my thoughts

without seeing it in person, I would question the airworthiness if you were looking to fly gain. as far as restoring for display, certainly can be done. I would reach out to local lying club. Look for a "builder" generation who loves to build. I am a builder at heart. I think it is a wonderful project. If just display, the fuse could be glassed in 3/4 oz cloth, sanded and painted. That would be one way to handle the thin cracking balsa. To me, half the beauty of this hobby is creating something from a box of sticks. Your plane has history and a special meaning. I gather by your post you would love to see her restored. I say keep pushing forward. It's a wonderful hobby. keep looking for a resource. In my opinion, builders in the hobby love to create/build and love helping others.