No. 14, Narcissus, of the Portland-Lewiston Interurban (PLI) and an
Androscoggin & Kennebec Railway (A&K) Birney trolley in Union Square,
Lewiston, Maine on April 6, 1933. The PLI ended service on June 29, 1933.
The Narcissus is the only surviving high-speed, luxury interurban coach
from the PLI. The Narcissus is currently under restoration at
Seashore Trolley Museum in Kennebunkport, ME.
Image from DGC/ORC slide.
This post is the companion to the slide presentation that will be done by Phil Morse as a guest speaker at the Lewiston Public Library (the presentation includes Donald Curry presenting on the restoration of the Narcissus currently underway at Seashore Trolley Museum) will be made at the Lewiston Public Library on Tuesday, April 10, 2018, at 12 p.m.
Lunch while learning about the Portland-Lewiston Interurban
in the beautiful Callahan Hall in the Lewiston Public Library.
Donald Curry answers
The images and text are from various sources, including some that belong to Phil Morse. Other sources will be noted. Much of the text and many of the images were drawn from various books released by O. R. Cummings. O. R. wrote more than fifty books on electric railway systems throughout New England. O. R. passed away early in 2013. He was a member/volunteer at the New England Electric Railway Historical Society (Seashore Trolley Museum) starting in 1947, serving as its historian for many, many years. O. R was a personal friend and is dearly missed.
This material is not intended as a comprehensive history of the Portland-Lewiston Interurban or the railway systems that served the Lewiston/Auburn communities from 1881 until 1941. Instead, it was tailored for the Lewiston/Auburn audience attending the public presentation at the Lewiston Public Library on April 10, 2018. Its intent was to show a glimpse of how the Portland-Lewiston Interurban and its employees were important to the communities of Lewiston & Auburn in the early 1900s and to let them know that one of these majestic PLI interurbans, the Narcissus, was saved and is currently being restored at Seashore Trolley Museum.
Lewiston Public Library poster promoting
the PLI presentation.
in the beautiful Callahan Hall in the Lewiston Public Library.
PWM
James and Robert Greenwood's father, Forest Greenwood was
a motorman for the Portland-Lewiston Interurban out of
the Lewiston terminal. Forest would become a motorman
a motorman for the Portland-Lewiston Interurban out of
the Lewiston terminal. Forest would become a motorman
at Seashore Trolley Museum. James is holding his father's
trolley museum motorman hat with member number 301
hat badge. Robert is holding his father's trolley museum
ticket punch and a strip of A & K Railway tickets.
trolley museum motorman hat with member number 301
hat badge. Robert is holding his father's trolley museum
ticket punch and a strip of A & K Railway tickets.
Photo courtesy of John Mercurio
W. S. Libbey was the builder of the
Portland-Lewiston Interurban. Two of his
great-grandchildren, Mark Libbey and Lee Holman
attended the presentation. Mark and Lee are seen
here next to James and Robert Greenwood.
James and Robert's father was a motorman for
the Portland-Lewiston Interurban.
Photo courtesy of John Mercurio.
Portland-Lewiston Interurban. Two of his
great-grandchildren, Mark Libbey and Lee Holman
attended the presentation. Mark and Lee are seen
here next to James and Robert Greenwood.
James and Robert's father was a motorman for
the Portland-Lewiston Interurban.
Photo courtesy of John Mercurio.
questions following his
portion of the presentation.
PWM
The Portland-Lewiston Interurban 1910-1933
In 1910, only about 10% of the population had electricity in their homes. The early electric power companies' major revenue source was from contracts with cities to provide electricity to light their main streets, with the electric railway companies, and with the manufacturing industries.
Left. Lisbon Street by night, Lewiston. Postcard postmarked February 15, 1919, from PWM
Theodore Roosevelt on the Narcissus when addressing
The Portland-Lewiston Interurban (PLI) operated in Lewiston and Auburn from 1914, until 1933 and carried a total of 7.3. million passengers traveling between Portland and Lewiston. Serving the communities of Lewiston, Auburn, New Gloucester, Gray, West Cumberland, West Falmouth, and Portland. Operating over some 30 miles of well-ballasted private right-of-way and trackage rights into both Portland and Lewiston. The PLI was special, a jewel that was cherished by its employees and patrons alike.
