Allen County, Indiana Genealogy

Fort Wayne, Allen County, Indiana Places

International Harvester

Now called Navistar, construction began in 1922 at the intersection of East Pontiac and Bueter Road. Production began in 1923 and a milestone was reached at the plant forty years later in 1963 when the one-millionth truck, a semi-tractor, rolled off the assembly line. September 28, 1982 on the front page of The Journal Gazette newspaper. Harvester announced it would shut the Fort Wayne plant laying off 2,100 workers. Early in 1979, 10,600 people worked for Harvester. The engineering and parts distribution center would remain with about 2,000 employed in 1984. The city assembled a $31 million aid package for the 60-year-old local plant compared to the $27.6 million package offered for the 17-year-old successful Springfield, Ohio facility.The last truck rolled off Fort Wayne assembly line July 15, 1983. See photos on Throwback Thursday: July 15, 1983 – Last truck rolls off line at Harvester plant published June 29, 2017 in The Journal Gazette newspaper.

1923 - Fort Wayne Plant of International Harvester Co. Nearing Completion
Article from Jul 1, 1923 The Fort Wayne Journal Gazette (Fort Wayne, Indiana) 1923, International harvester, Nearing completion

1923 - Fort Wayne Plant of International Harvester Co. Nearing Completion The Fort Wayne Journal Gazette, Fort Wayne, Indiana, Sunday, July 1, 1923, Page 3A.

Fort Wayne Plant of International Harvester Co. Nearing Completion

Work on the mammoth new plant of the International Harvester.Co, in this city is progressing rapidly and all of the buildings on which work was commenced last year are nearing completion. The illustration shows a portion of the main building facing the Bueter road and the steel skeleton of a large tower which is to support a huge water tank.

By the mid twentieth century Fort Wayne became known as the “Heavy-Duty Truck Capital of the World.” International...
Posted by The History Center on Thursday, May 30, 2024

Thursday, May 30, 2024 post by The History Center on Facebook:

By the mid twentieth century Fort Wayne became known as the “Heavy-Duty Truck Capital of the World.” International Harvester established a large plant east of Fort Wayne in 1923 where 1,527,299 heavy and medium-sized trucks were built before the plant closed in July 1983. In addition to trucks, an early sport utility vehicle called the “Scout” was produced in an adjacent plant from November 1960 to October 1980. It was a popular, innovative vehicle and 532,674 were manufactured in its twenty-year run. At its peak “The Harvester” was the largest employer in the area, contributing to the growth of the local economy and providing jobs for 10,000 workers. The brass Crosby Steam Whistle was a symbol to residents of the east end industries. The ship whistle was purchased in 1928 for the International Harvester Company truck plant from a marine supply company. The original whistle, purchased in 1923 when the plant opened, was too shrill and the sound did not carry well. The new high-pressure whistle was used to signal shift changes with tones that could be heard throughout Fort Wayne. It was mounted on top of the Powerhouse at the South Coliseum Boulevard plant and was used until the plant closed in 1983. In 1984, International Harvester donated the whistle to the Historical Society and it was displayed off and on until 2003. Come and see the Harvester Whistle at the History Center where it has been on display as part of our Innovation & Technology Gallery since 2012. #sociallyhistory

Lifted Life TV posted a video to playlist Real Throwback, June 21, 2018, Golden, CO., on Facebook.

Allen County Public Library Digital Collections at the Allen County Public Libraryhas the Fort Wayne Operations News , International Harvester Employee Publications, International Harvester Company-Navistar Photographs Collection with images, and Tower Talk (Fort Wayne, Ind. : 1938) collections.

April 14, 2023 post by the Genealogy Center on Facebook:

The International Harvester collection in our Community Album is an ongoing project. As it grows, it will span the entire history of IH/Navistar in Fort Wayne from the early 1920s to the 2010s. The images come from retirees, former employees, and families who wish to preserve the memory of the workers and the company that made Fort Wayne the home of the Scout and “the Heavy-Duty Truck Capital of the World.”

Browse the collection here: http://contentdm.acpl.lib.in.us/digital/collection/IHCNC
IH News (1963.09.27) photo copy of the IH News showing the One Millionth Truck Produced by Fort Wayne Works in the Allen County Public Library Digital Collections at the Allen County Public Library.
German web site has information on military trucks.
There is an International Harvester Ambulances page on Facebook but does not have this photo.

