Saturday, March 10, 2018

This Stage of the Narcissus Restoration Adventure Started in 1999 😲

ASL-100 in 1907, one year after having arrived in Maine
with its two siblings (ASl-101 & ASL-102), is seen here
in the Goodall Mill yard pulling a train of railroad boxcars.

     Back in the fall of 1999, a small group of Seashore Trolley Museum members/volunteers discussed how we might apply for Federal and State funding to secure the major financial resources needed for the very large and very complicated complete restoration of the 1912 Portland-Lewiston Interurban No. 14, Narcissus. Off and on for decades, Museum members had worked hard to raise adequate funds to restore the Narcissus, only to have initial efforts fall far short of expectations. To keep this portion of the post somewhat brief, I'll refer to highlights of the ensuing years. In 2000, a project manager for the Narcissus was appointed and initial assessments, etc. began on the Narcissus while we sought direction on ISTEA and later TEA-21 funding. Conrad Misek, Scott Becker, and Bob Hughes provided pertinent information and prudent counsel as we considered our first steps. After having conversations and written correspondence with the Maine Department of Transportation, the decision was made to not make our initial application to the state with a request for funds for the Narcissus, but instead, chose the Museum's 1906 electric locomotive No. 100 from the Atlantic Shore Line Railway. The wooden locomotive would be a much simpler complete restoration and as a historical piece of railway equipment from the local communities in the Museum's area, we were hopeful that we could raise the matching funds locally. This blogger was appointed as the project manager.

ASL-100 arrived at the Seashore Trolley Museum in 1949 via
the Museum's "Highway Monster" tractor and trailer. 

     We submitted an application in 2000, but it was not approved. Reapplied during the 2002 application cycle, but it was not approved. The 2004 application was approved in 2005 with restoration work commencing late in the year 2006.

     Here below is a video from September 2005 of ASL-100 leaving the carbarn to make its way to the Town House Restoration Shop.



Under its own power, ASL-100 makes its way toward the
Town House Restoration Shop in mid-September, 2005. PWM

The opposite side is seen here as ASL-100 makes its way to
the shop in mid-September, 2005. PWM

     Fast forward to the ribbon-cutting ceremony that celebrated the successful completion of the complete restoration of the 1906 Atlantic Shore Line Railway electric locomotive No. 100 in September 2009. 

Patricia Pierce Erikson (left) with O. R. Cummings.
O. R. Cummings was a member of the Museum for more
than 50 years. He wrote more than fifty books on New
England's electric railway systems, including the Atlantic Shore
Line Railway and the Portland-Lewiston Interurban. I couldn't
have been happier or more proud to have had O. R. be able to
have a ride on 100 that day of the ribbon-cutting.
September 25, 2009, PPE

ASL-100 looked fabulous in September 2009. PWM

Smile! PWM

The restoration of 1906 Atlantic Shore Line Railway
electric locomotive No. 100 was featured in this promo video,
"Make Your Case Video" for Seashore Trolley Museum.
Kennebunk Savings Bank Community Ballot Promo 2010.

     Now, remember, those ten years (1999-2009) were all to build a great case for an application for major funding to completely restore the Narcissus. And we did submit an application for the Narcissus in 2010. In addition, we submitted an application for funding preliminary design expenses for a 22,000-square-foot transportation hall and an 8,000-square-foot education facility. The "rest" of the story will be in the next Narcissus Project Blog Post :)

Cover page/slide of 2010 enhancement
fund request made to the Maine Department
of Transportation. PWM

     That next blog post will be the list of products and outcomes from the ASL-100 project as of the end of 2009. Those would be key pieces of evidence to include with the 2010 applications. Below is just one of the bullet points in that list. During the restoration of the locomotive, YouTube would only accept about four minutes of footage. So, the video clips of various aspects of the locomotive restoration are in short clips of a minute to four minutes, adding up to nearly fourteen hours. The links to all of the video clips are all here. See below. Quality is not up to today's standards. I wasn't using an HD recorder and those volunteers that contributed footage weren't using HD either. That being said, they are available for your enjoyment.

11-3-2006 The first video clip kicking off
the restoration of the 1906 electric locomotive
ASL-100. The series of ASL-100-related project
video clips is comprised of a total of 287 video
clips (nearly 14 hours). PWM

The various short video clips of the work on the 1906 electric locomotive ASL-100

2006
11-3-2006 The first is above - Donald G. Curry giving a preview
11-3-2006 #2 end pilot-square headed bolts-through truss rods
11-3-2006 Through truss rods-polling pockets-coupler-train air
11-3-2006 Headlight bracket & plug-sandbox
11-3-2006 Sandbox-coupler rod-handrail-pilot-trolley pole
11-3-2006 Pilot-#2 end deck-brake rigging
11-3-2006 #1 end sills
11-3-2006 #1 end sills-train air-motors
11-3-2006 #1 end wheels-wheels-bolster-center bearing
11-3-2006 #1 end bolster-center bearing-sill
11-3-2006 Side sill-right, cross sill, side bearing,bolster-truck
11-22-2006 Sills
11-22-2006 Sills
11-22-2006 Sills
11-22-2006 #1 end cab
11-22-2006 Right-side sill
11-22-2006 #2 end sills
11-22-2006 #2 end sills
11-22-2006 #2 end
11-22-2006 #2 end hood
11-22-2006 #2 end hood
11-28-2006 (Mute) interior of the cab
11-28-2006 (Mute) interior of the cab
11-29-2006 (Mute) cab being raised
12-22-2006 Truck work update
12-22-2006 Truck work update
12-22-2006 Motors condition
12-22-2006 Motors condition
12-22-2006 Motors condition
12-22-2006 Motors condition

