Clifford, thanks for the input and other possibilities. Anything is possible at this point. The actual measurement between the drpouts is 128mm, so I could easily squeeze in a 130mm hub with an 8-speed cassette. There are a couple pretty solid deals on the local craigslist for wheels that would work, so that might be an easier way to go. But I can pretty much try anything that isn't too expensive.
__________________
Some days, it's not even worth gnawing through the restraints.