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Meet our local celebrity in 2001, Joe Ranft, Pixar’s “Head of Story “ and his team stop in a small town in
galena during their route 66 tour. In the picture he is shown looking at Galena’s old boom truck for inspiration. He later created the “Tow Mater” character for the film “Cars”. Joe lost his life in a California automobile accident in 2005, and the movie “Cars” was dedicated to his memory.
The gentleman who owned the building was not aware of what he had. At the time he was leasing it out. One of 
the four women on the route went to larry and asked if her sister and her could rent the building to open it up as a farmers market. While restoring the building they were told about an old truck that was on the property. they were told that is was the Inspiration for the character “Tow Mater”. The search began and so did the restoration to the old Gas station.
Tow-Tater
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Tow-Tater
“The truck is definitely Mater. No doubt about it. Tell ‘em you got the word straight from the Sheriff.”
Michael Wallis
voice of the Sheriff in “Cars”
Tow tater still runs and is used in parades and also parties. The Eyes for tow tater was donated to us by local business, 66 quilting,. In August someone had shot tow tater right between the eyes. Many have offered to donate a new windshield but the glass is irreplaceable.