In 1909, the Wm Kelly Co - Plumbing & Heating - purchased its first truck, a high-wheeled International McCormick, known as the International Auto Wagon. Note the custom "lift gate" made from what else -- pipe and pipe fittings! Photograph taken near 109 S Pine St., Grand Island, NE.

Pictured above:

Robert Cunningham	George Yates	William Kelly (owner)
Harry Lindeman	Joe Lysinger	Robert Kelly (Brother of Wm. Kelly and Martin Kelly)

"WM KELLY CO HEATING" Obscured by mud from the dirt streets of Grand Island.

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International Harvester began producing motor trucks in 1907. The 1909 International Auto Wagon, the model purchased by the Wm Kelly Co, was designed as a delivery truck. At left is a picture of a similar vehicle, driven by another proud owner of a sturdy Auto Wagon.

With the rear seat removed, the Auto-Wagon could participate in daily work around the farm, and on Sunday with the rear seat in place, it could also carry the family to church in style. Sold through International dealers that traditionally handled farm equipment, and built purposely to look as much like a buggy as possible, these 'high-wheelers' had solid rubber tires and large wheels to allow for high clearance on the unpaved country roads.

In 1909, Auto-Wagons had horizontally-opposed, air-cooled engines - located under the front seat and bed - and its rear bead could be fitted with one or two passenger seats, carrying up to nine people. The tank on the front of the vehicle with the familiar IHC insignia is a gas tank, not a radiator, as the air-cooled engine didn't need a water reserve. By 1911, International Harvester was building 'high-wheelers' in truck form only and less than a year later, they were out of auto production completely, although they continued to build trucks for many years.