The Theodore Roosevelt Association and Narcissus

In many of the previous Narcissus project blog posts, the Theodore Roosevelt Association is mentioned. This post is to give readers some background information about the TRA and the developing relationship between the Seashore Trolley Museum and the Theodore Roosevelt Association. The relationship was initiated by the organizations that shared an interest in seeing the 1912 Portland-Lewiston Interurban No. 14, Narcissus restored to full operating status for public operations by 2019. 2019 will be the centennial of the passing of our 26th President, Theodore Roosevelt. Having a completely restored, operating Narcissus available would allow for an incredible tribute ceremony, to honor TR, to be held at Seashore Trolley Museum in Kennebunkport.

The Narcissus is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is the sole surviving interurban from what has been called the Finest Electric Railroad in all of New England. Narcissus has the distinction of having Theodore Roosevelt as a passenger from Lewiston to Portland (ME) on August 18, 1914.

The Theodore Roosevelt Association is a historical and public service organization dedicated to perpetuating the memory and ideals of Theodore Roosevelt. While looking back at Roosevelt's life, times, and legacy, we have our sights on the future through programs that recognize brave and gifted individuals, inspire public service, bring comfort to sick children, and develop tomorrow's leaders. 
(taken from www.theodoreroosevelt.org homepage)

Since our founding in 1919, the TRA has been instrumental in preserving sites of importance to Roosevelt's life and legacy. We maintain close ties with many historic landmarks, including Sagamore Hill National Historic Park in Oyster Bay, NY, Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace National Historic Site in New York City, Theodore Roosevelt Island National Memorial in Washington, DC, the, Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site in Buffalo, and Pine Knot, the Roosevelts' presidential retreat in Albemarle County, VA.  (taken from www.theodoreroosevelt.org homepage)

Theodore Roosevelt's Birthplace in New York City and Sagamore Hill, his beloved home in Oyster Bay, NY, both of which were donated to the National Park Service in 1962 by the TRA, have been given long-needed renovations.

Here are three current TRA programs:

Theodore Roosevelt Public Speaking Contest
TR Public Speaking Contest for the New York City public high schools dates back to 1925, and in recent years contests have been staged for high schools in Nassau County, Long Island, Atlanta, Washington, DC, and western New York. College scholarships are given, in New York City ($5,000) and in other locations ($1,000). Contestants give five-minute speeches, without notes, on Theodore Roosevelt. In all contests, there are semi-finals and finals. This program may be expanding into the northern New England area as well.

Theodore Roosevelt Police Awards
There are many Theodore Roosevelt Police Awards including New York City, Buffalo, the greater NY area, Boston, the Washington, DC area, Nashville, Dallas, San Diego, Nassau County, and Suffolk County on Long Island.
The awards are given to law enforcement officers on active duty who have overcome illness, injury, handicap, or another physical challenge, and who have outstanding records of police work and have returned to full-time work as police officers. All these awards are given by local chapters or groups. This program may also be expanding into more northern New England communities.

Teddy Bears for Kids Fundraiser and Hospital Support
Since the 1980s the TRA has given 85,000 Teddy bears to hospitalized children nationwide. Today we offer both "Classic Bears" and "Made-in-the-USA Bears."

This fall, the TRA will be celebrating its 96th Annual Meeting. The celebration will be in Boston on  Friday, October 2, and Saturday, October 3.  I encourage you to check out the TRA website and all the great things they do consider becoming a member and attending the annual meeting in Boston. I enjoyed last year's annual meeting in NYC very much and am looking forward to the wonderful and informative offerings at this year's celebration.

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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