Researching my 1913 Touring... anyone from East/Central PA Remember Carl Rustine?

[James_Lyons-WV]

I am researching the history of my 1913 Model T I just bought. It spent its entire life in East/Central, Pennsylvania and was owned by Carl Rustine of Stroudsburg, PA from 1953 until just a few years ago when he passed. Prior to that, it was owned by William "Billy-Buck" Zellner, a confectionary store owner in Bucktown, PA from what is surmised as early as the 1920's until the sale to Carl Rustine in 53.

It appears that Carl's brother, Verdon, was also a co-owner as his name appeared on the title transfer at some point, and then the car was transferred to Verdon's son, William Rustine. William then sold the car to John Kelso, who I purchased it from a few weeks ago.

I know that Carl was an AACA member because he (and the car) is listed in the 1954 and 1957 "Register of automobiles" that was compiled by the AACA. The AACA wants $30 per hour to research topics like this so I am starting with the free options first before resorting to that.

The car was in the 1961 Glidden Tour (car/entrant number 54) and was also the car that the Franklin Mint used in 1992 as their example for making the precision model of a 1913 Ford. I have the papers from the Franklin Mint so that's pretty cool.

The car has a sticker on its windshield from 1978 where it participated in the 65th anniversary of Raymond Price Auto - a Stroudsburg area Ford dealer that opened in 1913. I am wondering if this car was sold from there and was kind of a "feature attraction" at that event. An email to the dealer has not yielded a reply as of yet.

At some point, the owner was a member of the Pocono region AACA club, but that club appears to be disbanded.

Anyway, just hoping to unearth a little more than what I know. Thanks.

[Wayne Sheldon]

Nice car with a lot of history behind it. Wish I could help with your search, but being from the other end of the country those are names of which I am not familiar.
But I will bump you to the top of the list again.

[James_Lyons-WV]

Thanks Wayne!

[Retro54]

James, I'd reach out to the Susquehanna Valley Region of the HCCA or the HCCA Gazzette editor Tracy Lesher. She is in a family with strong hobby history and ties in this area of PA and if anyone would know where to point you, I'd say Tracy would be the person. She and her husband will be at Hershey in October. If you're coming, might be a good place to meet up.

Best of luck on your search!

[James_Lyons-WV]

thanks Andrew. I know Tracy and Jeff well. I will contact them.