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The C-1 series International truck was manufactured from 1934 until 1937. This 1935 model was purchased by Ken Smithson in 1984 and restored in 1985. Despite the good care of its owners, fifty years of wear and weather took their toll.2
International 1935 C-1, pictured in 1985.1935
Ken Smithson's farm, north of Rimbey, Alberta, Canada
Credits:Ken Smithson
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1935 C-1 before restoration.1935
Ken Smithson's farm, north of Rimbey, Alberta, Canada
Credits:Ken Smithson
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In 1935, Emil Hjelmeseth, an early pioneer in the Hoadley area north of Rimbey, won $30,000 in the Irish Sweepstakes. With his winnings he built a new house, bought a tractor, a threshing machine, and also a 1935 C-1 International half-ton truck, the first in forty years of light trucks by International Harvester Company. Emil took extremely good care of his truck. When hauling sand for a tennis court being built at Hoadley, he warned a helper, Charlie Plank, to watch the paint and be careful with his shovel.Eventually Emil traded the truck and it became the property of Bill Cripps of Bentley, south of Rimbey. In the last years Bill owned the truck, his failing eyesight made driving difficult. On trips into the Red Deer Auction Market he slowly navigated the highway, staying well clear of the pavement edge. His trust that other drivers would stay clear of him was never misplaced. At his estate sale, Helge Tranberg bought the '35 and reconditioned the motor in Davis Bros. Garage in Rimbey in the early sixties.
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A 1935 in the 2001 Rimbey parade.1935
Main Street, Rimbey, Alberta, Canada
Credits:Ken Smithson
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In 1984, Ken bought the same 1935 C-1 that had originally been purchased with Irish Sweepstakes winnings. Lorne Hicks, along with one of Keith Bland's sons, did the bodywork and painting at Rimbey Collision Repair.The above photo of a decrepit 1935 in the Rimbey parade, while not the truck restored by Ken, shows the contrast between a typical "before", and the "after" appearance, which follows.
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International 1935 restored by Ken Smithson, as it appeared in the 2001 Rimbey parade.1935
Main Street, Rimbey, Alberta, Canada
Credits:Ken Smithson
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The 1935 made a beautiful get-away vehicle for a bride and groom in 1986.1935
Ponoka, Alberta, Canada
Credits:Ken Smithson
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International 1935 disc wheel and triple-diamond hub cap.1935
Smithson International Truck Museum
Credits:Rimbey Historical Society
Photo by Verna Field
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1935 restored and loaded for a 636 Lottery television commercial, which needed a fruit stand truck.1935
Ken Smithson's farm, north of Rimbey, Alberta, Canada
Credits:Ken Smithson
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Ken built the required stock racks, which are shown here on the truck during 1986 filming.1935
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Credits:Ken Smithson
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1935 C-1 used in a commerical filmed in Edmonton.1935
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Credits:Ken Smithson
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1935 International during filming.1935
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Credits:Ken Smithson
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The D series ran from 1937 until 1940. A 1938 model was purchased by Ken Smithson from Clarence Eklund in 1982 and fully restored by 1984. Clarence had bought the truck at an auction sale for Roy Leach, who lived south of Gilby, which was itself southwest of Rimbey. At the auction, Clarence thought he had purchased a group of several old cars and trucks, but the auctioneer argued the point. The dispute was settled when the auctioneer threw in the 1938 International, the only vehicle in the group that Clarence really wanted. |
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