Allen County, Indiana Genealogy

International Harvester Fort Wayne, Indiana

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.

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 Tin 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.
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!
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 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 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 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