Massed Detroit-made Army ambulances parked at the Ordnance Depot, Fort Wayne, Indiana, ready to be shipped to Europe for D-Day, March 1944 [600 × 385]
byu/WowDidYouSeeThis in HistoryPorn
May 3, 2017 post by the original Great Memories and History of Fort Wayne, Indiana page on Facebook:

A trolley picks up passengers at the Bueter Road stop, just outside of International Harvester, in 1945
December 1, 2023 post by Scout 80/800's is with Scout Motors on Facebook:

Today. 63 years ago. This happened.

The first Scout rolled out of Door #11 of IH's Assembly Plant in Fort Wayne on 12/1/1960.

....

#ihscout #internationalharvester #originalsuv #ogsuv #scout80 #internationalscout #Scout800 #fortwayne #fwhistory
July 11, 2017 post on Fort Wayne Food Tours on Facebook:

Considered by many to be the first SUV, between 1960 and 1980, over 500,000 International Harvester Scouts were made here in #FortWayne.
Tiny houses near the factory for WWII veterans Tiny Village is on our World War II Military page. Similar small houses were built in the 1930s by the Fort Wayne Housing Authority.
December 28, 2017 post by Hofer and Davis, Inc. Land Surveyors on Facebook:

For "Throwback Thursday" we share this EDITORIAL from the Fort Wayne Journal - Gazette from July 6, 2003. Everybody has some memory of Harvester. BTW ...Hofer and Davis, Inc. has provided many surveys for International Harvester, from some topographical surveys in the 1960's to HARVESTER PARK, the new mixed use rebirth in 2006.
Driven by love for Scouts Vehicle search reveals loyalty to city product by Ryan Duvall published December 16, 2018 in The Journal Gazette newspaper.
Harvester Homecoming on Facebook, now an annual event setting up a museum at the former factory site. The original event was discussed on PrimeTime39 - June 7, 2019 Season 2019 Episode 20 Harvester Homecoming. Guests - Creager Smith and Jerry Betley.
August 7, 2019 by The History Center on Facebook:

The backbones of many Midwestern cities are the heavy industries that have been attracted to these communities. By the mid-twentieth century, Fort Wayne became known as the “Heavy-Duty Truck Capital of the World.” International Harvester established a large plant east of Fort Wayne in 1923 where 1,527,299 heavy- and medium-sized trucks were built. In addition to trucks, an early sport utility vehicle called the “Scout” was produced in an adjacent plant from November 1960 to October 1980. It was a popular, innovative vehicle and 532,674 were manufactured in its 20 year run. At its peak, “The Harvester” was the largest employer in the area, contributing to the growth of the local economy and providing jobs for 10,000 workers. A manufacturing tradition came to an end on July 15, 1983, when the last truck rolled off the assembly line at the Fort Wayne plant. #sociallyhistory
McCardell Resigns as Chairman of Harvester by James L. Rowe Jr. published May 4, 1982 now on Washington Post.com.
November 26, 2019 post by International Harvester Collectors Chapter 37 Eastern North Carolina on Facebook:

A sad day for International Harvester

November 26, 1984 was a dark day in the equipment world, it was the day that the once mighty International Harvester Company died.

As a result of poor management decisions, combined with a crippling labor strike in 1980, in the midst of the worst economic and agricultural depression since the 1930's, IH Ag Equipment group could not return to profitability in time to save their "ship" from sinking. They had endured continuous losses in fiscal years 1980-1984.

The IH truck and engine group was able to return to profitability in 1984 but it was not enough to overcome the Ag Equipment division's losses, therefore forcing the company to close plants and liquidate the viable assets to Tenneco, who also owned J.I. Case Company at the time; the results of this purchase being what we now know as Case IH.

