The 1915 Morrison Hill Station from the Portland-Lewiston Interurban
in West Cumberland, Maine, at Seashore Trolley Museum in
Kennebunkport greets passengers as they arrive on the 1901 open trolley car
No. 303 from New Haven, CT. July 2017 PWM image
This post is a companion to the slide presentation program by Phil Morse as a guest speaker for the Prince Memorial Library (the presentation includes Donald Curry presenting on the restoration of the Narcissus currently underway at Seashore Trolley Museum) at the West Cumberland Recreation Hall on Tuesday, May 15, 2018, at 6:30 p.m. 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 greater Cumberland area. Instead, it was tailored for the Cumberland audience attending the public presentation at the West Cumberland Recreation Hall on May 15, 2018. Its intent was to show a glimpse of the Portland-Lewiston Interurban and its employees and to share the story of the petite 1915 PLI waiting station from Morrison Hill in West Cumberland that was saved and is at the Seashore Trolley Museum. In addition, to let guests know that one of these majestic PLI interurbans, the Narcissus, was saved and is currently being restored at Seashore Trolley Museum.
at the West Cumberland Recreation Hall on May 15.
The Prince Memorial Library hosted the presentation. photo by Zhaocheng "Sunny" Zhong
Donald Curry is discussing the restoration of
the Narcissus with the guests attending the May 15 presentation
in West Cumberland. PWM
the Narcissus with the guests attending the May 15 presentation
in West Cumberland. PWM
The Portland-Lewiston Interurban 1910-1933
The Portland-Lewiston Interurban (PLI) operated in West Cumberland 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.
Below is a promotional handout with destinations and prices for trolley trips with the Portland Railroad and the Lewiston, Augusta & Waterville Street Railway.
First, we will briefly visit the early years of the electric railway service in Cumberland. The Portland & Yarmouth Electric Railway was awarded its charter on November 21, 1894. In 1895, the company obtained locations in Portland, Deering, Falmouth, Cumberland, & Yarmouth. A change in ownership occurred early in 1897, followed by controversies that led to legal action. Finally, in August of 1897, the construction of the line started. The rebuilding of Tukey's Bridge delayed the completion of the railway for a year. Service from Portland to the Cumberland/Yarmouth town line was opened on August 1, 1898. The balance of the line to the Grand Trunk Railroad depot at Yarmouth was completed on August 18, 1898.
No. 3, an 1897 combination car. Express (light freight) and
passengers were both carried. O. R. Cummings
"Portland Railroad" January 1957.
Martin's Point Bridge between Portland and Falmouth.
From the NEERHS 2015 book, "The Illustrated Atlas of
Maine's Street & Electric Railways 1863-1946."
A half-hour schedule between Portland and Yarmouth was placed in effect, the nearly thirteen-mile route having a one-hour running time. The Portland Railroad took stock control of the Portland & Yarmouth line on December 11, 1900.
The route of the Yarmouth line; Monument Square via Elm and Oxford Streets to Washington Avenue; Washington Avenue to Veranda Street; Veranda Street to Martin's Point Bridge; Route One through Falmouth and Cumberland Foresides to Yarmouth; Pleasant and Main Streets to Grand Trunk Depot in Yarmouth. 12.44 miles. Services on the Yarmouth line, outward from the Marine Hospital, were abandoned on June 29, 1933. The same day service ended for the Portland-Lewiston Interurban.
From the NEERHS 2015 book, "The Illustrated Atlas of
Maine's Street & Electric Railways 1863-1946."
From O. R. Cummings 1957 book,
"Part 1 - Portland Railroad."
Cumberland locals would travel to Falmouth which had Maine's only electric
fountain at Underwood Spring Park. The Portland & Yarmouth Electric
Railway opened the park in the summer of 1899.
fountain at Underwood Spring Park. The Portland & Yarmouth Electric
Railway opened the park in the summer of 1899.