The early years of railways in the Lewiston/Auburn communities began with the Lewiston & Auburn Horse Railroad opening along Lisbon Street and on to the Fairgrounds on September 3, 1881. The tracks were extended to Turner Street (1882) and onto Lake Auburn in 1883. Just prior to electrification, there were nearly 15 miles of trackage.
Electrification started with Main & Lisbon Streets on September 1, 1894, with the balance completed in both cities in 1895. The line through to Sabattus Village was opened on September 26, 1898. The Auburn Heights line, Minot, Western, Granite, Davis, and Gammage Streets opened on July 24, 1902. The expansion continued under a number of railway consolidations over the years.
Electrification started with Main & Lisbon Streets on September 1, 1894, with the balance completed in both cities in 1895. The line through to Sabattus Village was opened on September 26, 1898. The Auburn Heights line, Minot, Western, Granite, Davis, and Gammage Streets opened on July 24, 1902. The expansion continued under a number of railway consolidations over the years.
Androscoggin County Buildings, Auburn.
Postcard postmark August 21, 1907, from PWM
In 1910, only about 10% of the population had electricity in their homes. The early electric power companies' major revenue source was from contracts with cities to provide electricity to light their main streets, with the electric railway companies, and with the manufacturing industries.
Left. Lisbon Street by night, Lewiston. Postcard postmarked February 15, 1919, from PWM
Above, Middle Street Portland,. Postcard postmarked November 5, 1909, from PWM.
The heart of the Lewiston, Augusta & Waterville Street Railway, 1907-1919
(became the Androscoggin & Kennebec Railway 1919), was Hulett Square,
at the intersection of Main and Lisbon Streets in Lewiston.
A Waterville-bound trolley car is shown turning into Lisbon Street (left),
while a trolley car from Bath waits in front of the waiting room.
Image from PWM.
A photograph of an unknown motorman of the
Lewiston, Augusta & Waterville Street Railway
(LA&W). The LA&W 1907-1919. PWM
Early in the 1900s, a passenger could board a trolley and travel between Lewiston and Portland by electric railways via Brunswick. The passenger would have to change trolleys twice (at Brunswick & again at Yarmouth). The total travel time from Lewiston to Portland would be about three and one-half hours and cost 65 cents one way.
One side of a reprinted map, circa 1910, "Trolleying through the Heart of
Maine." Distributed by the Portland Railroad and the Lewiston, Augusta, &
Waterville Street Railway. Note, there is no route shown for the
Portland-Lewiston Interurban. Map from STM/PWM
The back of the promotional handout with destinations and prices for
trolley trips with the Portland Railroad and the Lewiston, Augusta
& Waterville Street Railway. From STM/PWM
In 1905, there were two competing companies organized to build a more direct electric railway line between Lewiston and Portland. Fortunately, the two interests were friendly and they decided to combine to form a single charter that was approved in 1907.
The Portland, Gray & Lewiston Railroad was chartered from the consolidation of these two competing charters. The electric power for the new electric railroad would be supplied by the Lewiston & Auburn Electric Light Company. The Electric Light Company was co-owned by Winfield Scott Libbey, a prominent Lewiston businessman and philanthropist, and his partner, Henry M. Dingley. With the initial incorporators unable to secure the $1 million in capitalization to start construction and operations, Libbey and Dingley took control of the company early in 1910.
W. S. Libbey
Where Libbey & Dingley became friends in the later 1870s. Corner of
Main & Lisbon Streets - Western Union office was downstairs and
Dingley's office was upstairs in the "Journal" building.
The downstairs is currently J. Dostie Jewelers. PWM
Caricature of W. S. Libbey from the
1907, Lewiston Journal series,
Verse." from the Maine State Library
Special Collections,
in the Digitalmaine repository.
The transcription reads:
HON. W. S. LIBBEY OF LEWISTON.
The man who dares that's what they say,
And dares and wins most any day.
But well he might -- tho Rips come deer--
They bring in something every year.
The mills, they run in our emporium
And bring to Bates an auditorium.
Tho quickly climbed, this ladder of fame--
The climb was not so very tame.
He lost and won; with equal zest
Went shooting clays for quiet and rest.
The soul of truth, with lots of fight,
He hustles to win but hustles right.
The Libbey-Dingley Dam at the Deer Rips on the Androscoggin River.
Above transcription reference (- tho Rips come deer-).