IH survived in the truck & engine business and renamed itself Navistar as the "International Harvester" name no longer reflected the nature of their business and the IH name went to the Case IH group in the sale of the Ag Group. Navistar still exists today with their trucks and engines being known as simply "International".
From the Farm Equipment History Files ... Why Did International Harvester Break Up? by Paul Wallem, former IH executive and dealer-principal posted on August 28, 2019 in Manufacturer & Dealer Issues on Farm-equipment.com.
Volkswagen truck unit Traton finalises $3.7 billion Navistar acquisition deal by Reuters Staff published November 7, 2020 on reuters.com.
Volkswagen May Bring Back the International Harvester Scout The legendary SUV may return as an all-electric off-roader to take on Wrangler and Bronco. by Scott Evans posted Sep 20, 2021 on MotorTrend.com.
November 15, 2021 Facebook post and discussion on True Fort Wayne Indiana History on Facebook was an article called Archie McCardell, former International Harvester CEO is the worst CEO in history by Yves Smith originally posted in Naked Capitalism on October 8, 2019.
August 11, 2022 post by Harvester Homecoming on Facebook:

Exciting times, indeed! The Drive

Scott Keogh CEO at Scout Motors visits Fort Wayne
August 24, 2022 post by Harvester Homecoming on Facebook:

So glad we have been welcomed to be a part of the new Scout coming to life! post

Scott Keogh CEO at Scout Motors LinkedIn review of his August 6, 2022 visit to Fort Wayne.
May 21, 2022 some interesting history and commentary about the Scout, International Harvester, and Volkswagen by Autoline.TV.

VW’s Golden Opportunity with The Scout Brand posted May 21, 2022 by Autoline Network on YouTube

Autoline provides daily global automotive news. Top auto executive interviews. Automotive insight & analysis. EV, AV & ICE technology, car sales & financial earnings, new car reviews. Volkswagen used to be the number one import brand in the American market but then it lost it all. Today, it sells fewer cars in the U.S. than it did in 1970. But with its acquisition of the Scout brand from International Harvester, VW can claw its way back. In fact, Scout could become the equivalent of the Jeep brand for Volkswagen.
Around 40 aerial photos were posted May 23, 2020 of International Harvester Park by Above the Land on Facebook.
February 6, 2023 post by Harvester Homecoming on Facebook shared Emily Dwire WANE 15 post February 6, 2023:

POSITIVELY FORT WAYNE: International truck enthusiasts of all ages and from all over spent a recent weekend in Fort Wayne tuning up dozens of vehicles in Harvester Homecoming's collection including a 1907 Auto Buggy. Check it out!

International enthusiasts restore dozens of Harvester Homecoming trucks during annual wrenching weekend by Emily Dwire, February 6, 2023 on CBS WANE-TV NewsChannel 15.
February 14, 2023 post by 3Rivers Federal Credit Union on Facebook:

It's our 88th birthday! On February 14, 1935, 3Rivers opened our doors as International Harvester Company Fort Wayne Works Employees Federal Credit Union. While our name has gotten shorter, we’ve grown in every other way!

We’ve expanded our footprint, currently operating 22 branches throughout northeast, central, and east central Indiana, and St. Marys, Ohio. We’ve gone from $250 in assets to $2.2B and three employees to nearly 500.

Most importantly, though, is the longstanding trust our now 110,000 members have put in us to help them reach their financial goals over the decades. Helping our members and celebrating their achievements is what inspires us to continue growing.

Getting the keys to their first cars and first homes, traveling the world, earning degrees, starting families, opening businesses, living debt free, retiring early… each of our members has their own, unique dreams, and we’re here to support all of them!

Thank you to our members, our employees, and our community for allowing us to be a part of your stories. We appreciate you!

[Check out our transformation: Our headquarters at the International Harvester campus in 1935 and our corporate office at Northland Blvd. today!]
February 19, 2023 post by Harvester Homecoming on Facebook:

We are proud to help with this endeavor and hope everyone will contribute to PBS Fort Wayne to make it happen. Funding has been secured to keep the ball rolling!

Fill out the donor application placed in the comments section here to be a part of this: https://vimeo.com/586431955

PBS Fort Wayne, the northeast Indiana, northwest Ohio PBS station plans to create a historical documentary bringing to life the history of International Harvester in our community. The documentary, with Ryan DuVall serving as executive producer, will be thoroughly researched not just using archival information from newspaper, broadcast news reports, International Harvester resources, and anecdotal information, it will be told by those who worked there.

The documentary will be produced by the award-winning production team at PBS Fort Wayne.

The story of International Harvester in Fort Wayne starts with construction on the production facility in 1922 with the first trucks rolling off the assembly line in 1923. The Fort Wayne plant (known as The Fort Wayne Truck Works) was a big producer of trucks and wartime vehicles during WWII employing more than 10,500 people at its peak.

Harvester ceased production of the Scout in 1980 and in July 1983 all truck manufacturing operations were moved to Springfield, OH with the last truck rolling off the Fort Wayne Works assembly line.

