The first page of the Portland-Lewiston
from the O. R. Cummings Collection at
the NEERHS Library. PWM
Plans for the ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the completed restoration of Seashore Trolley Museum's 1912 Portland-Lewiston Interurban No, 14, Narcissus are being developed. With that timeline comes additional benchmarks for the research, development, creation, and implementation of a comprehensive plan to tell the story of the Narcissus. This interpretation plan may include educational programming, exhibit and display offerings, as well as outreach programs in a variety of formats, including on-site, off-site, social media, and online curriculum.
One of the first steps in this process is to identify resources that may be available for use in telling this amazing story with so many enduring storylines. The National Register of Historic Places member, Narcissus, is, by itself, majestic - a gem of exquisite beauty, and worthy of its own high-end, hardcover coffee-table book with images taken by professional photographers. However, the depth and breadth of this beauty's allure are even more fascinating as one looks into its genealogy.
The first step towards identifying resources that may be helpful for building interpretive offerings is to make a list of known holders of artifacts, ephemera, etc. related to, or connected with, the Narcissus, the Portland-Lewiston Interurban, Laconia Car Company, W. S. Libbey, Theodore Roosevelt and his connections in Maine, J. Henri Vallee, etc., and of course, Seashore Trolley Museum. Once that list is made, research is done within the collections of those various organizations and a digital inventory is created, which leads to the creation of a digital bibliography of all items held in those various collections that have some connections to the Narcissus Project. As an example, the Maine Historical Society has within its vast repository, the Central Maine Power Collection/Archives. The digital bibliography for that collection alone is 300 pages. The number of files on electric railways in Maine, including the Portland-Lewiston Interurban, within the CMP Collection, is incredible, and very exciting to think about possibly uncovering some of the materials for use in the Narcissus interpretation programming. This research and creation of a digital bibliography will be done by a person being paid a stipend. While a qualified person is being sought to conduct the research and create the digital bibliography this summer, we can look at the Museum's Library resources to identify PLI-related items that may be used and included in the digital bibliography.
Seashore Trolley Museum is owned and operated by the New England Electric Railway Historical Society (NEERHS) in Kennebunkport, Maine. The NEERHS was chartered as a 501c3 non-profit organization in Maine in 1941, though the organization has its origin back on July 5, 1939, when a small group of young men made a deposit of $108 to the Biddeford & Saco Railroad in order to purchase the 1900 open trolley car, No. 31. Over these past seventy-nine years, the organization's Library has amassed an incredible collection of ephemera, photographs, maps, blueprints, car cards, film, slides, and a variety of electric railway corporate records. In addition, many electric railway enthusiasts have donated their extensive personal collections to the NEERHS Library. Within the extensive archival collection of the NEERHS Library is electric railway author, O. R. Cummings' collection.
O. R. Cummings was a passenger in one of the interurbans of the PLI only once - in 1932 when he accompanied his mother to her 20-year reunion at Bates College. They traveled from Newburyport, MA to Portland, ME by train and continued on to Lewiston over the PLI. He so very much wanted to see the day the Narcissus was fully restored to operating condition. He even signed over his royalties to the Narcissus restoration fund from his 1967 book, "Maine's Fast Electric Railroad: Portland-Lewiston Interurban". O. R. was given the PLI Employee Scrapbook by its maker and fellow electric railway historian, Charles Heseltine. O. R., in turn, gifted the scrapbook to the NEERHS Library in 2013.
The PLI Employee Scrapbook has 112 pages (78 have attachments) of incredible memories from the construction & operating years (1910-1933) of the Portland-Lewiston Interurban and of the four reunions (1938-1941) of former PLI employees. In looking through the scrapbook my first time (see the short video below), one of my first reactions was to say that these photos and other attachments in the scrapbook need to be professionally conserved and, if possible, digitize the contents so that they would be available for use in creating exhibits, displays, and educational offerings.
Knowing we had this one-of-a-kind precious PLI employee scrapbook as a potential resource for creating interpretation materials - if quality digital images of the items held in the scrapbook were made available. The next step became clear. To find where the scrapbook contents could be professionally conserved and while doing so, have the contents professionally digitized.