Postcard from PWM
The Libbey-Dingley Company's purchase of the Lincoln Mill came with the
water rights to the Androscoggin River. That opened the door for
Libbey to generate electricity. He and Dingley purchased the
American Light & Power Company, and consolidated it with the
Auburn Electric Company. Later, this would become the Androscoggin
Electric Company. Above transcription reference (The mills, they run in
our emporium) Image from the collection of Lewiston Public Library,
Maine Memory Network.
Libbey Forum at Bates College. Above transcription reference
(And bring to Bates an auditorium). Postcard from PWM
At his farm in Wayne, ME, with four friends (L-R) Stern, Cobb, Day, and
Hunnewell, and W. "Scott" Libbey, with son Harold, in front. Libbey
practiced shooting with his shotgun, hence the above transcription
reference (Went shooting clays for quiet and rest).
Image from "W. S. Libbey: The Man and His Mill."
W. S. Libbey's wife, Annie (center) with daughter Alla (left)
and son W. S. "Scott" Libbey, Jr. in a family photo probably
taken by W. S. Libbey. Image courtesy of Paul Libbey
(son of W. S. "Scott" Libbey, Jr.)
The above caricature of Libbey has a sketch of Libbey driving his very rare, Stanley Steamer while wearing goggles and seemingly racing as he makes the turn from the back of his leg. The above transcription reference (He lost and won; with equal zest) speaks to how Libbey approached his business endeavors, as well as living his life.
The Finest Electric Railroad in All New England
W. S. Libbey drove his very rare
Stanley Motor Coach Company, K 30-hp Semi-Racer. Only 25 of these cars were
ever built. Only three survive today. Libby's is among the
Mount Desert Island, Maine. For the fact that it has not
been restored, it might be the most valuable
Stanly in the world. Image from the Portland-
Lewiston Interurban Employees Scrapbook which
is among the collection of the NEERHS Library.
The first sod of earth was turned over by the construction superintendent, Samuel Ferguson, near Littlefield’s Corner, Auburn at 1:13 p.m. on the afternoon of Thursday, April 7, 1910. By that fall, the grading had been done through New Gloucester to Gray. In 1911, construction started at the Portland end at Deering Junction and proceeded to Gray.
Image from the Portland-Lewiston Interurban Employees Scrapbook
which is among the collection of the NEERHS Library.
Harold's gang refers to Mrs. Helen C. Libbey's husband,
Harold S. Libbey, son of W. S. Libbey. Mrs. Libbey is
seen here in the upper right with her daughter, Eleanor.
The Libbey family would camp out along the route during its
construction. Harold, who graduated from MIT, would write letters
to his father with updates on the progress. Harold
also created maps with precise measurements of
elevations and grades of the line. Image from the
Portland-Lewiston Interurban Employees Scrapbook which
is among the collection of the NEERHS Library.
1911-1912 - Tower wagon used to run the messenger wire (telephone) and
trolley wire along the right-of-way. This work was done in advance of the
rails and crossties being placed. O.R. Cummings 1967 book,
"Maine's Fast Electric Railroad: Portland-Lewiston Interurban."
Image from the Portland-Lewiston Interurban Employees Scrapbook
which is among the collection of the NEERHS Library.
A dozen concrete bridges were built. The two longest bridges were each 110 feet in length, spanning the Presumpscot River (Portland/Falmouth) and the Little Androscoggin River in Auburn. There were also fifty cattle crossing tunnels built along the nearly 30-mile line.
From O. R. Cummings 1967 book,
"Maine's Fast Electric Railroad -
Portland-Lewiston Interurban."
Near Littlefield's, Auburn - Grand Trunk Railroad, PLI, and highway
bridges cross the Little Androscoggin River. The highway bridge in the
background was replaced in 1937. From O. R. Cummings 1967 book,
"Maine's Fast Electric Railroad - Portland-Lewiston Interurban."
A progress report in the Lewiston Sun of July 18, 1912, indicated that the track had been laid all the way from Deering Junction to West Cumberland and the overhead over the entire line was nearing completion. The Portland carhouse-terminal construction would start on August 1, 1912. The high tension line from the Deer Rips plant of the Lewiston & Auburn Electric Company to the PG & L substations was in place during the summer of 1912 (see original artifact piece of copper tension line on display).
An original piece of the PLI copper high tension line
from the Deer Rips plant. This piece was used for testing
the tensile strength of the line. This was a gift from
Paul Libbey, grandson of W. S. Libbey, Sr. PWM
Lewiston Carhouse Terminal was built in 1912.
