I have just returned from South Bend where I had the honour yesterday of introducing Edward G. Dunbar Jr. to the Studebaker National Museum Board of Trustees. Ed Dunbar, accompanied by his daughter Amy Dunbar Wadsworth, donated the original painting of the First Studebaker Blacksmith Shop in Ashland Ohio to the Museum for permanent display. Ashland is where John Studebaker began his blacksmith business in 1837, where he remained with his sons until 1848 when the family moved to South Bend. This priceless relic was commissioned by the Studebaker Brothers in 1890 and had been on display in the Administration Building in South Bend for decades. It was given to Mr. Dunbar in 1966 and has been in his home until yesterday. He donated this painting in loving memory of his wife, Elaine Dunbar.
I have been associated with Ed Dunbar for nearly 50 years, Ed being the last surviving senior executive of Studebaker Corporation and I the last in Canada. We worked together closely during Studebaker's last days in 1966. Ed came to Studebaker from Curtiss-Wright as Corporate Controller prior to the closing of the South Bend plant in 1963. He also served as Vice President Administration and in 1966 took over the Presidency of both SASCO and Studebaker of Canada Limited. He later moved over to Studebaker-Worthington as Vice President.
In the letter that accompanied this donation, Ed Dunbar noted the very long Dunbar family connection with Studebaker that began decades ago with his grandfather, Edward G. Dunbar who was an engineer. Then came Albert Peak, his step-grandfather who was Security and Fire Chief. Edward G. Dunbar Sr., Ed's father, was a stock chaser on the final line. His uncle, Alonzo Dunbar, was a wagon wheel striper. Later, Ed's brother, Robert Dunbar Sr., worked in the Export Department, and his brother-in-law, Frank Nierzwicki worked on the final line. This is truly an amazing Studebaker family.
Ed Dunbar will celebrate his 90th birthday in July and I am proud to acknowledge my long-time friendship with him, as well as recognize his wonderful donation to the Studebaker National Museum.
Stu Chapman
I have been associated with Ed Dunbar for nearly 50 years, Ed being the last surviving senior executive of Studebaker Corporation and I the last in Canada. We worked together closely during Studebaker's last days in 1966. Ed came to Studebaker from Curtiss-Wright as Corporate Controller prior to the closing of the South Bend plant in 1963. He also served as Vice President Administration and in 1966 took over the Presidency of both SASCO and Studebaker of Canada Limited. He later moved over to Studebaker-Worthington as Vice President.
In the letter that accompanied this donation, Ed Dunbar noted the very long Dunbar family connection with Studebaker that began decades ago with his grandfather, Edward G. Dunbar who was an engineer. Then came Albert Peak, his step-grandfather who was Security and Fire Chief. Edward G. Dunbar Sr., Ed's father, was a stock chaser on the final line. His uncle, Alonzo Dunbar, was a wagon wheel striper. Later, Ed's brother, Robert Dunbar Sr., worked in the Export Department, and his brother-in-law, Frank Nierzwicki worked on the final line. This is truly an amazing Studebaker family.
Ed Dunbar will celebrate his 90th birthday in July and I am proud to acknowledge my long-time friendship with him, as well as recognize his wonderful donation to the Studebaker National Museum.
Stu Chapman
Comment