I reached out to Dugan Murphy, Executive Director at Maine Archives & Museums. Dugan was very helpful and shared contacts of individuals and organizations that might be good candidates to consider for the conservation. NEDCC stood out and as it turned out the Museum Library team was familiar with the organization in Andover, MA. I contacted Michael Lee, Director of the Paper and Photography Conservation at NEDCC with information on the scrapbook and included the link to the short video clip of Amber Tatnall and me first turning pages of the scrapbook. Michael forwarded my request to NEDCC's Director of Book Conservation, Mary Patrick (MP) Bogan. MP replied to my request and was very enthusiastic about the project and found watching the video to be very helpful in assessing early needs. We made the appointment to bring the scrapbook to NEDCC for the purpose of receiving an estimate to conserve the scrapbook and its contents, as well as having an estimate for digitizing its contents. We included bringing the original PLI elevation map as well to also receive estimates for conservation and digitizing the fragile and irreplaceable PLI artifact (more on the map below).
1941 group photo of the final reunion of the employees of
the Portland-Lewiston Interurban. There were four reunions,
1938, 39, 40, & 41, all were in Gray.
From the PLI Employees Scrapbook.
A short video showing us flipping through
pages of the PLI employee scrapbook for the
first time in April 2014.
On Monday, May 7, Amber Tatnall, Randy Leclair, and I traveled together to Andover, MA. Randy is the restoration shop foreman who also serves on the Library Committee. Amber Tatnall is the Librarian at the York County Community College in Wells, Maine. Amber is a Museum member and formerly served on the Library Committee. At the NEDCC reception area, we were met by Jonathan Goodrich, Registrar, who in turn introduced us to MP Bogan, Michael Lee, and later, Terrance D'Ambrosio, Director of Imaging Services, who would join us. In an examination room, the scrapbook was carefully opened and several pages were turned and contents examined. Questions were asked and answered. The elevation map was taken to a separate examination room, in case there was mold contaminates that might become airborne when the map was examined. The scrapbook and the map were handled and examined as the precious, fragile, significant artifacts that they are.
Written reports on the current condition and the options for conservation and digitizing would be forwarded to us in a few weeks. On May 24, 2018, we were in receipt of said reports for both items.
Northeast Document Conservation Center
(NEDCC) PLI Scrapbook Current
Condition Report and Recommended
Conservation Treatment Plan Pg. 1
Northeast Document Conservation Center
(NEDCC) PLI Scrapbook Current
Condition Report and Recommended
Conservation Treatment Plan Pg. 2
Northeast Document Conservation Center
(NEDCC) PLI Scrapbook Current
Condition Report and Recommended
Conservation Treatment Plan - Pg. 4
(Photography & Digitizing Options)
Northeast Document Conservation Center
(NEDCC) PLI Scrapbook Current
Condition Report and Recommended
Conservation Treatment Plan - Pg. 5
(Photography & Digitizing Options)
A little background on the PLI Elevation/grade map prior to seeing the NEDCC report. In November 2017, I had an exciting opportunity to travel to Lewiston (ME) to visit Paul Libbey. Paul is a grandson of W. S. Libbey, the builder of the Portland-Lewiston Interurban. Paul is a young nonagenarian and still goes to work at a mill that his grandfather first acquired in 1888. The name of the mill has changed, but it is still in the family. Harold Libbey, Paul's uncle, created the PLI elevation/grade map. Sadly, Harold contracted the flu during the pandemic and passed away in 1919.
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 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.
The street view via Google Earth of the Scotia Company on Lincoln Street
in Lewiston (ME). This is where I met Paul Libbey and his son Mark.
Paul's grandfather, W. S. Libbey, bought this building in 1888, along with
what was then the Cumberland Woolen Mill business operation.
Paul Libbey was a most gracious host. He gave me a tour
of the mill operation and spent the time talking with me
about the mill business, and his grandfather's keen business
sense of timing. I so very much enjoyed my visit.
Paul was very kind and made a gift to the Museum of the
original PLI map showing the various elevations and
grade of the line that his uncle Harold had created
during the construction of the line 1910-1914.
PWM photo
Northeast Document Conservation Center (NEDCC) PLI Elevation Map
Current Condition Report and Recommended
Conservation Treatment Plan - Pg. 1
Northeast Document Conservation Center (NEDCC) PLI Elevation Map
Current Condition Report and Recommended
Conservation Treatment Plan - Pg. 2
(Photography & Digitizing Options)
These estimates for conserving and digitizing the scrapbook and the map will be extremely useful as we seek funding through donors and applications to grantors. We are so very fortunate to have these items. The right thing to do is professionally conserve them. Having quality digital images from the items to work with in developing the interpretation programs for the Narcissus Project is very exciting. Additional materials that may be useful in developing the interpretation programs will be forthcoming from the identification of those materials as the digital bibliography is made available.
Click Here Update: June 2019 Original 28-foot-long Surveyor's Map Conserved!! Thank You:)
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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