From the Portland-Lewiston Interurban employees
Scrapbook which is among the collection of
the NEERHS Library.
Interior view of the Lewiston carhouse with many of the beautiful
interurbans inside. From the Portland- Lewiston Interurban Employees
Scrapbook which is among the collection of the NEERHS Library.
From the Portland-Lewiston Interurban Employees
Scrapbook which is among the collection of
the NEERHS Library.
A porcelain advertising tile was attached to each ticket booth.
From O. R. Cummings Collection at NEERHS Library.
Map showing the PLI system in Lewiston and Auburn.
From the NEERHS 2015 book, "The Illustrated Atlas of
Maine's Street & Electric Railways 1863-1946."
Construction Delays 1912/1913 - In a feud in the construction camp near Littlefield’s, one of the workmen, Vincenzio Jamari, was stabbed fatally by a fellow worker. During the investigation, about ten others from the camp were confined to the Auburn city jail for a few days.
Heavy rains during the spring and fall of 2013 caused delays.
From the Portland-Lewiston Interurban Employees Scrapbook which is
among the collection of the NEERHS Library.
From the Portland-Lewiston Interurban Employees Scrapbook which
is among the collection of the NEERHS Library.
The line was of substantial construction - as well as many steam
railroads. This is through Chandler's Woods near New Gloucester. Trolley
poles are on the right and high tension lines are on the left. From O. R.
Cummings 1967 book, " Maine's Fast Electric Railroad -
Portland-Lewiston Interurban."
Rolling stock was produced by some of the nation's leading car builders.
Laconia Car Company (Laconia, NH) and Wason Manufacturing
(Springfield, MA). Here is No. 16, Clematis, prepared for shipment from
the Laconia Car Company in 1912. ORC/DGC Slide Collection.
Modern methods of power generation and distribution were used.
From the Portland-Lewiston Interurban employees' Scrapbook
which is among the collection of NEERHS Library.
Consolidation of the Libbey-Dingley electric light and railroad properties into a single corporation was planned for in 1913 when a new charter was approved for the Androscoggin Electric Company in March 1913, but no action was taken until 1914. This did not include any of the other Libbey-Dingley businesses, i.e. mills, etc.
The PLI vehicles were required to call the dispatcher in the Lewiston terminal when entering or leaving the right-of-way. In Auburn, the right-of-way ended and the physical connection with the Lewiston, Augusta & Waterville Street Railway (LA& W) system began. In Portland, the right-of-way ended at Deering Junction for the physical connection with the Portland Railroad (PRR) system. Each of the substations/terminals also had phones connected to the PLI telephone system. The dispatcher was located in the Lewiston terminal. Each PLI railway vehicle also had an emergency portable phone (see the display for an actual phone).
The PLI phone booth at Fairview Junction in
Auburn. One was on each end of the right-of-way
where the operator would need to call the
dispatcher in the Lewiston terminal for orders.
PLI phone booth at Deering Junction, Portland.
By May 15, 1914, the Interurban was practically ready to run.
Map of the Portland-Lewiston Interurban shows
the direct route between Lewiston and Auburn
compared to the more obtuse-angular route that
trolleys traveled between the cities prior.
From O. R. Cummings 1967 book,
"Maine's Fast Electric Railroad -
Portland-Lewiston Interurban."
Distances between the various locations that a PLI
vehicle might use. The large high-speed interurbans
during "limited" designated trips would make very few
scheduled stops. The "local" service stops might use a
large interurban but mostly used one of the two smaller
standard streetcars. In addition, there were freight
service vehicles that might be used for milk pick
up, light freight, etc. From the NEERHS 2015 book,
"The Illustrated Atlas of Maine's Street & Electric
Railways 1863-1946.
From the NEERHS 2015 book, "The Illustrated Atlas
of Maine's Street & Electric Railways 1863-1946.
From the NEERHS 2015 book, "The Illustrated Atlas of
Maine's Street & Electric Railways 1863-1946.
On May 17, 1914, W. S. Libbey died suddenly in his 63rd year. The name of the
Portland, Gray & Lewiston Railroad was changed to the Portland-Lewiston
Railroad on July 10, 1914, just eight days after the official opening of the line.
In October, a syndicate acquired the capital stock of the electric light and
railroad properties and the charter of the Androscoggin Electric Company.