PBS Fort Wayne, Northeast Indiana’s unofficial historian will tell the story of trial and triumph, of invention and innovation in this planned documentary.

This story will be revealed through conversations with former employees along with owners and collectors of International Harvester Scouts and Heavy-Duty Trucks. Some stories have already been recorded. With your help we will be able to bring this story of how multiple generations of families worked and played alongside their Harvester family leaving an indelible mark on Fort Wayne.

PBS Fort Wayne welcomes your contributions to help bring this story to life. Your donation (no matter the size) will help fund this large undertaking and cement your commitment of quality television programming to the community of PBS viewers. Contributors to this special project will be recognized at the beginning and end of the documentary. Major corporate donations are being sought as well. The program will air multiple times on PBS Fort Wayne and its sub-channel PBS Explore and will be offered for broadcast at other PBS stations upon completion. Copies of the program will also be available for purchase following its premier.

HARVESTER DOCUMENTARY TRAILER.mp4 from PBS Fort Wayne on Vimeo.
International Harvestor Refrigerator

February 28, 2023 post by Harvester Homecoming on Facebook:

But do these recipes work in other refrigerators or only under the magic cooling power of a Harvester? Also, Shrimp Tomato Mold for the win. Big thanks to Steve Tiny Michaels for the donation!
March 3, 2023 post by Harvester Homecoming on Facebook:

😪 the dream is gone for #fortwayneindiana. But we are still excited about the future if this company and its vision. Hopefully we can help and play a role in some way going forward.
I wonder if this little girl seeing the Scout for the first time in the Navigator Room of the engineering center during...
Posted by Harvester Homecoming on Sunday, March 19, 2023

Sunday, March 19, 2023 post by Harvester Homecoming on Facebook:

I wonder if this little girl seeing the Scout for the first time in the Navigator Room of the engineering center during an open house Jan. 21, 1961 ever got one when she grew up. And look at how roomy this newfangled vehicle was! Plenty of room for all of the kids! Scout Motors INTERNATIONAL TRUCKS #internationalscout #fortwayne #HeavyDutyTrucks #ihtruck #scout80 #scoutii #harvesterhomecoming
May 1, 2023 post by Harvester Homecoming on Facebook:

We got that 1932 rolling ... and dumping! Thanks to Arthur Gillis Cookies Man and Fred Douglas Newhouse for their great efforts!
Latest addition to the collection. Huge thanks to Star Truck Rentals Incorporated and Fred Hoffman for being so generous. #1916 #redbaby
Posted by Harvester Homecoming on Friday, May 26, 2023

Friday, May 26, 2023 post by Harvester Homecoming on Facebook:

Latest addition to the collection. Huge thanks to Star Truck Rentals Incorporated and Fred Hoffman for being so generous. #1916 #redbaby
August 7, 2023 post by Harvester Homecoming on Facebook:

Another little peek at our documentary with PBS Fort Wayne

Heavy Duty Truck Capital of the World, International Harvester Documentary Trailer from PBS Fort Wayne on Vimeo.
August 18, 2023 post by Harvester Homecoming on Facebook:

Lucky to meet the lovely Linda Stevenson today! That is her on the cover in 1960 and her today!
August 23, 2023 post by Genealogy Center on Facebook:

It's #waybackwednesday! Take a look at this photo from the Harter Postcard Collection in our Community Album. This image depicts the Fort Wayne International Harvester plant as it appeared circa 1930.

For more historic photos, check out our Community Album: http://contentdm.acpl.lib.in.us/
August 22, 2023 post by Indiana Landmarks on Facebook:

[The former International Harvester Engineering Building is shown first on the latest list of Hoosier landmarks in jeopardy.]

Today, Indiana Landmarks announces its #10MostEndangered, an annual list of Hoosier landmarks in jeopardy.

The list includes an architect-designed industrial building; a threatened Victorian neighborhood; historic fraternal lodges; a significant Queen Anne home; a former movie palace; an Art Deco skyscraper; a commercial block that embodies Indiana’s limestone legacy; a manufacturing mogul’s neglected mansion; a long vacant county home; and a church designed by a trailblazing Black architect.

Places that land on the 10 Most Endangered list often face a combination of problems rather than a single threat—abandonment, neglect, dilapidation, obsolete use, development pressure, or owners who simply lack money for repairs.

