Christmas Present- info needed:

[Studeman]

Here is a Christmas Present I received this year. It is a 5-year recognition plaque from Studebaker to the "Grape Belt Motor Company". It is solid Brass- with a black "wash" over the front- accentuating the embossed logo/script.
I have found no information on this company online. Not even where it was originally located, operation dates, etc..



I think this is an "older" plaque... maybe pre-1950.. but I cannot be sure. It does have a number- "34" written in grease-pencil on the back- but I can't tell if it has any meaning either.
The Grape-Belt-- will most likely be North-Western Pennsylvania (Erie, North-East, Harborcreek, Wattsburg),OR South-Western New York. Perhaps Dunkirk, Fredonia, Ripley, Westfield.. or any of a number of other small towns on the lakefront.

I will/have sent an e-mail to RQ, and the museum... but that's as far as I've gotten...

Any Info is appreciated.

Ray


Specializing in Studebaker Restoration

[studegary]

This looks old to me. What years did Studebaker use; "The Studebaker Corporation of America"? I can narrow it down to 1902 to 1954, but RQ can probably give you the whole story.

Gary L.
Wappinger, NY

SDC member since 1968
Studebaker enthusiast much longer

[2R5]

I would think that Studebaker wheel up top should date this ....."old"

[IMG]
Home of the Fried Green Tomato
"IF YOU WANT THE SMILES YOU NEED TO DO THE MILES "

1960 Champ
1964 Daytona HT
1966 Daytona SS

[Studeman]

Thanks to RQ... I have the following update:

This plaque is from 1930-1935.. Yeah... It's OLD! (see Richard's Almanac column- Aug, '98 TW)
Grape Belt Motor Company- was a Studebaker Dealer in Westfield NY. Located on the block from #92 (to) #96 East Main Street. They also sold Dodge Bro's cars, and rented rooms???
I have Googled the location.. and (street)viewed it on the map. The original building has obviously been torn down... and a new small building/parking lot established.
I used to travel through Westfield pretty often as a kid, teen, and until the liquor laws changed to 21 yrs old..[:0] I do remember a Dodge dealership.. as RQ commented on in his e-mail.
On my next trip home to Waterford, Pa... I plan on visiting the Historical Society and Library.. and see what I can come up with there.

Again, Many Thanks to Richard Quinn!!




Ray


Specializing in Studebaker Restoration