Pickup Trucks: Icons of American Farm Life

In Effingham, Illinois, a 70-year-old pickup truck awaits its transformation with a fresh canary yellow paint job. This is no ordinary vehicle; it is the first truck that my father learned to drive as a young boy. During the day, he helped with farm chores, and at night, he adventured with friends. Back then, the 1956 International Harvester S-130 wasn’t considered special. Its value came from its utility. As my dad puts it, ‘it was just a truck.’

Pickups were designed for work. Before manufacturers rolled them off assembly lines in the early 20th century, people built their own. These trucks became symbols of rural life, so influential they inspired countless country songs. Today, they remain fixtures on American roads. They still haul but now also offer luxury and style. Some pickups are lifted or lowered, providing comfort for Sunday drives. The truck from the now-defunct Meyer family farm will soon serve a singular purpose: to look impressive.

This shift is an unexpected development. If planned, my dad might have chosen a simpler truck to restore. The 1950s International S series had a brief production span, making replacement parts hard to find. My brother Andy, skilled in locating rare items, took on the challenge. A 1956 International Harvester S-100 pickup truck is undergoing restoration in Paul Meyer’s shed in Effingham, Illinois.

On Saturday, May 23, 2026, the restoration is in its early stages.

Andy spotted the truck for sale and couldn’t resist bringing it home, despite its poor condition. Since then, he and my dad have embarked on a treasure hunt for parts. This journey has also uncovered childhood memories. Stories of my dad driving as a child, taking neighborhood boys on late-night hunting trips, or the tricky ways he and his siblings managed farm duties all resurface.

Their adventures have turned a simple restoration into collecting five 1956 International Harvesters in various states of repair. Only one is beyond restoration. When I asked my dad why he keeps collecting them, his dry humor surfaced as he replied, ‘I’m possessed.’ Yet, the truth lies in the joy of the journey. Why not continue?

This story is part of a recurring series, “American Objects,” celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States.