News : 1949 truck donated to historic collection in honor of Dell & Mona Hanson

Dell and Mona Hanson pose with the antique truck donated in their honor to an Iowa museum.

A 1949 International KB-2 pickup is being donated to The Hemken Collection of Williams, Iowa in honor of its former owners, Dell and Mona Hanson of Vinton.

Dell and Mona were the long time owners of Farmers Sales and Service in Vinton. While they sold and serviced many types of equipment their passion was the International. Farmers Sales and Service was a former International Dealership. Many decades ago, they acquired this International pickup. Dell worked on the mechanics of the truck and his son, Tom Hanson, owner of Tom’s Auto Restoration in Vinton, wonderfully restored the body. It was then kept under cover with limited use.

In 2011, Dell and Mona closed the doors for the last time on their long time business. They held an auction of their inventory including the 1949 International.

Mark and Minda Dearden, then living in Vinton, were the high bidders at the auction and became the new owners. Dell was gracious enough to help keep the truck running and do some of the mechanical repairs needed. Mike Reifenstahl of Vinton is a friend and former co-worker of Mark’s. He restored the pickups mechanics, engine and interior to its former stock condition.

"The entire Dearden family is so fortunate to be close friends with the Hanson’. We have been through a lot of great times together and a few challenging ones as well. With this friendship in mind we felt that donating this great piece of American History that Dell and Mona cherished was a fitting tribute to them. Now many future generations can enjoy this wonderful truck from the past," said Mark Dearden. "This is a gift from the Dearden Family -- Mark and Minda, and children Mikayla, Emily, Eden and Annika."

See more about the Hemken Connection HERE.