“Indiana Landmarks uses its 10 Most Endangered list in several ways. Sometimes it serves an educational role. It functions as an advocacy tool. And it can assist in raising funds needed to save a place,” says Marsh Davis, president of the nonprofit preservation organization. “Each endangered place tells a distinct story, and each faces its own set of challenges. In all cases, when an endangered place lands on our list, we commit to seeking solutions that lead to rescue and revitalization,” he adds.

Visit 10 Most Endangered Going...Going...Not Quite Gone the places we could lose unless we act to see the full list of endangered properties and watch our account in the coming days to learn more about each site. : Thomas and Louisa Little House in Plainfield by Evan Hale

#indianalandmarks #10MostEndangered #savingmeaningfulplaces #deserve2preserve
August 23, 2023 post by The Journal Gazette on Facebook:

The former International Harvester engineering building is on the latest list of Hoosier landmarks in jeopardy.

Former Harvester engineering building on endangered landmark list
August 24, 2023 post by Indiana Landmarks on Facebook:

10 Days of #10MostEndangered - sites in imminent jeopardy on Indiana Landmarks' 10 Most Endangered List in 2023. Day 2: International Harvester Engineering Building in #FortWayne

In Fort Wayne, few companies loom as large in local memory as International Harvester. From 1923 until 1983, the company manufactured more than 1.5 million heavy-duty trucks and over 500 thousand Scouts (an early sports utility vehicle) from a complex on the city’s east side. Its prolific output earned its Truck Plant 1 the nickname "The Heavy-Duty Truck Capitol of thIn Fort Wayne, few companies loom as large in local memory as International Harvester. From 1923 until 1983, the company manufactured more than 1.5 million heavy-duty trucks and over 500 thousand Scouts (an early sports utility vehicle) from a complex on the city’s east side. Its prolific output earned its Truck Plant 1 the nickname "The Heavy-Duty Truck Capitol of the World."

The architectural firm of Albert Kahn & Associates designed the 1950-1952 Engineering Building on Meyer Road, taking inspiration from the shape of the International Harvester logo. For decades, every truck International Harvester put on the road was designed, developed, and tested at the building and nearby track. From 1986 to 2012, Navistar International owned the building, continuing its use as an engineering facility. It was later acquired by a local developer.

In 2019, enthusiasts launched Harvester Homecoming at the site, a festival that draws hundreds of vehicles and thousands of attendees, and, in cooperation with the site’s owner, began using the Engineering Building to house 65 International Harvester and Navistar trucks and artifacts. It’s an arrangement Harvester Homecoming hopes to formalize by turning the building into a permanent museum, but earlier this year Allen County Commissioners acquired a parcel along Meyer Road that includes the Engineering Building with intent to build a new jail on the undeveloped land and consider the building for county offices. Harvester Homecoming is concerned for the landmark’s future, as another developer has already demolished the nearby former test track.

As an important link to Fort Wayne’s automotive heritage, the Engineering Building merits protection and a reuse that celebrates and shares its story.

Visit https://www.indianalandmarks.org/10-most-endangered/ to see all the 10 Most Endangered. : Evan Hale⁠

#indianalandmarks #10MostEndangered #savingmeaningfulplaces #deserve2preserve #internationalharvester #harvesterhomecoming
August 28, 2023 post by Harvester Homecoming on Facebook:

More great pics! Thanks to Chris Mercer for lending his talents!

[notice the brick floors in some of the photos: 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, - see brick streets]
September 27, 2023 post by IH Parts America Inc on Facebook:

Looking back at @harvesterhomecoming and seeing how cool it was to see the first Scout made sitting next to the last Scout to roll off the Fort Wayne assembly line.

#ihpartsamerica #harvesterhomecoming #ihscout #firstscout #lastscout
International Harvester Engineering Building is shown first in the this 6-minute video.

Indiana Landmarks' 10 Most Endangered 2023
⚠️ Every day, all year long, Indiana Landmarks works to revitalize historic structures that give our communities visible connections to their past and lend irreplaceable visual character to the streetscape. Once a year, we announce the #10MostEndangered, a list of historic places on the brink of extinction and too important to lose. Watch to learn more about the 2023 list or visit https://www.indianalandmarks.org/10-most-endangered #savingmeaningfulplaces #indianalandmarks #HistoricPreservation
Posted by Indiana Landmarks on Friday, October 6, 2023

Friday, October 6, 2023 post by Indiana Landmarks on Facebook:

Every day, all year long, Indiana Landmarks works to revitalize historic structures that give our communities visible connections to their past and lend irreplaceable visual character to the streetscape. Once a year, we announce the #10MostEndangered, a list of historic places on the brink of extinction and too important to lose.

