Narcissus Restoration Update - August 2016

The Narcissus with all of its roof boards removed. Each of the ash roof ribs

will be inspected, and if necessary, removed, repaired, and or replaced. Most

are in very good shape. All original steel screws will be replaced with

stainless steel screws. The roof boards were in varying degrees of condition.

Some were missing, some had water damage, some with critter damage,

some needed repairs, and then were returned to service. August 15, 2016, PWM

Critters gnawed their way through the roof boards, entered the comfy

confines of the Narcissus, and set up a multi-family housing complex.

August 14, 2016. PWM

Many of the original steel nails from 1912 had lost their ability to properly

hold the roof boards securely to the roof ribs, so at some point in years past,

galvanized nails were nailed next to every original nail on every roof board.

This double-nailing made it twice as difficult to remove the roof boards

without further damaging the original poplar tongue-and-groove boards.

August 13, 2016. PWM

The 1912 Narcissus on August 15, 2016. Looking rather skeletal-like,

following the removal of all its roof boards. It looked much different a week

earlier, as it had many restored components put in place for the annual

fundraising event weekend to benefit the project. The 2016 Teddy Roosevelt

 event was a great success. All the guests that attended throughout the

three days were treated to a glimpse of just how truly beautiful the

Narcissus will be when its restoration is complete.

August 15, 2016. PWM

On the right side of the Narcissus (with the number 2 end on the left,

 affectionately called the "Teddy End" - Theodore Roosevelt was a passenger

on the Narcissus on August 18, 1914) with the thirteen ornate leaded-stained

glass clerestory windows temporarily in place for the 2016 Teddy Roosevelt

Days event weekend. To the right, you can see the large leaded stained glass

"eyebrow" window in place in the smoking compartment.

August 4, 2016. PWM

The left side of the 1912 Narcissus (number 1 end on the left) on the evening

of August 4, 2016. PWM

Donald Curry, Lead Restoration Technician on the Narcissus restoration,

during the early stages of assembling the various components necessary

to enclose the right side of the smoking compartment on the number 1 end.

August 1, 2016.  PWM

Interior of the right side of the smoking compartment at the number 1 end.

Restored original mahogany sash passenger windows with their polished

original brass hardware. Original Santo Domingo mahogany pieces that were

restored 15 to 20 years ago, were removed from storage for use enclosing

the window openings. August 4, 2016. PWM

Right side smoking compartment with restored windows and sash in place

on August 4, for the Narcissus fundraising event weekend,

Teddy Roosevelt Days 2016. From this vantage point, you can see through

the smoking compartment to view the large leaded stained glass "eyebrow"

on the left side and the pair of restored leaded stained glass windows in the

clerestory. On the exterior, you can see the top of the eyebrow is held in place

with a restored exterior poplar frame and by the face-board between the

restored mahogany passenger window sash. Also, the vertical

tongue-and-groove sheathing is in place surrounding the double

sash/eyebrow assembly. August 4, 2016. PWM

The right side of the Narcissus smoking compartment was prepared

specifically for guest photo opportunities during the benefit event. In
the background of this image is the number 1 end vestibule. One can 
see the original bulkhead window sash with brass hinges (left and right), the
center train door, the large window sash on either side of the train door, and
lower panels below the sash. These are all original mahogany components
of the Narcissus. August 5, 2016. Photo by Patricia Pierce Erikson 

Original poplar tongue-and-groove vertical sheathing for the number 1 end
dasher, repaired, primed, and ready for finish coats of Pullman Green.
August 8, 2016. PWM

Original poplar tongue-and-groove vertical sheathing for the number 1 end

with finish coats of Pullman Green. August 12, 2016. PWM

A few of the original poplar exterior arch halves were repaired, primed, joined

together, and ready for finish coats of Pullman Green. Each of these is over
one of the large leaded stained glass "eyebrows" above the double sash
passenger windows. August 13, 2016. PWM

A few of the original poplar exterior arch halves after their finish coats of

Pullman Green. Each of these is over one of the large leaded stained glass
"eyebrows" above the double sash passenger windows.
August 19, 2016. 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