Built upon an underground spring that gushed forth a quarter of a million
gallons of healthy water every 24 hours. Day-trippers from Portland
could depart Monument Square every 30 minutes, every 15 minutes during
peak times. 20 cents roundtrip. Every evening between 8 and 9 p.m.,
an engineer would operate the electric fountain, manipulating its
controls to create a shifting rainbow of color in the water. The casino and
theater burned down in 1907 and it was never rebuilt. Text and images from
2012 NEERHS book, "The Trolley Parks of Maine."
From the NEERHS 2015 book, "The Illustrated Atlas of
Maine's Street & Electric Railways 1863-1946."
Portland to Yarmouth. Postcard postmarked June 22, 1910, 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 and with the electric railway companies.
Middle Street Portland. Postcard postmarked November 5, 1909, from PWM
The "Hub" of the Portland Railroad system, was at the junction of Congress, Preble, Middle, Federal, and Elm Streets in downtown Portland. All trolley cars on all lines, both city, and suburban (and the Portland-Lewiston Interurban) passed through this point. The Portland Railroad had many prosperous years. For example, more than 13 million passengers were carried during the year ending June 30, 1904, with revenues totaling $686,000, net profits more than $86,000, and stockholders shared dividends of nearly $60,000.
Monument Square. Image circa 1910 courtesy PWM
Monument Square was the hub for the Portland Railroad’s operated 78 miles of route and its 95 miles of track, serving the communities of Portland, South Portland, Cape Elizabeth, Scarborough, Saco, Old Orchard, Westbrook, Gorham, South Windham, Falmouth, Cumberland, and Yarmouth. However, the PRR was also a hub for handling freight as well as connecting passengers to more far-reaching destinations as well as being a major intermodal transportation center, with connections with the Portland-Lewiston Interurban, Biddeford & Saco Railroad, Lewiston, Augusta, & Waterville Street Railway, Boston & Maine Railroad, Maine Central Railroad, Grand Trunk Railroad, Casco Bay Lines, and various steamship companies.
A reprinted map, circa 1910, "Trolleying through the Heart of Maine"
Distributed by the Portland Railroad and the Lewiston, Augusta, &
Waterville Street Railway. Notice, that there is no Portland-Lewiston
Interurban yet. STM
Below is a promotional handout with destinations and prices for Casco Bay cruise trips.
Below is a promotional handout with destinations and prices for trolley trips with the Portland Railroad and the Lewiston, Augusta & Waterville Street Railway.
A reprinted copy of "Trolleying through the Heart of Maine"
Distributed by the Portland Railroad and the Lewiston, Augusta, &
Waterville Street Railway. The rates for travel are included. STM
The double-truck parlor car trolley, "Bramhall", was built in 1896 by the
J. G. Brill Company, Philadelphia, PA, and is said to have been given free
to the Portland Railroad in appreciation for past and anticipated future
business. Seen here at Fort Allen shortly after delivery. It was primarily
for use by PRR officials, but it was available for charter by special parties -
at an extra rate, of course. It was a handsome one, painted in shiny black
with gold leaf trim and lettering, and had ornamental iron grillwork on the
ends. The interior was fitted with 20 wicker chairs with plush seats, tasseled
curtains at the windows, and two cupboards (for spirits) at each end. In
1916, it was rebuilt as an experimental pre-payment car and became
No. 500. It was scrapped in the 1920s. Text and photos from
O. R. Cummings 1959 book, "The Trolley Parlor Cars
of New England."
Theodore Roosevelt on the Narcissus when addressing
Living in Cumberland made it challenging to travel to the Auburn/Lewiston area. The early trolley passengers first rode a trolley to Yarmouth and changed trolleys for the trip to Brunswick. and changed trolleys again prior to traveling to Lewiston. Travel time was close to three hours.
The Finest Electric Railroad in All of New England
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 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. The fact that it has not
been restored, 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 their daughter, Eleanor. The Libbeys
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."
The original concrete bridge spanning the
Presumpscot River. From O.R. Cummings 1967
book, "Maine's Fast Electric Railroad:
Portland-Lewiston Interurban."
