Noble Cause

Kentucky — What started as a casual lead from Danielle turned into an emotional and nostalgic journey for Jersey Jon and Mike Wolfe, as the duo traveled to Kentucky to explore a rare piece of automotive history: a 1917 Stanley Steamer, left behind by a passionate collector named Glenn.

Glenn, an avid car enthusiast with a love for animals, passed away and generously left his entire estate — including an impressive collection of classic cars — to the Humane Society. George, the current president of the shelter, welcomed Mike and Jon to see the collection, which included notable names like Pierce-Arrow, Bentley, and of course, the Stanley Steamer.

“Glenn loved animals so much, he left everything to the Humane Society,” Danielle told Mike and Jon. “And he was really into heavy-hitter cars.”

As soon as they arrived, the crew was greeted warmly by George — and his dog, Pepper. But the real showstopper was the Stanley Steamer, a steam-powered vehicle that captured Jon’s imagination since childhood. “Do I know what a Stanley Steamer is? Of course I do! I’ve only been looking for one since I was 12,” he exclaimed.

The 1917 model, a five-passenger touring car, wasn’t in perfect condition. It showed signs of a past fire, with charring near the fuel system — a common risk in early steam vehicles. “This is like a grenade on wheels,” Jon joked, examining the damage. But the car’s mechanical heart seemed intact, and Jon, an experienced restorer with a background in woodworking, saw potential where others might see problems.

To better assess the car’s value, Jon reached out to long-time friend and restoration expert Dick Shappy. After examining photos, Dick estimated the restored car could fetch $85,000, but in its current fire-damaged state, it was worth $20,000–$25,000.

For Jon, the numbers made sense — especially knowing that the money would support the Humane Society’s efforts. After a quick negotiation, the team agreed on $24,000, sealing the deal with a handshake, a hug, and a heartfelt moment.

“I think Glenn would be pleased knowing it’s going to somebody that would really appreciate it,” said George.

Carrie, another representative from the Humane Society, echoed that sentiment. “The money is important, but the icing on the cake is that Jersey’s as excited about this as Glenn was. It’s a match made in heaven.”

As the team loaded the Steamer for its journey to Rhode Island, Jon reflected on the historical significance of steam power. “Steam was the power behind the Industrial Revolution. This isn’t just a car — it’s a piece of history.”

With goggles on, a dream fulfilled, and a steam-powered relic ready to be restored, Jersey Jon drove off into a new chapter of his life — one that honors both a generous legacy and the enduring spirit of classic innovation.