in 1969.
One of the items uncovered was the remnants of one of the banners displayed on the side of the Narcissus in 1969 when she was first trucked from her site as a camp near Sabattus Pond near Lewiston, Maine. The truck route was with much fanfare through Lewiston, on the road to Seashore Trolley Museum in Kennebunkport, following the route of the old Portland Lewiston Interurban to Portland as best could be done. Media coverage was strong and people were encouraged to make a donation to the restoration of the PLI gem so that PLI patrons from the past could come to ride the majestic beauty once more along the Seashore Trolley Museum's railway line. The banner thanked the business that had donated materials, or labor, or perhaps made financial contributions towards the task of the Museum acquiring the body of the Narcissus. The "task" was that the Museum needed to replace the "camp" Narcissus, with a foundation and a "shell" of a three-room camp. Once this task was accomplished, the Narcissus was signed over to the Museum.
Banner remnants from the 1969 road trip of the Narcissus
traveling from Sabattus Pond to Seashore Trolley Museum
PWM image
For many years before the transfer of ownership to the Museum, Museum members were in contact with the "camp" Narcissus owner in hopes that he would allow them to acquire the car. Anticipating that the deal would ultimately be made, these members were in search of electrical, mechanical, accessory, and truck components years in advance of the acquisition actually being made. Acquiring trucks would be a very high priority. In the mid-sixties, a pair of trucks that were not of the original type, but very close, was found in Canada, and with assistance from the Governor of Maine, John Reed, were donated to the Museum as a gesture of International Goodwill in 1965. This is but one story of many, many stories that help make up the 103-year-old colorful life of the Narcissus. This blog will bring these stories to you from time to time, as well as updates on the restoration and on the developing Teddy Roosevelt Days fundraising event to benefit the Narcissus that is being hosted at Seashore Trolley Museum from July 31 through August 2.
A section of the interlocking floor tiles in the center aisle
of the Narcissus 6.15.15 PWM
Showing the wear of perhaps as many as one million
passengers from 1914 through 1933. Notice the difference
between the edge tiles to the center tiles. This section is where
the first step in or out of the passenger compartment
to/from the smoking compartment is on the Number 1 end
of the Narcissus. PWM 6.15.15
Passenger windows from the Narcissus are in various degrees
of condition. They will be assessed individually. Then, a plan for
its restoration will be created and implemented.
PWM 6.15.15
Some items are beyond being able to be
restored. This is a nut and bolt that is a great teaching tool
and may very well find a restored life in education. PWM
The interior of the Narcissus looks
towards the number 1 end. The
paper in the center aisle is covering
the remaining interlocking rubber
tiles. This paper is to help protect the
tiles before their assessment
inspection.
15-year Museum member, James Morse, accepts his father's
request for a "selfy" nearing the end of the second day of
helping his dear old Dad, Phil Morse, sort and clean the
interior of the Narcissus on Saturday & Sunday
June 13/14, 2015. PWM
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
We continue the restoration work on the 1912, Narcissus, the only surviving high-speed, luxury interurban coach of the Portland-Lewiston Interurban.
Click Here: Narcissus Restoration-Related Posts
Being more than a century old, the stately, "Elegant Ride," Narcissus, is a gem. This shimmering precious stone of Maine transportation history is brilliantly resplendent as it emanates so many elements of history, including; time, places, people, and events, that it was coupled to, that when just a smattering of its seemingly innumerable stories are shared, the contents captivates, fascinates, then generates, interest to learn more 🙋. The majestic Narcissus is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
Please consider joining the epic journey to complete the Narcissus Project by making a donation today!
Click Here: Donation Options
The restoration of this majestic icon of Maine's electric railway history is but one in a series of captivating stories containing an abundance of incredible coalition of narratives.
Click Here: History-Related Posts - Narcissus and Portland-Lewiston Interurban
The Narcissus is featured in the national Gold Award-winning novel, Teddy Roosevelt, Millie, and the Elegant Ride. The "Elegant Ride" is the Narcissus. Theodore Roosevelt was a passenger on the Narcissus on August 18, 1914, between Lewiston and Portland, Maine, while campaigning for the Progressive Party candidates.
Click Here: Bookstores and Businesses promoting the Narcissus Project
Independent book publisher, Phil Morse, holding
the Gold Book Award Winner plaque for
the Middle Reader category for The Eric
Hoffer Book Award. Congratulations to
award-winning Maine author,
Jean M. Flahive
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