From the 1994 Annual Report, a photo taken in about
1990, from where the 1915 Morrison Hill Station of the
Portland-Lewiston Interurban was located in West
Cumberland, Maine. Jay Mazzei is seen here.
His father, John Mazzei was assessing the structure in
preparation for moving the station to
Seashore Trolley Museum in Kennebunkport, Maine.
Image by John Mazzei
From the 1992 Annual Report. An image of the original
metal-clad station after it arrived at the Museum.
Volunteers began the task of rebuilding the remnant
of Maine's most famous interurban system.
Image by James Schantz
Another photo from the 1994 Annual Report. John Mazzei
poses in front of the newly completed Morrison Hill Station
at the Riverside Crossing at Seashore Trolley Museum.
Complete renewal of the roof, replacement of the
sill, sash and door repairs, a new interior, rewiring of the
600-volt lights (inside and outside), and installation of the
station in the nicely landscaped spot at the crossing.
Image by John Mazzei.
Cover photo of the 1994 Annual Report. Two projects
completed during that year was the restoration of 1939
New York Third Avenue Railway System no. 631
and the rebuilding and installation of the former
Portland-Lewiston Interurban Station.
Image by Richard LaHart.
From the 1995 Annual Report. The first trolley car ever
preserved in a volunteer-run railway museum. 1900
Biddeford & Saco Company Railroad open car No. 31
at Morrison Hill Station. Image by Donald Curry
The platform on the east side of the crossing was replaced in
April of 2017. PWM
West Cumberland resident, Kathy Allen MacDonald,
shared this newspaper story from July 1939.
The telephone pole was hit by a car and the pole
nearly struck the former waiting station of the PLI,
Morrison Hill Station. Kathy wrote that the station used
to sit next to Mill Road in West Cumberland. After
the PLI discontinued service in 1933, the waiting station
was sold and moved to the four corners at Blackstrap,
Skillings, and Gray Road. The Pride family purchased
the station next and moved it near their business,
Prides Tea House.
Photo from the Portland Evening Express- July 12, 1939.
The week before, on July 5, 1939, the founders of what
would become the Seashore Trolley Museum, paid
the deposit to purchase the first trolley car for
the collection. Car 31 from the Biddeford & Saco
Railroad in Saco. Car 31 arrived in Saco in June 1900.
On July 15, 1939, Car 31 was transported to
what is now the campus of Seashore Trolley Museum
in Kennebunkport, Maine.
A 1915 map showing Morrison Hill along the
Portland-Lewiston Interurban. The link to the map was forwarded
to us by Thomas Bennett, Director of
the Prince Memorial Library in Cumberland :)
This photo was taken on Wednesday, September 6, 2017.
This was built by the Portland, Gray & Lewiston Railroad
(in 1914, it became the Portland-Lewiston Interurban).
This photo was taken just north of the Cole Farms Restaurant
in Gray, Maine. The is on the east side of Route 100.
Description by the reporter that rode on the Arbutus during
June 26, 1914, an official inspection of the line reads:
"There are two types of culverts, concrete, and corrugated
tubular iron according to conditions which have to be met.
Open hearth steel rails, 70 pounds to the yard, are used
on the road." Image courtesy of PWM
In this 1915 map of the PLI, you will see an
underpass marked just north of the Piscataqua
River. I believe this to be a cattle underpass.
The link to the map was forwarded to us by
Thomas Bennett, Director of the
Thomas Bennett, Director of the
Prince Memorial Library in Cumberland :)
The interurban line was constructed between 1910 and 1914.
The tracks cut through many dairy farmers' cow pastures in the
very rural section of Maine between Lewiston and Portland.
The addition of fifty concrete underpasses for the safe passage of
dairy cows between pastures were critical for the farmers and
for the safe operation of the PLI vehicles.
Print of the original work of art, "Fast Friends", by Maine artist,
All proceeds benefit the Portland-Lewiston Interurban, no. 14,
Narcissus. The 1912 National Register of Historic Places
interurban is currently being restored at Seashore Trolley Museum
in Kennebunkport, Maine. PWM
The first new display inside of the station is a Westinghouse Electric portable phone, model
330-F. The "F" model is a little bit different from the "E" model that was in each of the Portland-Lewiston Interurban vehicles. This "F" model is in great condition. Perfect for an exhibit. The front covers have been removed and replaced with a Lexan cover, so, visitors can see the internal
working components of the phone. The slight difference between the "E" and the "F" model is that the "E" phone is Nickel-coated, compared to the Bakelite coating on the "F" phone. Also, "Line 1" and "Line 2" contacts on the "E" model are on the exterior on the top of the wooden box, whereas the two-line contacts on the "F" model are inside the wooden box, in the upper right-hand corner. For more on the "E" model phones and how they were used by the PLI, Click Here.
After reglazing the windows and painting the exterior
interior sash, the interior walls and ceiling
were also painted. PWM
"F" Model Westinghouse Electric
portable phone on display inside Morrison Hill
Station.
The model "E" Westinghouse Electric
portable phone that will be installed in the
Narcissus. PWM
From inside Morrison Hill Station, a view of
approaching 1901 Connecticut Company open-car
No. 303 as it returns from its trip to Talbott Park at
Seashore Trolley Museum. PWM
Morrison Hill Station greets riders from 1901
Connecticut Company's open car No. 303 as it returns from its
trip to Talbott Park at Seashore Trolley Museum. PWM
Morrison Hill Station will be undergoing some exterior repairs
this fall while new exhibit materials for the 2018 season
are created for use inside the petite 1915 way station of
the Portland-Lewiston Interurban. PWM
We continue the restoration work on the Narcissus, the only surviving interurban coach of the PLI. Please consider making a donation to the Narcissus Project to help the restoration work continue to completion.
Click Here for the post that has the short virtual 3-D video of the digital model of the Narcissus, with components added to the file from earlier this year (the gold leaf file had not been added yet).
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Restoration work continues on the Narcissus. The Narcissus is more than 100 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
Seashore Trolley Museum Promo Video
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. During 2019, through generous donations to the Narcissus Project, we were able to conserve, replicate, and have high resolutions 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 a one-time donation or you
may choose to have a specific amount charged to your card
automatically per month. Please contact the Museum bookkeeper, via email at finance@trolleymuseum.org or by phone, at 207-967-2712 ext. 5.
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 to fill in the required information.
Click Here for PayPal - to make an online donation: you can use the email: finance@NEERHS.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 207-967-2712 ext. 5,
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 - 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
Seashore Trolley Museum in Kennebunkport, Maine.
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