty Company in Dayton, OH with the top speed of 18 mph and it weights 300 lb.  

The Custer Chair Car was originally produced largely for granting seniors more mobility. However, in 1919, the Great War (WW I) brought with it the opportunity to create a mobility solution for returning wounded soldiers. 

The Lightning Rod 2 is another interesting vehicle. Manufactured by Wilde Evolutions in Jerome, AZ. The world's first all electric Hot Rod was featured in Street Rod Action magazine in Sep. 1995. "Electric ROD! Charge it up and hit the road!"

Visiting a small museum in a desert city, Mohave Museum has a magnificent collection of all of the American Presidents and the First Ladies in oil painting. 

The "Hall of Presidents" of oil portraits were created mostly by Lawrence Williams (1913-2003).

Visiting these places, history and more history are laid out in such a beautiful scenario that we really enjoyed our journey in Kingman, AZ.

Until next time, stay safe and thanks for traveling with us. Blessings!

Route 66 - Kingman Army Air Field & Giganticus Headicus, Kingman, AZ

The route 66 continues through Kingman, AZ, which is also off Highway 40. On our Kingman trip, we stopped at Kingman Army Air Field. 

The 54-foot tall, 14-by-14-foot tower.

Kingman Airport Cafe

This field was a training site for some 36,000 military personnel during World War II. Between 1946 and 1948, seven thousand aircraft were melted down to 70,000,000 pounds of aluminum. There is a great little cafe (Kingman Airport Cafe) and the original watch tower remains (one of very few WWII watch towers that still exist today).

Few miles stretch of Route 66 is Antares Point, home of Giganticus Headicus. The purpose of this 14-foot tall Tiki head was placed on Route 66 is unknown, but it is definitely the type of kitschy Americana that makes Route 66 road trip special. My understanding is that in October the Giganticus Headicus is painted pink for the breast cancer awareness month.

Formerly Kozy Corner Trail Park

Art by Gregg Arnold

Art by Gregg Arnold

Art by Gregg Arnold

This is a "Wishing Bell 'Fertility' Ring for Good Luck!" by Gregg Arnold 

The signs sates: "It's for sale."

I'm sure there is room for one more mailbox

These arts/sculptures were created by Gregg Arnold in 2003 and 2004. Antares Point is along the longest continuous curve on U.S. Hwy (approx. 2 miles) and offers fantastic views into the Arizona desert.

Thanks for reading and enjoying our photos. Stay safe. Until next journey, blessings!

Today's Thought - Obedient

 Isaiah 1:19 - "If you are willing and obedient..."

In the eleventh century King Henry III of Bavaria grew tired of court life and the pressures of being a monarch. He made an application to Prior Richard at a local monastery, asking to be accepted as a contemplative and spend the rest of his life in the monastery.

"Your majesty" said Prior Richard, "Do you understand that the pledge here is one of obedience? That will be hard because you have been a king."

"I understand" said Henry. "The rest of my life I will be obedient to you, as Christ leads you."

"Then I will tell you what to do," said Prior Richard. "Go back to your throne and serve faithfully in the place where God has put you."

When King Henry died, a statement was written: "The king learned to rule by being obedient." (Source: Leadership Magazine, Fall 1985).

When we are obedient, we show God that we love him and trust in him. We might be tempted to grow bitter or discontent with God's plan for our lives, but we need to trust him because God truly wants what is best for us. To obey God means to relinquish what we want and to choose to do what God asks. God requires us to be obedient as his followers.

Route 66 Kingman, Arizona

We drove to Kingman, AZ to continue our Route 66 journey. Kingman is known as "The Heart of American's Historic Route 66."

Historic Route 66 mileage chart

Arriving around lunch time, we decided to enjoy Mr. D's homemade root beer with Mr. D's Cheeseburger and Turkey Sandwich. 

Turkey Sandwich with Sweet Potato Fries 

Mr. D's Cheeseburger with Onion Rings and of course we both have the homemade root beer.

The name Kingman is named after the railroad surveyor Lewis Kingman (1845-1912) who was tasked by AT (Atchison, Topeka) and SF (Santa Fe) railroad to survey routes for the railroad across Arizona.

Santa Fe Steam Engine #3759 built in 1928.

We were able to climb up on the old steam engineer's view while modern trains roll by nearby the Historic Powerhouse Museum.

Looking over to the right of the main entrance, we've notice a sign that reads, 3,333.33 feet above Sea Level. The sign is a white plaque but the actual marker is a metal bolt sunk into the building above the top edge of the sign. 

Upstairs of the Powerhouse is Route 66 Museum. They have brilliant murals, photos and life-size figures capture each of the groups that have traveled what came to be known as the Mother Road (Route 66). The admission is $3 that covers The Mohave Museum and The Bonelli House.

Mohave Museum of History & Arts - Exhibits on the local indigenous people.

The Bonelli House, constructed in 1915, was the second home of the Bonelli family built on the same site after the original 1894 wooden-frame house burned down. Tour provides historic background about pioneer life and activities.

That it for now, I don't want to make this too long for you to read. Enjoy and thanks for traveling with us. Blessings!