Identify these Trucks

[cjcride]

PF52's post seems to be one of these 1957 International pickups.
The headlight with combined signal/running lights are unique

 

[02SE]

All the unique visual cues are there. I think you got it.

The bigger truck looks like a 1946-47 Mercury.

View attachment 245189

 

[ecotourist]

I can't see anything inconsistent with the '46 - '47 Mercury. And if you squint, the sides of the hood look very much like the distinctive ones above.

To fit our understanding of the time-line they should have had the small truck (presumably a Fargo 1/2 ton) earlier than the tanker truck. My assumption had been that they were buying a new tanker truck but that might not have been the case. The tank part likely didn't come with the truck, and could well have been older and second hand.

We'll have to check the letters. They should give us some additional information on dates as well.