Wow, thanks everyone for your help. I did locate the serial number, which is

21 040987 299.

So you were right on.

I'm sure I'm betraying my inexperience with bicycles by saying that I didn't realize by looking that this frame is way too big for me. I usually ride a 17.5" or 18" frame. No point in working on a bike that I can't comfortably ride...if anyone is interested in trading for parts or instruction (you'd have to live in Western MA for the latter) I'd be down. Thanks again for your info and comments...