Watch to learn more about the 2023 list or visit 10 Most Endangered Going...Going...Not Quite Gone The Places We Could Lose Unless We Act
Last Scout II Tribute
On this day in 1980, the last production Scout II rolled off the assembly line in Fort Wayne, but that wasn't the end. Scouts always come back to lead the way, and this Scout is no different. We recently had the fortune to film and photograph the last Scout II in the studio, generously loaned from one of our community members, Mike Bolton. Having the opportunity, this early, to document the history of our brand has been a blessing for gaining a deeper understanding on how we can carry the spirit of the classics forward. The last of a generation, an icon, inspiring the next generation of Scout vehicles, and the future of automotive and lifestyle. #theworldneedsscouts #scoutmotors #scout
Posted by Scout Motors on Saturday, October 21, 2023

Saturday, October 21, 2023 post by Scout Motors on Facebook:

Last Scout II Tribute

On this day in 1980, the last production Scout II rolled off the assembly line in Fort Wayne, but that wasn't the end. Scouts always come back to lead the way, and this Scout is no different.

We recently had the fortune to film and photograph the last Scout II in the studio, generously loaned from one of our community members, Mike Bolton.

Having the opportunity, this early, to document the history of our brand has been a blessing for gaining a deeper understanding on how we can carry the spirit of the classics forward.

The last of a generation, an icon, inspiring the next generation of Scout vehicles, and the future of automotive and lifestyle.
Here in Blythewood, South Carolina, where the soil is literally made of iron, and the people possess an iron will to...
Posted by Scout Motors on Thursday, February 15, 2024

Thursday, February 15, 2024 post by Scout Motors on Facebook:

Here in Blythewood, South Carolina, where the soil is literally made of iron, and the people possess an iron will to succeed, we’re putting down our roots and restoring American manufacturing. Today, we honor our hard-working heritage and celebrate our future as we break ground on our new Scout Motors Production Center.

Thank you Harvester Homecoming and the Tippmann family for the generous gift of this brick from the original Scout Plant. It will help build the foundation for our new Production Center, where we will build the next generation of Scouts.
Watch our upcoming documentary: "Truck Town: The History of International Harvester in Fort Wayne," EARLY! Early screening takes place at Purdue Fort Wayne Auer Performance Hall on June 3rd at 6:30pm. Tickets are free, but are required for entry. Claim your ticket here: https://www.ticketreturn.com/prod2new/team.asp?SponsorID=17484 #trucktownpbs #internationalharvester Truck Town is being produced with the support of Harvester Homecoming
Posted by PBS Fort Wayne on Monday, May 13, 2024

Monday, May 13, 2024 post by PBS Fort Wayne on Facebook:

Watch our upcoming documentary: "Truck Town: The History of International Harvester in Fort Wayne," EARLY!

Truck Town is being produced with the support of Harvester Homecoming
Learn the history of the Fort Wayne Truck Works, and the impact it had on our community, in "Truck Town: The History of...
Posted by PBS Fort Wayne on Friday, May 17, 2024

Friday, May 17, 2024post by PBS Fort Wayne on Facebook:

Learn the history of the Fort Wayne Truck Works, and the impact it had on our community, in "Truck Town: The History of International Harvester in Fort Wayne," EARLY!

Truck Town is being produced with the support of Harvester Homecoming

[ We supplied 80% of all the trucks to build the Hoover Dam, which was the biggest public works project in the country's history. Tom Clark Navistar Corporate Historian ]
Great spending time with the good folks at Scout Motors and Richard Hatch, Dave Dickmeyer, Jim Poiry and ClarAnn Bengs...
Posted by Harvester Homecoming on Tuesday, July 9, 2024

Tuesday, July 9, 2024 post by Harvester Homecoming on Facebook:

Great spending time with the good folks at Scout Motors and Richard Hatch, Dave Dickmeyer, Jim Poiry and ClarAnn Bengs today. The company was shooting some historic videos (after being inspired by a certain documentary ). It was a blast!
Over 500,000 Scouts were built before production ended in 1980. A Scout II™ in Tahitian Red paint trundled down the...
Posted by Scout Motors on Monday, July 15, 2024

Monday, July 15, 2024 post by Scout Motors on Facebook:

Over 500,000 Scouts were built before production ended in 1980.

