Brunswick, Maine, Merrymeeting Park - circa 1899 -
with its majestic three-story casino on the hill in the background.
The park was built by the Lewiston, Brunswick & Bath Street
Railway. O. R. Cummings Collection - 2009_2_19_082
Electric street railway companies might not have considered themselves complete without having a pleasure resort destination available for their patrons during the golden years of the trolley era. The Lewiston, Brunswick & Bath Street Railway, was formed by Amos Fitz Gerald of Fairfield, ME, later known as the "Electric Railway King of the Pine Tree State," and his associate, Isaac C. Libby of Waterville, ME.
Click Here: for more on Trolley Parks in the heart of Maine by Seashore Trolley Museum.
Click Here: to read the lengthy history of Riverton Park in Portland
This blog post features images from the Lewiston, Brunswick & Bath Street Railway Merrymeeting Park. Much of the text and some images are from the book, Trolleys to Brunswick, Maine 1896-1937, by O. R. Cummings, presented as Transportation Volume 73 by the Connecticut Valley Chapter and the National Railway Historical Society- January-December 1966. Additional images are credited individually. Several photos are from the book, The Trolley Parks of Maine, by Amber Tatnall, Randy Leclair, and Doreen Rogan: New England Electric Railway Historical Society - 2012. All others are credited as noted.
Passenger ticket
O. R. Cummings Collection
Seashore Trolley Museum
Click Here: to read more on the history of the Lewiston, Brunswick & Bath Street Railway
Merrymeeting Park was opened to the public in the summer
of 1899, the attractions included this $30,000 casino.
Casinos of the day were not gambling establishments.
The three-story casino had broad verandas, a very large dining
room, a dance hall, a parlor, and smoking rooms. PWM postcard
Merrymeeting Park embraced a tract of 147 acres, all enclosed with a wire fence, located 1.5 miles from Brunswick. The enclosure embraced an area of cleared land, formerly farming land, which sloped away in two directions to the Androscoggin River. Interspersed with trees and bushes along some of the roughest portions, and a large section of a forest of native trees, at the edge of which was a deep ravine, where an open-air theatre was located.
One of the attractions was a large pond, which was fed by numerous springs; and divided by a wire fence, one side being known as the swan pond and the other as the duck pond.
Twenty-six miles from Lewiston. Notice the castle-like stone
attachment to the veranda. Amos F. Gerald, the builder of the
Lewiston, Brunswick & Bath line, loved castles and frequently
incorporated a castle into the trolley parks he was
associated with. PWM postcard
The principal park building was the large, three-story, casino, which was located at the highest point of ground in the park, from which a fine view of the river could be had in either direction. In the river were numerous wooded islands, the shores of which were outlined by tall trees, presenting a scene of quiet beauty seldom equaled.
Map showing the location of Merrymeeting Park, in
relationship to Brunswick, Maine.
O. R. Cummings Collection - 2009_2_19_076
Seashore Trolley Museum
The main entrance to the Merrymeeting Park was at this
trolley stop that featured a long, covered, platform
with waiting rooms. The entrance was a lofty trestle
spanning the Maine Central Railroad tracks,
which was parallel with the trolley line tracks,
and ran through a deep gorge between the
tracks and the resort.
O. R. Cummings Collection - 2009_2_19_077
Seashore Trolley Museum
Merrymeeting Park was located one and a half miles from
Brunswick on a 147-acre tract along the Androscoggin River -
O. R. Cummings Collection - 2009_2_19_079
Seashore Trolley Museum
On approach to the casino, the visitors passed through the zoological department in which there were numerous houses, cages, and pens for the fine collection of animals that formed the principal attractions.
The collection included a herd of buffalo, bears, moose, elk, deer, and foxes.
Vast lawns, ponds, and groves of trees made for a relaxing atmosphere.
Trolleys to Brunswick, Maine 1896-1937, by O. R. Cummings
In the park's zoological garden, visitors could see a
herd of deer, monkeys, crocodiles, brightly colored birds,
and several buffalo. The zoo was also home to a stuffed
horse, purported to be the largest in the world.
PWM Postcard
Park visitors might wander along wooded pathways
strung with colored lights to the outdoor theatre.