2007
2-8-2007 Bolster details
2-8-2007 Bolster details
8-23-2007 Trucks 

1-4-2008 Cab windows
1-4-2008 Cab windows
1-4-2008 Brake shoe head
3-18-2008 Old wiring 
3-18-2008 Old Wiring
5-15-2008 Recent deck work
5-15-2008 Recent deck work
5-15-2008 Recent deck work
5-15-2008 Wiring placement
9-13&14-2008 "New" nailers
9-20-2008 Cab Floorboards
10-9-2008 Making # 2 pilot
11-11-2008 Truck work update
11-15-2008 Boards of the cab
11-16-2008 #1 end hood cover
11-21-2008 Hood work #1 end
11-26&28-2008 Primed cab doors
12-1-2008 Axle collar work
12-2-2008 Axle collar work
12-4-2008 Axle collar work
12-6&7-2008 #2 end hoods
12-6-2008 Axle collar work
12-20-2008 Trucks under deck
12-20-2008 #2 end hood doors
12-19-2008 Wiring new trucks


2009
3-20-2009 Cab work
3-20-2009 Cab work
3-20-2009 Cab work
3-20-2009 Controller parts
4-6-2009 Cab work
4-6-2009 Grid placement
4-6-2009 Air gauges
5-21-2009 Controller accelerator drum refurbishing 
5-21-2009 Controller accelerator drum refurbishing
5-21-2009 Controller accelerator drum refurbishing
5-21-2009 Trolley base & controller housing work
5-21-2009 Identifying fonts for lettering
5-21-2009 Recent work on the #1 end & sandboxes
5-21-2009 Recent work on sandboxes
5-21-2009 #2 end hood roof & right side handrail
5-21-2009 Installation of various interior components in cab
5-21-2009 Installation of various interior components in cab
6-11-2009 # 1end headlight bracket & sandbox /piping
6-11-2009 Handbrake wheels & #1 hood & doors
6-11-2009 #2 end sandbox & bell
6-20-2009 #2 controller wires work
6-20-2009 #2 end controller wires work
6-28-2009 Headlight-Laconia Car Co logo-Coal stove
6-30-2009 Painting ASLRy letters on side-sill
6-30-2009 Painting ASLRy letters on side-sill
6-30-2009 Painting ASLRy letters on side-sill
6-30-2009 Headlight bracket discussion #2 end 
7-1-2009 Lettering ASLRy right side sill
7-9-2009 Applying Laconia Car Company decal to left side-sill
7-9-2009 Testing horn & air leaks and & door holder
8-10-2009 "Golden Glow" Headlight Wiring
8-10-2009 Moving ASL-100 out of the restoration box
8-10-2009 Moving ASL-100 out of the restoration box
8-10-2009 Working on the "fingers" for the controllers
8-11-2009 Moving ASL-100 to the restoration shop pit
8-12-2009 Adjusting the trolley pole tension
8-12-2009 View from underneath ASL-100 - brake work
8-13-2009 Brake shoes  for ASL-100
8-24-2009 Trolley pole discussion
8-24-2009 Checking continuity in grids, controllers & motors
8-24-2009 Checking continuity in grids, controllers & motors
8-24-2009 Replacing segments in #2 controller
8-26-2009 Adjusting segments & fingers in controllers
8-26-2009 Adjusting segments & fingers in controllers
8-26-2009 Adjusting segments & fingers in controllers
8-27-2009 ASL-100 operating for the first time with 600 volts applied
8-27-2009 Compressor operating & cab lights too
9-1-2009 ASL-100 powers up and moves w/600 volts 1st Time
9-1-2009 Checking clearances
9-1-2009 Checking clearances in loop #2 end
9-1-2009 Checking clearances in loop #2 end
9-1-2009 Checking clearances in look # 1 end
9-3-2009 ASL-100 on its maiden mainline inspection  trip
9-3-2009 ASL-100 on its maiden mainline inspection trip

Exhibit Room Preparation
4-26-2009 "Before" view of the Exhibit Room
5-2&5-2009 Preparation of the room
5-6-2009 Priming & painting the room
5-31-2009 Progress
6-8-2009 Display work & track lighting installation
6-21-2009 Prep work for exhibit panels
7-1-2009 Initial exhibit panels installed
8-20-2009 Final exhibit panels installed
10-09-2009 John Middleton demonstrates controller display

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
9-25-2009 NEERHS Chairman of Board, James Schantz opens the ceremony
9-25-2009 Maine State Senator Nancy Sullivan
9-25-2009 Patricia Erikson Speaks to the Education/Exhibit Component
9-25-2009 Actual Ribbon Cutting
9-25-2009 ASL-100 First Public Ride
9-25-2009 Mainline drive-by of 639, 1267, 38, and 434D

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 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 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!

Theodore Roosevelt on the Narcissus when addressing
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

The Narcissus in the restoration shop in 2022 PWM

   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
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
* 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
* 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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