Benson,
What you say makes sense. The canoe is 16' and matches my memory that it was a Penobscot. It does not have a decal or plate on it to indicate that that is what it is. I spoke with an Old Town rep this afternoon and was told that they did not make Penobscots or 16' tripping canoes in 1980, so that was kind of frustrating. Sinking Springs, PA also sounds right, because my college buddy and I purchased two used canoes from a Boy Scout troop that was local to Lancaster, PA. The troop would purchase a group of Old Town canoes, use them for a few years, sell them, and buy another lot of new ones. They may have received a discount from Old Town and were able to use the sales for a small fundraiser. Sinking Springs is about 20 minutes from Lancaster. We both purchased the same model canoe from them, but mine is green and his is red.
I was calling Old Town because I need to replace my thwart and yoke. Not only could they not match my canoe with what they thought they made in 1980, they no longer produce thwarts and yokes of the same length that my canoe has. I've got to get longer ones and trim them to size. I'm sure it'll all work out.
I will take a look at the links you provided and make a donation. I appreciate your quick response and it is neat to have the historical record of the canoe's manufacture, purchase, and shipping.
Thank-you!
Capnbg