The Androscoggin Electric Company was formally organized later
in October. Central Maine Power (CMP) would acquire the company
in 1920 and close the PLI in mid-1933.
No. 10, Arbutus with Lewiston Terminal personnel. L-R, two unidentified
men, R. G. Weeks, master mechanic, Guy W. Mitchell, barn foreman;
H. L. Wright, Mrs. Lucy Card Matthews, E. J. Chateauvert, Milan H.
Spinney, Charles E. Kenniston, L. R. Penny, June 29, 1914.
The Laconia-built interurbans included; No. 10 Arbutus, No. 12
Gladiolus, No. 14 Narcissus, No. 16 Clematis.
The incredible interior of the Laconia-built
interurban coaches. Here is the Arbutus interior
of mahogany with inlay of ebony/holly/ebony,
gold leaf fleur-de-lis in the ceiling panels, green
mohair plush-covered seats, interlocking
rubber-tile in the center and smoking compartment
floors. ORC/DGC slides.
The Narcissus interior prior to the
beginning of restoration in
mid-2015. DGC photo.
On August 18, 1914, Theodore Roosevelt from the number 2 end of the
Narcissus, waves to gathered spectators in Gray, Maine. TR was again a
passenger on a PLI coach on August 31, 1916, when he was traveling from
Portland to Lewiston. Photo courtesy of the Gray Historical Society.
August 19, 1914, Lewiston Daily Sun.
The last sentence in the first paragraph states that TR
then boarded the special car Narcissus for Portland.
1914 - The Narcissus may be the interurban behind these men?
It is a Laconia-built coach (the train door handle set-up is different
from the Wason-built coaches). From the Portland-Lewiston Interurban
Employees Scrapbook which is among the collection of NEERHS Library.
No. 10 Arbutus at Lewiston terminal.
From O. R. Cummings 1967 book, "Maine's
Fast Electric Railroad - Portland-Lewiston Interurban."
No. 16 Clematis. Photo NEERHS Collection
No. 12 Gladiolus at the Lewiston terminal 1914.
From the Portland-Lewiston Interurban collection of
the NEERHS Library.
Wason-built, No. 18 Azalea to pick up a
passenger at Marston Corner, Auburn. From
O. R. Cummings 1967 book, "Maine's Fast
Electric Railroad - Portland- Lewiston Interurban."
1920, when the Wason-built No. 22 Maine was new. Seen here at
Maple Point, Auburn. 1920, the State of Maine's Centennial. During 1920
the PLI carried 531,440 passengers with revenues of $232,581. Freight &
Express revenue was $28,684. The total net profit for the year was
$82,236. ORC/DGC slide.
Here is the Arbutus with the crew and guests of
the final passenger trip. Including, Gertrude
Libbey Anthony, daughter of W. S. Libbey.
From the Portland-Lewiston Interurban
Employees Scrapbook which is among the
collection of NEERHS Library.
The Gladiolus was actually the very last interurban over the line. It was
deadheaded back to Lewiston during the forenoon on Jun 29, 1933, and that
night, at Lewiston, the employees of the interurban officially closed the line
at a farewell dinner. The "boys" drowned their sorrows with the newly-legal
3.2 beer. From the Portland-Lewiston Interurban Employees scrapbook
which is among the collection of NEERHS Library.
No. 20 Magnolia, No. 14 Narcissus, and No. 22 Maine at
the Androscoggin & Kennebec carhouse railyard in Lewiston.
July 29, 1933, or 34.
In 1933, there was no market for the passenger or freight equipment of the PLI, and most of the rolling stock was dismantled at Gray and at the Lewiston carhouse yard of the Androscoggin & Kennebec. At least five of the passenger car bodies were sold to private parties and one complete coach, the Arbutus, was purchased by Mrs. Gertrude Libbey Anthony and moved to her property in Saco, Maine (but was later scrapped in 1946). The body of Maine became a dinner in Lewiston (and was later scrapped). The body of the Narcissus became a summer camp at Sabattus Pond. The body of the Azalea was located on West Rose Hill, overlooking the Androscoggin River, in Auburn (its whereabouts or use is unknown). The bodies of the two standard passenger trolleys, Nos. 40 & 42, were used as storage buildings in Casco, ME, and later traveled to Seashore Trolley Museum where their coupling components were saved and the remains of the bodies were scrapped.
A letter detailing the sale of PLI vehicles in 1933.
