Route 6 photo courtesy Dave Darby.
Release written by Kimberly Sloan:
Davenport, Iowa – Classic car and hot rod owners, start your engines and get ready for some cruising!
The Iowa division of the US Route 6 Tourist Association is teaming up with Fourth Wall Films to sponsor a classic car ride across Iowa along old Route 6 as part of a shoot for an upcoming documentary film about the scenic and historic attractions along US Route 6 in Iowa.
The ride begins from the east in Davenport, Iowa from June 10-11, 2011. Drivers are invited to join for all or part of the cruise as they travel west along Route 6, stopping at various localities. The itinerary is still being developed but will include stops at:
Friday:
Starts off at the historic entrance to Iowa, the Government Bridge in Davenport. Meet at noon Friday June 10th. Group Leaves at 12:30.
The Wilton Candy Kitchen - Wilton, Iowa (world's oldest ice cream soda fountain).
Happy Hour at the Ladora Bank Bistro - Ladora, Iowa.
Dinner at the Carnforth Inn – Victor, Iowa.
Valle Drive-In - Newton, Iowa (Iowa's oldest drive-in movie theater).
Overnight in Newton.
Saturday:
Breakfast at mid Town Cafe in the historic Maytag Hotel at 9 AM
Tony's Classic Cars - DesMoines, Iowa. (T-Bird restoration HQ)
Bonnie & Clyde historical site, and Drew's Chocolates - Dexter, Iowa.
Bonnie & Clyde bank robbery site - Stuart, Iowa.
Lunch at the Menlo Café – Menlo, Iowa.
Joining up with the White Pole Road Cruise-In on Saturday.
Jesse James Train robbery site – Adair, Iowa.
Atlantic - Coca Cola capital of Iowa.
Explore the scenic Loess hills in Council Bluffs.
Interested drivers may contact Iowa Route 6 Executive director Dave Darby at (563) 499-8211, or through email at dwdarby@aol.com.
Fourth Wall Films is also looking for three classic cars willing to be “camera cars” to help set up film shots along the way.
There is no charge to join the cruise, but participants will be responsible for their own travel expenses. Group rates for Friday night's lodging to be announced this week.
The film is called River to Road: Iowa’s Forgotten Highway 6. The film’s mission is to educate the public about the history and original route of Highway 6, and to increase awareness, traffic, and commerce in the towns along its path.
“We want to encourage people to leave the interstate and head out on the old two lane highway, to leave the rat race of today’s world and to stop and smell the roses,” says Iowa Route 6 Tourist Association Executive Director David Darby. “Not only is it more enjoyable, but it benefits the local economy.”
Darby, as director of the non-profit organization, works to encourage state and local government to place historical signage designating Route 6 roads; preserve historical buildings, bridges, and alignments along Route 6; and to encourage co-operation of communities along the highway to hold festivals, concerts, car shows, and more to boost tourism and traffic to local businesses.
A firm believer in buying local, Darby says “When you go to a chain restaurant, the experience is soon forgotten. But when you go to a mom and pop establishment, you can make friends, capture some history, and take with you memories that last a lifetime while the money stays within the community.”
That’s why his first stop with Fourth Wall Films was to record a segment on the Wilton Candy Kitchen, the world’s oldest ongoing ice cream parlor and soda fountain. Founded in 1860 by RA McIntyre, the Candy Kitchen has been in the Nopoulos family since 1910 and is currently run by George and Thelma Nopoulos. Filming for the inaugural segment took place on Saturday, March 26, and over the summer Darby and Fourth Wall Films will be traveling through Iowa along Route 6 to film more footage.
Fourth Wall Films, out of Moline, Iillinois, is owned by award-winning documentary filmmakers Tammy and Kelly Rundle. Having received acclaim for their previous films, including Villisca: Living with a Mystery, Lost Nation: the Ioway, and Country School: One Room - One Nation, River To River is slated to be released in late 2011.
Once the film is complete, Darby plans to publish a book he’s authored called From River to River: Your Guide to the Original Highway 6 to further encourage drivers to use Route 6 over the interstate for their travels.
“In such an impersonal world, it is a joy to take off on an adventure along the heartland of America, and breathe in exactly what America was built on,” Darby says. “Instead of a flat, straight pair of lanes interrupted by only green signs and overpasses, the rolling fields and curving roads undulate under your wheels in between the small towns that are filled with friendly people.”
For more information or to make a tax-deductable contribution to the non-profit organization for the film project, please visit the Route 6 Tourist Association online at www.route6tour.com or email fourthwallfilms@aol.com.
David W. Darby, Executive Director
Iowa Route 6 Tourist Association
dwdarby@aol.com
2004 Belle Ave.
Davenport, Iowa 52803
Phone:(563) 499-8211
Route 6 photo courtesy Dave Darby.
