MAY 2005 WHAT EVER HAPPENED TO...

THIS COMPANY’S NAME
SAYS IT ALL
Story and Photo by Truck Historian/Author Stan Holtzman

(Click on image for larger photo)

Joe Louis Robinson drove this “Cherrypicker” International day cab rig for Paramount Chemical Company of Montebello, California. This photo was taken around 1958 at Paramount’s facility. Colors of this unit were red and white, and while I don’t know the specs on this rig, it would be safe to say that the power was probably a 220 horsepower Cummins engine. Paramount Chemical was a leading producer of insecticides and the “Drop Dead” product was a common household item in the 1950s and ‘60s. This neat 18-wheeler ran Southern California, delivering the company’s various products to local grocery warehouses. I don’t know if Paramount is still in business or whether they got taken over by another company. If anyone can tell me if Joe Louis Robinson or Paramount is still around, I can be reached at 1-888-440-4104. Be sure to visit my website at www.linerigs.com today.