From Collection at Seashore Trolley Museum.
No. 10 Arbutus, was sold to Mrs. Gertrude Libbey Anthony,
daughter of W. S. Libbey. The complete coach, with trucks (wheels,
motors, axles, etc.) was transported to her property in the Bay View
area of Saco, Maine. From the Portland-Lewiston Interurban
employees' scrapbook which is among the collection of
the NEERHS Library.
The Arbutus in 1940, when a memorial to W. S Libbey, on the property of
his daughter, Gertrude Libbey Anthony, in the Bay View area of Saco,
Maine. It was scrapped in 1946. From the Portland-Lewiston Interurban
employees' scrapbook which is among the collection of NEERHS Library.
No. 22 Maine, became a diner and drinking establishment on
Park Avenue in Lewiston (the Vallees lived next door in the third-floor
apartment, when not living in the Narcissus). From O. R. Cummings
1965 book, "Maine's Fast Electric Railroad - Portland-Lewiston
Interurban."
Pond. From footage of O. R. Cummings Collection
at Northeast Historic Films, Bucksport, ME.
The Narcissus circa 1965 when the summer camp of the J. Henri Vallee
family at Sabattus Pond. Photo courtesy of Daniel Vallee.
Former employees of the Portland-Lewiston Interurban had four annual
reunions in Gray, 1938, 1939, 1940, & 1941. From the Portland-
Lewiston Interurban employees' scrapbook which is among the collection of
the NEERHS Library.
of the good days of the PLI. From the Portland-
Lewiston Interurban employees' scrapbook which is
among the collection of NEERHS Library.
From the Portland-Lewiston Interurban
employees' scrapbook which is among the
collection of NEERHS Library.
June 1964 photo of the interior of the Narcissus when the summer
camp of J. Henri Vallee (far right). Photo courtesy of Daniel Vallee.
Circa 1965 photo of the interior of the Narcissus when the summer camp of
J. Henri Vallee (left) with his son, Daniel Vallee. The "addition" to the
body of the Narcissus is the kitchen (seen here behind the gentlemen)
with a hand pump for water and a Buck-stove for heat. Photo
courtesy of Daniel Vallee.
"Narcissus is the last Maine car available for restoration."
Page 1 of 2 from the July/August 1965 Trolley
Museum newsletter that speaks to the interest the
Museum had for preserving a PLI interurban
since the 1930s. PWM Collection
Trucks that could be used with the Narcissus
were located in Ontario, Canada. These trucks would
later in 1965 arrive at the Museum after Governor
Reed and his office negotiated for having the trucks
donated to the Museum as a gesture of international
goodwill. PWM Collection
Donald Curry led a team to assess the Narcissus during Christmas week,
1968. They would later remove the attached addition seen here.
DGC photos.
Fall 1969 Seashore Trolley Museum volunteers and staff load the
Narcissus on the Museum's "Highway Monster" for shipping to
Kennebunkport. Photo courtesy of Daniel Vallee.
Late October 1969, the Narcissus is secured to the trailer and ready to
travel to Kennebunkport. The new home in the background was built by the
Museum as Mr. Vallee's replacement housing for transferring the Narcissus
to the Museum. Photo courtesy of Daniel Vallee.
The Narcissus, just prior to traveling to Kennebunkport. Photo
courtesy of Daniel Vallee.
Spring of 1970 at Seashore Trolley Museum. The Narcissus is in the parking
lot on the right rear. PWM Collection.
Spring 1970 at Seashore TrolleyMuseum. The Narcissus still has its sign
on its side thanking all the businesses that contributed materials or labor
to building Vallee's replacement housing. Photo courtesy of
Norm Downs.
The Narcissus at Seashore Trolley Museum in the Donald G. Curry
Town House Restoration Shop with all 26 ornate leaded stained glass
windows temporarily in place in the clerestory for guests to see during the
benefit the Narcissus. PWM
The Narcissus shortly after having its trucks removed
and rolled out from under it. October 2017. Seen here is
the number 2 end. The same end where Theodore Roosevelt
leaned out of the train door and waved at folks in Gray
during his August 18, 1914, trip. PWM
We are still in need of funds for creating the interpretation programs that will tell this fascinating 100+-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.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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 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
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-running 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 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 one-time donations or you
may choose to have a specific amount charged to your card
automatically on a monthly basis. 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.
Patricia Pierce Erikson photo
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
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