Jim Schneider-Volunteer The Smithson International Truck Museum is a remarkable exhibit at the Paskapoo Park Historical Museum grounds. Even if you are not a transportation enthusiast, you will still be amazed at the time, expense and labour that Ken Smithson put into this display of every model, all nineteen, of International trucks made by the International Harvester Company.
The International Harvester Company began building half-ton trucks in 1935 and discontinued manufacturing them in 1974. Despite almost 40 years of production, there were only 19 models as they did not change models every year like most vehicle manufacturers do. Every truck is painted in authentic colours.
As you stroll down the line of trucks, you can read the placards placed in front of each one detailing its history; where and when it was purchased and from whom. This information also includes details of how the truck was restored as well as other interesting tidbits.
One such story that caught my eye was posted for the 1956 model. This truck was used by a professional painter and was splattered with paint of many colours. It also had a couple of serious dents on top of the cab. When Ken asked the seller how these dents occurred, he was told this.
“The previous owner had tried to drive it into a shed and found the entrance too low. So he turned around and tried to back it in. It was still too low.”
Volunteer, Jim Schneider has worked at the Smithson International Truck Museum for four years and he does know his stuff. Jim stated that he has worked on all 19 trucks in some capacity noting that most of the trucks run and would be driveable. In-fact, some of these vehicles are still used in parades.
Over all, a trip to Paskapoo Park Historical Museum & Smithson International Truck Exhibit is one family friendly destination that should be on your list of places to visit when travelling this area of Alberta
Click to find--Smithson International Truck Museum
www.rimbey.com/
The International Harvester Company began building half-ton trucks in 1935 and discontinued manufacturing them in 1974. Despite almost 40 years of production, there were only 19 models as they did not change models every year like most vehicle manufacturers do. Every truck is painted in authentic colours.
As you stroll down the line of trucks, you can read the placards placed in front of each one detailing its history; where and when it was purchased and from whom. This information also includes details of how the truck was restored as well as other interesting tidbits.
One such story that caught my eye was posted for the 1956 model. This truck was used by a professional painter and was splattered with paint of many colours. It also had a couple of serious dents on top of the cab. When Ken asked the seller how these dents occurred, he was told this.
“The previous owner had tried to drive it into a shed and found the entrance too low. So he turned around and tried to back it in. It was still too low.”
Volunteer, Jim Schneider has worked at the Smithson International Truck Museum for four years and he does know his stuff. Jim stated that he has worked on all 19 trucks in some capacity noting that most of the trucks run and would be driveable. In-fact, some of these vehicles are still used in parades.
Over all, a trip to Paskapoo Park Historical Museum & Smithson International Truck Exhibit is one family friendly destination that should be on your list of places to visit when travelling this area of Alberta
Click to find--Smithson International Truck Museum
www.rimbey.com/