The amphitheater, with a seating capacity of 3,000 patrons, was
built into the face of a sloping hillside, with an
open stage at its foot. Entertainments included minstrels,
vaudeville acts, magic shows, trapeze artists, tap dancing,
and comedy routines - and of course, the diving horse act.
Stock companies regularly performed comedic and
dramatic theatrical productions. The amphitheater had
programs that included band concerts too.
PWM Postcard
Frequently, the attendance in the early years at the park was from 2,000 to 4,000 people on a given day.
When patrons were looking to depart the park, the trolleys
were parked along the platform, ready to receive riders.
The cars were headed in both directions, as the park
attracted people from Brunswick and Bath and from
the Lewiston direction. The fare from Brunswick was
5 cents, with a free admission to the theatre and park
attractions.
O. R. Cummings Collection - 2009_2_19_078
Seashore Trolley Museum
The main entrance to the Merrymeeting Park was this
trolley stop. O. R. Cummings Collection - 2009_2_19_080
Seashore Trolley Museum
The "Merrymeeting" parlor car was popular for
being chartered by a group for special occasions.
It could be chartered for $10 a day. A special occasion was
frequently a group going to Merrymeeting Park.
Photo courtesy of Seashore Trolley Museum's Library.
Photo from O. R. Cummings 1959
publication, "Trolley Parlor Cars of New England"
A stately three-and-a-half-storied building with brown shingle
siding, white trim, and a tower served as the park's casino.
Wide verandas encircled the first and second stories where
guests could lounge in Adirondack chairs, An arched
stone entranceway, complete with a turret,
greeted guests as they entered by trolley.
O. R. Cummings Collection - 2009_2_19_082
Seashore Trolley Museum
The casino's dining room could seat 100 guests and had a wind-ranging menu, serving American,
French, German, and Italian cuisine. The most popular meal, however, was the 50-cent shore dinner. The restaurant had a standing order for ten barrels of lobster every Sunday to satisfy the appetites of hungry
day-trippers.
The bridge walkway to the wide dance platform, with
the majestic casino on the hill in the background.
O. R. Cummings Collection - 2009_2_19_085
Seashore Trolley Museum
On fine evenings, guests could go dancing by the pond. A rustic bridge crossed the pond and at its center was a wide dance platform illuminated by an arc light. On bright moonlit nights, the arc light could be turned off to create a more romantic atmosphere.
Rustic bridge in the background and the dance platform
in the center. Under the trees in a grove were
several Fairfield lawn swings.
O. R. Cummings Collection - 2009_2_19_084
Seashore Trolley Museum
The rustic bridge.
Light refreshments were available at a stand called the
"Round house."
O. R. Cummings Collection - 2009_2_19_086
Seashore Trolley Museum
Map from the 2015 NEERHS book,
"The Illustrated Atlas of Maine's Street
& Electric Railways 1863-1946" - Seashore Trolley Museum
The park's popularity did decline fairly quickly though. Attendance rates, perhaps due to the comparatively pricey 30-cent fare, proved to be Merrymeeting Park's downfall. The park never made enough of a profit for the railway and closed in 1906 after only seven years of operation.
The casino and other buildings were razed and the animals were taken away, but the park grounds were
open for picnics and outings until 1915 when the property was sold by the Lewiston, Augusta & Waterville Street Railway for $17,500.
The main gate at the former Brunswick Naval Air Station was just about opposite the former entrance to Merrymeeting Park - of which no traces remain today.
We are still in need of funds for creating the interpretation programs that will tell this fascinating 110+-year-old story of the Narcissus. For information on donation options, scroll down this post and find the one that best fits your position. Fund 816 to help with the restoration and Fund 817 (PLI Education-Interpretation programs ) should be noted when making a donation.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Restoration work continues on the Narcissus at Seashore Trolley Museum in Kennebunkport, Maine. The only surviving interurban of the Portland-Lewiston Interurban Railroad. The Narcissus is more than 110 years old now and has so many incredible stories to share. The restoration of this majestic icon of Maine's electric railway history is but one of those incredible stories.
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.
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
The paperback edition of Teddy Roosevelt, Millie, and the Elegant Ride can be purchased online through the Seashore Trolley Museum's store website. Books purchased through the Museum's website directly benefit the Museum and the Narcissus project.
