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As work progressed on Ken Smithson's growing collection of restored International half-tons, local interest burgeoned. Ken organized several public shows on his farm.2
Ken Smithson's early International truck collection.1956, 1956, 1958, 1951 and 1938
Ken Smithson's farm, north of Rimbey, Alberta, Canada
Credits:Ken Smithson
3
In the above 1984 photo,on the left are Ken's two International gravel trucks and to the right of them, three half-tons. From left to right: 1956 V190, 1956 S160, 1958 A, 1951 L, and 1938 D series.4
International truck collection in progress in1985 or 1986.1930s, 1940s and 1950s
Ken Smithson's farm, north of Rimbey, Alberta, Canada
Credits:Ken Smithson
5
It is 1986 and Ken Smithson's collection of International half-tons grows.1935, 1938, 1948, 1951, 1955, 1956, 1958
Ken Smithson's farm, north of Rimbey, Alberta, Canada
Credits:Ken Smithson
6
A 1988 public viewing of Ken's International half-ton collection, now totalling fifteen trucks.1930s, 1940s, 1950s, 1960s and 1970s
Ken Smithson's farm, north of Rimbey, Alberta, Canada
Credits:Ken Smithson
7
1989 public show of Ken Smithson's complete International half-ton collection.1935 through 1974
Ken Smithson's farm, north of Rimbey, Alberta, Canada
Credits:Ken Smithson
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August 8, 1989 Rimbey Record article announcing a show at Ken Smithson's farm.1935 through 1974
Ken Smithson's farm, north of Rimbey, Alberta, Canada
Credits:Rimbey Record
John Roberts, Rimbey Record editor
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Drivers in front of Ken Smithson's collection of International half-tons, in 1987 or 1988.1938, 1941, ? and 1951
Ken Smithson's farm, north of Rimbey, Alberta, Canada
Credits:Ken Smithson
10
As Ken's collection grew, with the help of a group of retired men he took his International half-tons all over the surrounding country, to rodeos and parades.When Ken Smithson contemplated selling his collection of International half-tons, believed to be the most complete collection in the world, he offered the Rimbey Historical Society first opportunity to purchase for $175,000. The Society quickly organized a committee of twelve to work towards the purchase. The County of Ponoka gave their support, which was a major step towards obtaining $230,000 through the County's Tourism Action Plan with revenues from the Alberta Lottery Fund. The Town of Rimbey also supported the project with funding. The project cost was estimated at $267,000, which allowed for the purchase of the collection and phase one of a building. Ken himself donated $50,000 towards the building.
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1990 Rimbey Record article showing Ken Smithson atop the shed and overlooking his fleet of trucks.1935 through 1974
Ken Smithson's farm, north of Rimbey, Alberta, Canada
Credits:Rimbey Record
John Roberts, Rimbey Record editor
12
May of 1990 the Rimbey Record reported, "The Nineteen Fleet of International half-tons destined for Rimbey's Pas-ka-Poo Park will be on display this Friday International Museums Day for a press showing at the Ken Smithson residence east of Hoadley. It is expected work will soon commence on a building to house the world-class collection."13
May 1990 Rimbey Record photo of Ken Smithson with his complete fleet of International half-tons.1935 through 1974
Ken Smithson's farm, north of Rimbey, Alberta, Canada
Credits:Rimbey Record
John Roberts, Rimbey Record editor
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. |
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