A Scout II™ in Tahitian Red paint trundled down the production line in Fort Wayne, Indiana on Monday, October 21. It would be the last Scout vehicle to leave the factory.

Hit the Scout Stories link in our bio to read the full story about how this one-of-a-kind vehicle served its original owners, the Garst family, on their adventures and ultimately landed in the hands of its current steward, Mike Bolton.
New Haven Mayor Steve McMichael today called local land "the field of dreams" as he announced a $12 million museum joining a city development.
Posted by The Journal Gazette on Wednesday, July 24, 2024

Wednesday, July 24, 2024 post by The Journal Gazette on Facebook:

New Haven Mayor Steve McMichael today called local land "the field of dreams" as he announced a $12 million museum joining a city development.
The complete press conference!
Posted by Harvester Homecoming on Wednesday, July 24, 2024

Wednesday, July 24, 2024 post by Harvester Homecoming on Facebook:

The complete press conference!

New Haven to establish Harvester Homecoming Museum July 24, 2024

New Haven to establish Harvester Homecoming Museum July 24, 2024 on YouTube.
Cartoon in today's The Journal Gazette by Ryan's longtime buddy Gregg Bender ! Gregg designed our inaugural poster and...
Posted by Harvester Homecoming on Friday, August 2, 2024

Friday, August 2, 2024 post by Harvester Homecoming on Facebook:

Cartoon in today's The Journal Gazette by Ryan's longtime buddy Gregg Bender ! Gregg designed our inaugural poster and this year's shirt design is based on one of his concepts from back then. Ryan is so proud to see all of the support come our way, especially from his longtime employer. This journey is amazing!
It truly is a Homecoming. 🥲 Thank you all for joining our family.
Posted by Harvester Homecoming on Saturday, August 3, 2024

Saturday, August 3, 2024 post by Harvester Homecoming on Facebook:

It truly is a Homecoming. Thank you all for joining our family.
Mike Durbin is such a great guy and a great photographer! So glad he lends his talents to us!
Posted by Harvester Homecoming on Tuesday, August 13, 2024

Tuesday, August 13, 2024 post by Harvester Homecoming on Facebook:

Mike Durbin is such a great guy and a great photographer! So glad he lends his talents to us!

August 13, 2024 shared post:

Mike Durbin is with Ryan DuVall and 3 others

The 6th Annual Harvester Homecoming Festival took place on August 2nd & 3rd at the old IH Heavy-Duty Truck Plant in Fort Wayne. Here's a look at what I captured during my time out there. #harvesterhomecoming2024
Some cool stuff from hard-working HH volunteer Aaron Macklin!!
Posted by Harvester Homecoming on Wednesday, August 14, 2024

Wednesday, August 14, 2024 shared video post by Harvester Homecoming on Facebook:

Some cool stuff from hard-working HH volunteer Aaron Macklin!!
1st massive photo dump by our good buddy Chris Mercer! He lends his skills to us every year and makes a long trip to do so and we live him for it. Now, if we could just get him to bring his Scout ... 😁
Posted by Harvester Homecoming on Thursday, August 15, 2024

Thursday, August 15, 2024 post by Harvester Homecoming on Facebook:

1st massive photo dump by our good buddy Chris Mercer! He lends his skills to us every year and makes a long trip to do so and we live him for it. Now, if we could just get him to bring his Scout ...
More good history and good stuff about us! Thanks to Dezaray and Input Fort Wayne!
Posted by Harvester Homecoming on Friday, September 20, 2024

Friday, September 20, 2024 post by Harvester Homecoming on Facebook:

More good history and good stuff about us! Thanks to Dezaray and Input Fort Wayne!

Local nonprofit honors the legacy and lasting impact of International Harvester in Allen County
On October 21, 1980, the last production Scout truck rolled off the line in Fort Wayne, Indiana. But that wasn’t the end...
Posted by Scout Motors on Monday, October 21, 2024

Monday, October 21, 2024 post by Scout Motors on Facebook:

On October 21, 1980, the last production Scout truck rolled off the line in Fort Wayne, Indiana. But that wasn’t the end of our story, it was only the beginning.