Click Here to go to the Museum Store web page to order online
Click Here to go to the Amazon page to order the ebook or audiobook online
Paperback books are available at these local bookstores in Maine:
Center for Maine Crafts, West Gardiner Service Plaza
The Book Review, Falmouth
The Bookworm, Gorham
Letterpress Books, Portland
Maine Historical Society Store, Portland
Maine Narrow Gauge Railroad, Portland
Morph Gallery & Emporium, Kennebunk
New Gloucester Historical Society, New Gloucester
Nonesuch Books and More, South Portland
Seashore Trolley Museum, Kennebunkport
Sherman's Maine Coast Book Shops, All Locations
Thompson's Orchard, New Gloucester
Teddy Roosevelt, Millie, and the Elegant Ride
by Jean M. Flahive
Illustrations by Amy J. Gagnon
Listen to a 2-minute, 30-second, Retail Audio Sample of the Audiobook
Millie Thayer is a headstrong farmer's daughter who chases her dreams in a way you would expect a little girl nicknamed "Spitfire" would run full tilt and with her eyes on the stars. Dreaming of leaving the farm life, working in the city, and fighting for women's right to vote, Millie imagines flying away on a magic carpet. One day, that flying carpet shows up in the form of an electric trolley that cuts across her farm. A fortune-teller predicts that Millie's path will cross that of someone famous. Suddenly, she finds herself caught up in events that shake the nation, Maine, and her family. Despairing that her dreams may be shattered, Millie learns, in an unexpected way, that dreams can be shared.
A resource for teachers
Companion curriculum State-standard-based units,
vocabulary, and reading activities for use in grades 3-8
are available online as downloadable resources through
Seashore Trolley Museum's website
www.trolleymuseum.org/elegantride/
Maine Historical Society has created eight companion lesson units in Social Studies and ELA that were inspired by Teddy Roosevelt, Millie, and the Elegant Ride - These State-standard-based lesson plans for use in grades 6, 7, and 8 are easily adapted for use in grades 3-5. Vocabulary and Reading activities for grades 3-8 along with the eight lesson plan units are available free and may be downloaded through Seashore Trolley Museum's website www.trolleymuseum.org/elegantride/
Go to the Teacher Resource Page in the pull-down for more details.
A 60-second intro to Teddy Roosevelt, Millie, and the Elegant Ride by author, Jean Flahive
Click Here to watch the video on YouTube
Award-winning author, Jean M. Flahive
Please Consider a Donation to the Narcissus Project to help us tell the incredible story of the Narcissus through the interpretation portion of the Narcissus Project.
Here is an example of how donations to the Narcissus Project now will help with the interpretation portion of the project. The interpretation programming will include exhibits, displays, and education programming. In 2019, through generous donations to the Narcissus Project, we were able to conserve, replicate, and have high-resolution digital image files made of the original, 1910, 28.5-foot-long, surveyor map of the elevation and grade of the 30-mile private right-of-way of the Portland, Gray, and Lewiston Railroad (Portland-Lewiston Interurban) Click Here
Thank You!
the crowd gathered in Gray, Maine on August 18, 1914.
Image courtesy of Gray Historical Society
The Narcissus as the Sabattus Lake Diner in Sabattus, Maine,
circa 1940. Photo by John Coughlin in the Kevin Farrell
Collection at Seashore Trolley Museum
L. Henri Vallee (right) and family members in the
Narcissus, when it was Vallee's summer camp in
Sabattus, Maine circa 1958. Photo courtesy Daniel Vallee
Inside the Donald G. Curry Town House Restoration Shop, the Narcissus is in the midst of major work as we strive to complete its restoration. We are now planning the interpretation portion of the Narcissus Project. Donations to the Narcissus Project may be used in the future to help tell the incredible 100-plus-year-old story of the Narcissus. Your donation to the Narcissus is helping to make the dream of the project's success, a reality.
See below for Donation options -
It starts with YOU
Your Donation Matters
Make a Donation TODAY
Please Help the Narcissus.
Donation Options to Help the Narcissus Project:
The New England Electric Railway Historical Society
is the 501c3 organization that owns and operates the Seashore Trolley Museum in Kennebunkport, ME, and the National Streetcar
Museum in Lowell (MA).
