This month, I was fortunate enough to come into contact with Darrell Darst, Editor of Harvester Highlights (National Quarterly Magazine) and Vice President of the National Club. With the help of the World Wide Web and email, Darrell was kind enough to answer my questions concerning the club.

Michael:

Darrell, when did the International Harvester Collector’s Club, Inc. begin?

Darrell:

The IH Collectors Club was organized July 1990. Currently, there are over 5600 members, from 49 states and several other countries. There are 31 active chapters sanctioned to promote local involvement, with interest in chapters continually expanding.

Michael:

What is the purpose of the club?

Darrell:

The Purpose of the club is to: Establish the International Harvester Collectors as an identity to which collectors of IH products can relate: promote IH collecting, restoration and show displays through communication among members; help preserve, research and complete the history of the IH company; aid shows who feature IH with a file of member's show pieces; hold a large annual show (Red Power Roundup) in conjunction with an IH feature at a different host show each year.

Michael:

If someone is interested in joining the International Harvester Collector’s Club, how would they do it?

Darrell:

You can go to our website (www.ihcollectors.org) or write to:

IH Collectors-Membership

Dept. 310 Busse Hwy., PMB 250

Park Ridge, IL

60068-3251

Another great way to join is to sign up at any of our shows across the country. National dues are $15 per year.

Plowing with McCormick WD-6 tractor

Michael:

How has the Internet helped the International Harvester Collector’s Club in recent years?

Darrell:

Yes, the Internet has really helped our Club. It has helped our club grow in members and interest, communication, and especially with the publishing of our magazine, Harvester Highlights.

Two men having a conversation next to an International 5088 tractor.

Michael:

What is the Red Power Roundup that collectors hear about each year and what is its importance?

Darrell:

It is the National summer show that is sponsored by Chapters in a different state each year. We have reached the 1000 tractor mark and beyond a few years ago. When we first started we used fairs and steam shows to help us, but we have been on our own for a few years.

Harvesting corn with International 815 Hydrostatic combine and International 574 tractor with wagon.

Michael:

Darrell, I have never had the opportunity to go to a Red Power Roundup. What would I see at this show?

Darrell:

If you like anything IH made (tractors, milkers, trucks, refrigeration, cub cadets, construction, etc), a Red Power Round Up is the place to go. There are Parts vendors, seminars, national meeting, parades, toys, flea markets and lots and lots of IH products.

IH 4366 with field cultivator

Michael:

What importance dates should we keep in mind for the remainder of the year?

Darrell:

Lebanon, Tennessee July 21-22-23, 2005

National Auction Troy, Missouri Nov 12 & 13, 2004 (moves from state to state as does the Winter Convention)

Winter Convention Feb 24-26, 2005 (Madison, Wisconsin)

Each of our 29 active State Chapter has their own local event each year.

Also remember that we also have Chapters in Canada and Sweden. I send Highlights all over the world.

Last issue I printed 6,750 copies of Highlights.

Remember that you can visit our website for National and State Chapter updates and event information.

Michael:

Thank you Darrell for you help and information. Be sure to visit the website at www.ihcollectors.org. If you are an IH red enthusiast, you better join today!

1970's IH Dealership

^{TTT September  2004 Page 7}

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