Columbia and Montour Counties’ Summer Heritage Passport highlights some lesser-known cultural and heritage buildings near Bloomsburg, PA. One is the International Harvester Museum in Millville, PA, only a 20-minute drive north from The Inn, Farmhouse, and Brewing Co. at Turkey Hill. The Museum exhibits International Harvester’s agricultural, industrial, and military equipment, as well as other items from the mid-20th century.
Many farmers, including those in Pennsylvania and surrounding states, relied on their International Harvester equipment, believing in the company’s motto: “If it ain’t red, leave it in the shed.” The museum lets visitors “Step back in time when the International Harvester Company was king of the farm equipment business worldwide.”
As Liz Layton observed in Lancaster Farming, “These places were a hub of the news in town. If it was raining, farmers came to the dealership not to buy a part, but to shoot the bull. It was an important part of the community in those days. It was like a social club.”
For more information about Summer Heritage Passport’s other attractions, visit the Columbia and Montour Visitors Bureau. Three of the other Heritage Passport sites are in Bloomsburg, and five more are 15 miles or less away. The International Harvester Collectors Museum is on the way to Eagles Mere, where three more of the Passport attractions are located.
History
To increase brand identity shortly after World War II, the International Harvester Company created a prototype for a uniform building design and color.
Frank Bartlow began construction of his prototype IH dealership building in Millville in 1946. Millville was one of the first towns to use this design. Today, the building is one of only a few of these structures still standing in the United States. Bartlow’s dealership sold only agricultural equipment and home appliances.
The building’s sloping site required small changes to the prototype design. Most of the International Harvester iconography remained intact and is still visible on the museum’s façade today. The company specified a showroom front with large, multi-paned glass. A projecting tower displayed the IH logo and the dealer’s name.
The roof and tower were painted red to match the company’s tractors. The façade used a lighter color that complemented the showroom. Inside, the Millville dealership followed the standard prototype layout for the showroom and parts department.
National International Harvester Collectors Club
The IH Collectors Club was organized in July 1990 and continues to grow. Today, more than 7,000 members are affiliated with the organization, which spans 49 states and several other countries. Thirty-five active chapters promote local involvement, with interest in the program continuing to expand. The club creates a shared identity for International Harvester collectors. Members connect through collecting, restoration, research, and show displays. The club also works to preserve and complete the history of the International Harvester Company.
Chapters organize local interest and host annual chapter shows. Members work together to support the Red Power Round Up, Winter Conventions, and auctions. Chapters also provide local newsletters and hold meetings that include families. National membership dues cost $20 per year. Chapter dues vary by state. Members receive Harvester Highlights each quarter. The publication includes club news, committee reports, show listings, chapter updates, restoration information, and classified ads. Membership also provides insurance at sanctioned shows and access to national and regional events.
2026 IHC Winter Convention
The 2026 IHC Winter Convention is presented by the International Harvester Collectors of North Carolina, Chapter 42. The three-day event includes informative sessions and a trade show open to the public. Vendors offer parts, manuals, collectibles, and wearables. Entertainment takes place in the Tarheel Farmer. The schedule also features an IH auction, scenic tours, and farm equipment tours.
A banquet with Max Armstrong is included. The convention fee covers session access, entertainment, the banquet meal, and a reduced buyer premium at the auction. Profits support the chapter’s ongoing charity efforts. Past donations have supported 501(c)(3) organizations. These include food banks, crop gleaning organizations, children’s charities, scholarships, and hurricane relief.
Visit the Museum Any Time
The convention offers a special experience, but attendance is not required to enjoy the history. The International Harvester Museum welcomes visitors throughout the year. A visit makes a great stop on a family vacation—a hands-on lesson in history. Exhibits highlight the people, equipment, and stories that shaped the brand. Each visit offers a close look at International Harvester’s lasting impact.
A stay at the Inn at Turkey Hill completes the experience. The inn sits just steps from the museum. Guests can explore the exhibits and browse through some of the antique shops by day, then relax in comfort at night.
History and hospitality come together in one memorable visit. Book today!
Updated 2026
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