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Most large farm equipment manufacturers had factories across the country. The country was split up into districts which did the sales and distribution of the equipment to the local dealers. Who would deliver it to the farmer and do service and handle parts for repairs. "150 Years of International Harvester" C.H. Wendel 1981 ISBN No. 0-912612-18-5 Is an early history of IH. Not sure if there are newer histories of the company. Try interlibrary loan to read a copy. The Truck shop for IH was still active into the 70's as I drove a brand-new pickup for the Fox Valley Park Dist. in the summer of '68. out of the warehouse. Took in to an inspection and it did not pass so had to take it to the FVPD Garage on River St. so they could fix it. The John Deere Dist. Office at one time was also on the Alley two doors down from the West Aurora Freight House before moving across the river north of the Shops on Broadway. Steve in SC
On Thursday, September 3, 2020, 06:12:18 PM EDT, Ashley Sarver <asarver@studiogwa.com> wrote:
Hi there,
This bulletin proved very helpful to a team member of mine a few years ago as we did research for the Middle Avenue/Alley Job Historic District in Aurora, IL. Please excuse my ignorance on this topic, as I am still learning more each time I do research on buildings on the important role of rail – however, I am no rail expert. I have another building I am working on getting listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the original International Harvester building at 6-12 N River St. in Aurora.
Now, I am seeking information about the role of the rail in the agricultural implements business. Does anyone have a resource, or can provide anecdotal insight into how it was that these large implements were sold; i.e. a farmer walks into a farm implement showroom (ala International Harvester) and decides to purchase a tractor. How was it that that tractor got to their farm? Or how was it that that farmer might have gotten that machinery repaired? The rail is obviously critical to their business model as almost all IH stores are located along a rail line. In Aurora, that’s the CB&Q. But I need to get more details on the purchasing/marketing/logistics of the purchase, sale, and delivery of equipment.
Thank you in advance!
Ashley
Ashley Sarver Senior Urban Planner
O: 815-963-1900 | C: 815-315-3452 | www.studiogwa.com
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