The Restoration of a Classic Pickup in Illinois Farm Country

In the heart of Illinois farm country, a 70-year-old truck sits, waiting to be transformed with a coat of canary yellow paint. This truck, a 1956 International Harvester S-130, was the first vehicle my father drove. As a young boy, he used it for farm chores by day and adventures with friends by night. Back then, it was merely a tool, valued for its practicality. ‘It was just a truck,’ my dad says.

Pickup trucks were initially built for hard work. Before they appeared on American assembly lines, people custom-made them. They became symbols of rural life, often celebrated in country songs. Today, trucks are common on American roads. While they still serve to haul goods, many now embody luxury, perfectly suitable for leisurely Sunday drives.

The pickup once central to the now-closed Meyer family farm is poised for its new role: aesthetic appeal. This shift is surprising. My dad might have chosen an easier model to restore had it been planned from the start. The 1950s International S series had a brief production run, complicating the search for parts. Even for my brother Andy, skilled in sourcing rare items, it presents a challenge.

On May 23, 2026, in Paul Meyer’s shed in Effingham, Illinois, a 1956 International Harvester S-100 pickup is early in its restoration. It was Andy who first noticed the truck, despite its worn condition, and couldn’t pass up bringing it home.

Over time, Andy and my dad have embarked on a quest for replacement parts, rekindling memories of my father’s childhood. He recalls late-night hunting trips with neighbors, risky farm chores, and an uncle’s prom date in the passenger seat. Their search through online marketplaces and Illinois backroads has become an adventure. What began as a restoration of one truck has expanded to owning five 1956 International Harvesters, each in different repair stages. Only one is beyond fixing.

Curious about his motivations, I asked my dad why he continues to collect them. ‘I’m possessed,’ he replied with a wry smile. Yet, deep down, I understood. The process brings joy. So, why not pursue it?

This article is part of the recurring series ‘American Objects,’ observing the 250th anniversary of the United States.