The "new" replacement bridge is in place atop the original.
1928. Image from O.R. Cummings 1967 book,
"Maine's Fast Electric Railroad: Portland-Lewiston Interurban."
No. 1 bridge, a triple arch, across the Piscataqua River at Pearson's curve,
West Falmouth. 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.
Image from the Portland-Lewiston Interurban Employees
Scrapbook which is among the collection of the NEERHS Library.
Image from the Portland-Lewiston Interurban Employees
Scrapbook which is among the collection of the NEERHS Library.
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 1913 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."
One of the PLI interurbans in the "S" curve near Morrison Hill in
West Cumberland, ME. From STM archives
Fifty Cow Tunnels - Underpass
1941 U. S. Army Topo Map
"Old RR Grade"
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 triangular 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.
Morrison Hill Station from West Cumberland. Was there a similar
Portland-Lewiston Interurban waiting station in West Falmouth? We have
heard there was. Contact me and let me know.
p.morse31@gmail.com PWM
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.
When the Portland-Lewiston Interurban line opened on July 2, 1914, total travel time was reduced to less than two hours for a Falmouth passenger.
Monument Square is where passengers could take one of the beautifully
appointed Portland-Lewiston Interurban coaches if you needed to travel
North to West Falmouth, West Cumberland, Gray, New Gloucester,
Auburn, or Lewiston. Photo circa 1920 from 2015 NEERHS book,
"The Illustrated Atlas of Maine's Street & Railways 1863-1946."
North to West Falmouth, West Cumberland, Gray, New Gloucester,
Auburn, or Lewiston. Photo circa 1920 from 2015 NEERHS book,
"The Illustrated Atlas of Maine's Street & Railways 1863-1946."
The Interurbans of the Portland-Lewiston Interurban were much larger than the
more common trolleys of the Portland Railroad. Photos from slide collection of DGC/ORC.
From Monument Square, the PLI coaches would work their way through Portland to Forest Avenue, where they would enter the 30-mile PLI right-of-way leading to Lewiston, at Morrill's Corner, just off of Allen Avenue.
Portland Railroad trolleys that were taking passengers to
Riverton Park would continue on Forest Avenue until
they turned off at the park's turnout. Map from 2015
the NEERHS Library book, "The Illustrated Atlas of Maine's Street
& Railways 1863-1946."
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 restoration
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.
Image from the Portland-Lewiston Interurban Employees
Scrapbook which is among the collection of the NEERHS Library.
Image from the Portland-Lewiston Interurban Employees
Scrapbook which is among the collection of the NEERHS Library.
Image from the Portland-Lewiston Interurban Employees
Scrapbook which is among the collection of the NEERHS Library.
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 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.
Circa 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 to have the trucks
donated to the Museum as a gesture of international
goodwill. PWM Collection
Donald Curry lead 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 for
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.
Kathy Allen Merrill shared these photos with the Museum. The
Narcissus made a stop in West Cumberland on its way
to Seashore Trolley Museum on October 31, 1969.
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.
From the 1994 NEERHS Annual Report. Jay Mazzei is seen here at
the 1915 Morrison Hill Station in West Cumberland, ME.
Circa 1990.
From the 1992 NEERHS Annual Report. At Seashore Trolley Museum
where the renovations begin.
Donald Curry with Morrison Hill
Station in 1992 at Seashore Trolley Museum.
From the 1994 NEERHS Annual Report. John Mazzei poses in front
of the station after he completed the renovations.
Front cover image of the 1994 NEERHS Annual Report.
From the 1995 NEERHS Annual Report.
2017 upgrades to the station are done. The pathway to the Donald
G. Curry Town House Restoration Shop received upgrades
in 2018 more than 700 cobblestones were used to replace deteriorated
railroad ties as the border.
2018 brings some new display materials to the interior of the
1915 Morrison Hill Station.
Portable phone similar to those in each of
the Portland-Lewiston Interurbans.
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 that Theodore Roosevelt
leaned out 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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