The New England Electric Railway Historical Society registered with the IRS (EIN# 01-0244457) and was incorporated in Maine in 1941.
Check or Money Order ***** should be made payable to:
New England Electric Railway Historical Society
In the memo: for a donation to the Interpretation programming
please write: PLI Education Fund 817
For a donation to help with the restoration write: Narcissus Fund 816
Mail to: Seashore Trolley Museum
P. O. Box A
Kennebunkport, ME 04046
Credit Card ***** donations can be one-time donations or you
may choose to have a specific amount charged to your card
automatically every month. Please contact the Museum bookkeeper, via email at finance@trolleymuseum.org or by phone, at 207-967-2800 ext. 3.
Online Donations - may be made by using a Credit Card:
Click Here to make an online donation through the Museum's website - When at the Donation page: Fill in donor info, etc., when at "To which fund are you donating? Scroll down to "Other" and type in 816 Narcissus, then continue filling in the required information.
Click Here for PayPal - to make an online donation: you can use email: finance@trolleymuseum.org and in the message box write:
For "Narcissus Fund 816" - if supporting the restoration
For "PLI Education Fund 817" - if supporting Interpretation programs
Donation of Securities ***** We also accept donations of
securities. You can contact the Museum bookkeeper, via email at finance@trolleymuseum.org or by phone, at 207-967-2800 ext. 3,
for brokerage account information for accepting donated securities.
BONUS ***** If you work for a company/corporation that will
"match" an employee's donation to an approved 501c3 non-profit
educational organization, please be sure to complete the necessary paperwork with your employer so that your donation is matched :)
Questions? ***** Please contact Narcissus project sponsor:
Phil Morse, narcissus@gmail.org or call 207-985-9723 - cell.
Thank You :)
Thank You for our Current Funding Partners
* 20th Century Electric Railway Foundation - 2020/2018 - Major Gift, 2017/2014 Matching Grants
* Renaissance Charitable Foundation (LPCT) by Fiduciary Trust Charitable Giving Fund
* Renaissance Charitable Foundation (LPCT) by Fiduciary Trust Charitable Giving Fund
* Mass Bay RRE - 2018 Railroad Preservation Grant
* Thornton Academy (Saco, ME) - Staff & Alumni - Matching Grant Challenge 2014
* New England Electric Railway Historical Society (Kennebunkport, ME) - Member Donations
* Amherst Railway Society - 2015 Heritage Grant
* National Railway Historical Society - 2016 & 2015 Heritage Preservation Grants
* Enterprise Holding Foundation - 2015 Community Grant
* Theodore Roosevelt Association - Member Donations
* John Libby Family Association and Member Donations
* The Conley Family - In Memory of Scott Libbey 2018/2017/2016/2015
* The W. S. Libbey Family - Awalt, Conley, Graf, Holman, Libbey, McAvoy, McLaughlin, Meldrum, O'Halloran, Salto, - 2018/2017
* The Hughes Family 2017/2016/2010
* New Gloucester Historical Society and Member Donations
* Gray Historical Society and Member Donations
* Gray Public Library Association - Pat Barter Speaker Series
* Scarborough Historical Society - PRR/PLI
* LogMein - Matching Employee Donation
* IBM - Matching Employee/Retiree Donations
* Fidelity Charitable Grant - Matching Employee Donations
* Richard E. Erwin Grant - 2017/2016
The Narcissus, with interior back-lit, stained glass windows is majestic.
Make a donation today to help restore the interior of this Maine gem.
Help Theodore Roosevelt's Maine Ride get back on track! Once restored,
you will be able to ride in luxury on this National Register Treasure at
Seashore Trolley Museum in Kennebunkport, Maine.
PWM photo
Please Consider Making a Donation to the project of the National Register of Historic Places member, Narcissus. We are currently raising funds to advance the restoration and to tell the incredible story of this Maine gem.
Various News stories during the summer of 2015 about the
Narcissus and its connection to Theodore Roosevelt. TR
was a passenger on the Narcissus on August 18, 1914.
Photo by Patricia Pierce Erikson
The Narcissus - July 31, 2015. Make a donation today.
Help Theodore Roosevelt's Maine Ride get back on track!
Once restored, you will be able to ride in luxury on this
National Historic Treasure at
