In Illinois farm country, a 70-year-old pickup truck awaits a fresh coat of canary yellow paint. This vehicle, a 1956 International Harvester S-130, holds a special place in the Meyer family's history. It was the first vehicle my dad learned to drive, used for farm chores during the day and adventures with friends at night. Back then, it had no sentimental value; its worth was purely practical. As my dad puts it, "it was just a truck."
The Origins of the American Pickup Truck
Pickup trucks were built for work. Before the first purpose-built models rolled off American assembly lines in the early 20th century, people created their own. These vehicles became icons of rural life, inspiring countless country songs and embodying a rugged, self-sufficient ideal. Today, they are ubiquitous on American roads. While still used for hauling, many have evolved into luxury vehicles, capable of being lifted or lowered for style and comfortable enough for Sunday drives.
A New Purpose for an Old Truck
The pickup that once powered the now-defunct Meyer family farm is about to take on a single job: to look beautiful. This unexpected turn of events might have led my dad to choose an easier truck to restore. International's S series from the 1950s had a short production run, making replacement parts difficult to find. My brother Andy, skilled at locating rare items, spotted the truck for sale. Despite its poor condition, he couldn't resist bringing it home. Over the years, he and my dad have embarked on a treasure hunt for parts, uncovering childhood memories along the way. Stories have emerged of my dad as a child, driving the neighbor boys on late-night hunting trips, the precarious ways he and his siblings accomplished farm chores, and the uncle whose prom date rode shotgun.
The Restoration Journey
Their quest through online auctions and Illinois backroads has taken on a life of its own. What began as restoring one 1956 International Harvester has turned into owning five of them, each in various states of repair. Only one is beyond saving. When I asked my dad why he keeps hauling them home, he joked dryly, "I'm possessed." But honestly, I already knew the answer. There is joy in the journey. So why not?
This is part of a recurring series, "American Objects," marking the 250th anniversary of the United States.
