14
November of 1990 saw beginning construction of the collection's home. Measuring 120 by 60 feet, the building was metal clad with a vaulted roof and no centre span. More funding was required before heating and concrete flooring could be installed. Total cost of the project, including flooring, land improvements, insulation and heating, was estimated at $308,265.15
Nov 6, 1990, Rimbey Record reports on the building progress, the foundation work having begun.1990
Smithson International Truck Museum
Credits:Rimbey Record
John Roberts, Rimbey Record editor
16
June 1991 installation of a window in the newly constructed Smithson International Truck Museum.1991
Smithson International Truck Museum
Credits:Rimbey Historical Society
17
The Smithson fleet of International trucks in the June 1991 Rimbey Rodeo parade.1935 through 1974
Main Street, Rimbey, Alberta, Canada
Credits:Rimbey Record
John Roberts, Rimbey Record editor
18
Although the official opening was still a few weeks away, the collection was already installed in the newly built museum.19
Rimbey Record, Sept 3, 1991, shows the Smithson International truck collection inside its new home.1935 through 1974
Smithson International Truck Museum
Credits:Rimbey Record
John Roberts, Rimbey Record editor
20
July 1, 1991 - Canada Day - marked the official opening, although the collection was moved to the museum earlier that spring.21
Ken Smithson speaks at the official opening of the Smithson International Truck Museum.1991
Smithson International Truck Museum
Credits:Rimbey Record
John Roberts, Rimbey Record editor
22
Pictured above, the July 1991 article from the Rimbey Record reports: "Ken Smithson addresses the 250 plus crowd at the opening of the Smithson International truck collection, on Canada Day, July 1. Hundreds of visitors have signed their names in the Visitor's book, some from California and Texas."After speaking, Ken Smithson and his wife Rosie stand in the doorway - as shown in the next three photos - listening to the other speakers at the museum's opening ceremony.
23
July 1, Alvin Goetz, a director of the Rimbey Historical Society, speaks at the museum opening.1991
Smithson International Truck Museum
Credits:Rimbey Historical Society
24
Edward Grumbach, a director of the Rimbey Historical Society, speaks at the museum opening.1991
Smithson International Truck Museum
Credits:Rimbey Historical Society
25
Fred Schutz, a director of the Rimbey Historical Society, speaks at the museum opening.1991
Smithson International Truck Museum
Credits:Rimbey Historical Society
26
By November of that same year, excess moisture in the gravel-floored and unheated structure caused mildew and rust. Portable heaters dried out the building. After clean up, concrete was poured in 1992.27
A 1992 clipping shows the Smithson International Truck Museum with its new concrete flooring.1991
Smithson International Truck Museum
Credits:Rimbey Record
John Roberts, Rimbey Record editor
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