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Armstrong Tractor Parts Department
Tribune photo published October 11,1954

To the left is Tom Kirby, Ames farmer who had just dropped in for some anti-freeze and lubrication for his tractor.  Back of the counter and the next man in the photo is Hans Mesenbrink, Max Armstrong, corporation president and manager, Jim Berhow, parts department manager, and Don Smith, bookkeeper.  With his back to the camera is Gene Reeley, of Fort Dodge.  In addition to a complete line of farm implements the Armstrong firm sells the IHC line of electric refrigerators, home freezers and room air conditioners.

Pictured is the Armstrong Tractor & Truck company building located at 118-120 Lincoln Way.  The IHC emblem on the top of the building is a warm invitation to farmers to come in.

Max had heard that many farmers living near Ames had "shied" away from Ames.  Some had said that they didn't feel exactly comfortable here.  Others said that they couldn't find what they wanted here.  A few said that "we don't like to drive our tractors down Main street.  It's too congested."  What Ames needs is a top notch farm implement store, Max concluded, and started out to do something about it.

In company with his brother, J. D. Armstrong, an Ames contractor, Max organized the Armstrong Tractor and Truck Co., Inc., bought out the Luglan Implement company operated by Gus Luglan, and started to make his dreams come true.  The reasoning in their minds was that: 1. Luglan owned the International Harvestor Company franchise in Ames.  International manufactured the most complete line of farm implements in the business, so it would be good to have.  2. They would build a new building on Lincoln Way, where all customers would have easy access to their store without having to drive their tractors down Main street.  3. They would establish the most complete repair service department for farm implements, tractors and trucks possible, and 4. They would use their best efforts to give all farmers in the Ames territory the type of farm store and the high quality, friendly service that they needed and wanted.

These goals have been accomplished, and the proof is in a steadily increasing volume of business through the past nine years.  When the Armstrong Tractor and Truck Co. moved into their new building at 120 Lincoln Way, they had allowed plenty of space for their parts department, and plenty of space for their service department.  They aim to carry all of the parts in stock that normally need replacing.  Any unusual requirement can be supplied from a nearby parts depot within a 24-hour period of time.  Truck replacement parts also are quickly available so that a customer need not wait long for repairs.

This view shows the service department of the firm.  To the left is an IHC truck, in the background is a corn picker and to the right is an IHC combine in the process of being assembled.  The men in the picture, left to right, are Keith Lee, a truck operator, Marvin Swenson, truck mechanic, Bernie Mesenbrink, set-up man, Marian Ihle, mechanic, Adolph Sestrum, mechanic, Cliff Markley, set-up man, and Hans Mesenbrink, shop foreman.

Last August, Armstrong Tractor and Truck company bought out the E. E. Aarvig Implement company in Story City.  Kenneth Holdredge, who had been an outside salesman for the company here took over as manager, and now has an operation in Story City very much like that in Ames.  Both locations are operated under the same name.

In summing up his impressions of operating a farm implement business, Max insists that it is a most interesting business.  "I have found it to be a fascination job." he said.  "And while our service department is operated at a loss each year, we feel that it is absolutely necessary to be able to service all types of farm equipment, to give good fast repair service, to make our place the place where the farmer knows he can get just what he needs, and when he needs it."  Don Smith, the firm bookkeeper, confirmed that the shop does operate at a financial loss, but said, "We couldn't do without it."

Mr. and Mrs. Armstrong and their four children live in a farm home south of Ames on Highway 69.

The former Max Armstrong IHC dealership building at 120 Lincoln Way today houses Trickle's Tire and Automotive and Hometown Cash Advance.  Max owned the twin buildings at 120 and 128 Lincoln Way.  He originally operated Armstrong Nash Inc. at the 120 location with manager R.S. Hannay and G.H. Bergendahl as service manager.  At that time Armstrong Tractor and Truck Company used the building at 128 Lincoln Way.  By 1954, he moved Armstrong Tractor and Truck Co. to the 120 location, while Home Furnishing and Appliance was located at 128.

Max Armstrong sold Nash cars from 120 Lincoln Way when this 1949 advertisement was published.

Tribune photo published June 18, 1957

This morning from Nevada, a four county caravan of semi-trucks loaded with 80 (2 M.H. International) corn pickers left on their way to dealers in Hardin, Boone, Hamilton and Story counties.  A breakfast was served by International Harvester to 65 persons representing truck drivers, dealers, bankers, and newsmen.  Then the caravan with the $175,000 worth of pickers started on its way.  Other such caravans are scheduled for Lake City, Clarion and Pocahontas the coming week.

Does this undated Tribune photo show the shop area of Armstrong Tractor and Truck Company?
Contact the Ames Historical Society if you know the location or can identify those pictured.

...this appears to me to have been taken in Ag Engineering (now Davidson Hall) on ISU grounds.  I had many labs in that building as an undergrad.  The paint and decor is probably the same in the photo as it was in the 70's when I was a student.  The courtyard in the back ground exists between the two wings of the building and I believe that this was taken in the West wing looking towards the SE (directionally).

Some more thoughts on the tractors and the dates.  The IH model is a Super C, which replaced the C.  The Super models were in the IH lineup from 1951-1954, when the numbered models came out...Super C was replaced by the 200 model in 1954-55. The Cockshut 40 in the background was produced 1954-1957, the Ford model 960 was produced 1954-1957.  Based on the dates of production it would appear that the photo could not have been taken before 1954 (to have the Ford and Cockshut there).  If the Super C was a holdover it could be even later, but it also could be still be current production in 1954.  I guess the year could be 1954, as they all look fairly new and not too worn, but on closer look the wear on the tire rubber and fluid spills on the tin on the Super C make it look like it could be older than the Cockshut and the Ford...they look factory fresh on paint.  The Massey Harris also has some fluid spills, etc.  (see gas cap and dusty ring from fueling).  I don't see the model of the Massey Harris, but I know that the make was not produced after 1958 when by merger they became Massey-Ferguson, I can't see the model here.  I would suggest more like the years 1954-1957 based on the tractor models there and their fresh paint.