Photo by Dave Darby.
It was as if the traffic stopped on Iowa's Historic Route 6 to pay tribute.
A standing ovation is in order for Dave Darby who has 'retired' as executive director of Iowa's Historic Route 6 Tourist Association. His accomplishments over the years are legion: researching, spreading the word in print, on radio, televison and social media; raising awareness in the treasured-towns and cities that anchor the route; fundraising and promoting; marking and signing Iowa's historic Route 6 from Davenport to Council Bluffs. His camera captured countless beautiful images of the road, the people, and the places that make Route 6 so memorable.
He convinced Fourth Wall Films' Kelly and Tammy Rundle that a documentary should be made to preserve the story of this forgotten highway--no longer forgotten at all. River to River: Iowa's Forgotten Highway 6 went on to win an Emmy nomination and became an award-winning crowd-pleaser at film festivals.
His 'River to River Classic Car Cruise' has grown each year with fans celebrating the small town eateries, museums, and town squares. He reminded us that there is nothing like hugging the curves of the two-lane road in a classic car (...any car...motorcycle...bicycle...whatever your pleasure...) and soaking up the beauty of the Iowa landscape.
He made us believe there was no better route to take. We caught his 'dream'. He is the face of Iowa's Route 6 as sure as the signs he helped erect along the way. Join us in shouting bravo to Dave and thanking him for teaching us that "the journey should be the destination". It has been and always will be.
He is the face of Iowa's Route 6 as sure as the signs he helped erect along the way. Join us in shouting bravo to Dave and thanking him for teaching us that "the journey should be the destination". It has been and always will be. A heartfelt thank you, Dave, for convincing us to take 'the ride' with you...and what a ride it has been.
To order the award-winning and Emmy-nominated River to River: Iowa's Forgotten Highway 6, click HERE.
Below is Dave's announcement:
Hello Everyone,
2018 marked 10 years as Executive Director of the Route 6 Tourist Association. I am very proud of the accomplishments we’ve made over that time period. In 2008 I made it my goal to raise awareness of the original route, to sign it, and boost tourism.
10 years ago, very few people were aware, or cared that Historic US 6 didn’t travel concurrent with Interstate 80 in Iowa. We changed all of that. Most portions of Historic 6 that were relegated to county road status are now properly marked. With your help we erected hundreds of signs all the way across Iowa.
I partnered with Fourth Wall Films to help create the Emmy nominated and award winning Route 6 documentary “River to River: Iowa's Forgotten Highway 6”.
I also partnered with the Sons of Union Veterans to create and help place new Grand Army Highway signs with restored artwork across Iowa.
With Fourth Wall Films and Dahl Motors of Davenport, I organized the very popular River to River Retro Road Trip.
Two and a half years ago, my wife Cristi and I welcomed a son, Max into our family, and with that, I realized over time that my family needs to be my main focus.
So to that end, I have stepped down from my position as Executive Director. I will continue to be an ambassador for the road, and will assist in any way possible in the completion of the signage, but I am no longer involved with the Route 6 Tourist Association. I thank them for the opportunity to make a difference, and I wish them well. I also wish to thank the countless volunteers along the way.
From Cristi, Max, and I, we wish you happy trails, and remember, US 6 will take you more places than the interstate will, with more fun and less stress.
Godspeed, and God Bless.
David W. Darby
Comments