For the past 44 years the torch has been carried by a passionate community of makers, dreamers and restorers.

Thank you for sharing your love and memories with us. Special thanks to Bart Snyder, Ben Conner, Bill Linsmayer, Brittany Baker, Chris Lindner, Christopher ONeill, Drew Thomas, Hunter Lane, Jen Rogers, Kirk Porter, Matthew Burke, Matthew Mahaffey, Mike Moore, Neal Klinman, Ryan Reynolds, Scott Sargent, Zach Sinz, Howie Lederfind, Derek Cheshire, Lindsey and Doug Hyland, Sean Barber, Chris Hunt.

This one’s for all of you.

The new era begins on October 24th, @4pm CDT at Scout Motors
44 Years ago the last scout was produced in Fort Wayne, IN. Check out these picutres taken that day! In just a few...
Posted by IH Parts America Inc on Monday, October 21, 2024

Monday, October 21, 2024 post by IH Parts America Inc on Facebook:

44 Years ago the last scout was produced in Fort Wayne, IN. Check out these picutres taken that day! [ October 21, 1980 ]

In just a few days Scout Motors is has a new generation they are debuting.
SCOUTS ALWAYS COME BACK.
In 1980, the last Scout truck rolled off the assembly line in Fort Wayne, Indiana. In 2024, the first new vehicle in generations to carry the Scout badge, will roll off the line, ushering in a whole new era of off-road exploration. This one’s for all those who never forgot: Scouts always come back.
Posted by Scout Motors on Thursday, October 24, 2024

Thursday, October 24, 2024 post by Scout Motors on Facebook:

SCOUTS ALWAYS COME BACK.

In 1980, the last Scout truck rolled off the assembly line in Fort Wayne, Indiana. In 2024, the first new vehicle in generations to carry the Scout badge, will roll off the line, ushering in a whole new era of off-road exploration. This one’s for all those who never forgot: Scouts always come back.
Included on Indiana Landmarks' 2024 #10MostEndangered list, the future is still uncertain for Fort Wayne's 1952...
Posted by Indiana Landmarks on Tuesday, December 17, 2024

Tuesday, December 17, 2024 post by Indiana Landmarks on Facebook:

Included on Indiana Landmarks' 2024 #10MostEndangered list, the future is still uncertain for Fort Wayne's 1952 International Harvester Engineering Building.

On Thursday, November 14, Ryan DuVall, founder and CEO of Harvester Homecoming, presented a talk for Indiana Landmarks on the status of the site, including an overview of International Harvester's history and the unique features of the Engineering Building, custom designed by architectural firm Albert Kahn and Associates for International Harvester's meticulous development and testing of International Harvester vehicles.

If you missed the presentation, the full recording is available to watch now at Fort Wayne's Harvester History - Ryan DuVall

: Evan Hale and courtesy Harvester Homecoming

Fort Wayne's Harvester History - Ryan DuVall Dec 11, 2024 Indiana Landmarks on YouTube

In Fort Wayne, pride in Indiana’s automotive heritage runs deep. From 1923 until 1983, International Harvester manufactured more than 1.5 million heavy-duty trucks and over 500,000 Scouts (an early sports utility vehicle) from a complex on the city’s east side, earning its Truck Plant 1 the nickname “The Heavy-Duty Truck Capitol of the World.”

Ryan DuVall, founder and CEO of Harvester Homecoming, presents an illustrated talk on the history and legacy of International Harvester, including the significance of Fort Wayne’s 1952 International Harvester Engineering Building, a 2023 and 2024 entry on Indiana Landmarks’ 10 Most Endangered list. Starting in 2019, nonprofit Harvester Homecoming https://harvesterhomecoming.com/ used the landmark as a rallying point for preserving the company’s heritage, housing 65 International Harvester and Navistar vehicles and company artifacts there, and hosting an annual festival at the site that draws thousands of Harvester fans and former workers. That changed in 2023 when Allen County Commissioners acquired the site with plans to build a new jail on the undeveloped land. While no design plans have been approved yet, preservation advocates want to ensure that any new use respects the building’s architectural significance and important role in Fort Wayne’s manufacturing history. This event was hosted on November 14, 2024 by Indiana Automotive, a member affinity group of Indiana Landmarks. Learn more about Indiana Landmarks: https://www.indianalandmarks.org/