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 had critter damage, some needed

repairs, and then 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 that 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

who 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 to enclose 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 faceboard 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 the 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

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 first captivate, fascinate, then generate 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 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

Gold Book Award Winner plaque for

 Middle Reader category for The Eric

Hoffer Book Award. Congratulations to

award-winning Maine author,

Jean M. Flahive