The thirty-seven-foot long, right side sill
of the 1912 Portland-Lewiston Interurban,
No. 14, Narcissus has been separated from
the channel steel beam that runs the full length of
the passenger compartment. Photo by PWM
The image above: The southern yellow pine sill and its channel steel beam partner were detached from the passenger compartment as a set and laid down with the exterior of the sill "facedown" on sturdy supporting blocks. The channel steel beam was then separated from the sill, exposing the inner sides of both the sill and the channel steel beam. The heavy channel steel beam was then flipped and its inside was moved toward the passenger compartment of the Narcissus. This image shows the inside face of the side sill facing up and the exposed rusted flat "backside" of the channel steel beam.
The Narcissus is currently being restored at the Donald G. Curry Town House Restoration Shop at Seashore Trolley Museum in Kennebunkport, Maine. The Narcissus, along with nine other historic Maine railway vehicles, has been listed in the National Register of Historic Places since 1980. The Narcissus was built in 1912 at the Laconia Car Company Works in Laconia, NH. The original order was placed in April, the same month the Titanic set sail and sank, and when Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox, first opened. Portland-Lewiston Interurban passenger service commenced on July 2, 1914. Theodore Roosevelt was a passenger on the Narcissus on August 18, 1914.
The Portland-Lewiston Interurban ended electric railway service, eighty-five years ago on June 28, 1933. J. Henri Vallee purchased the body of the Narcissus, minus all the mechanical and electrical components, in the late '30s for use as the family summer camp in Sabattus, Maine. The Narcissus arrived at the Seashore Trolley Museum on October 31, 1969. Forty-nine years later, we are making major progress in the restoration of this historic Maine transportation icon. This blog post shares information about the single most challenging phase of the restoration to date, the replacement of the southern yellow pine side sills and the channel steel beams that the side sills are encased in.
With the right side sill removed, inside facing up, and
separated from the rusted channel steel beam, the magnitude
of the years of wood decay is clearly evident. Many years
ago a repair was attempted at this point in the sill
which proved less than adequate. Notice the "patches" of
layered rust Photo by PWM
Jones & Laughlin, the name of the company that
made the channel steel originally for the Laconia
Car Company Works is clearly visible on the
inside of the channel steel beam. Jones &
Laughlin was also clearly visible in the
steel I-beams that run down the center
of the forty-seven-foot-long interurban,
Narcissus. Photo by PWM
Below is an edited video of the sill & channel removal created by Ernie Eaton
This bucket contains many patches of layered rust
from the steel channel. Photo by PWM
The thickness of the layers of rust attached to or
that fell from the channel steel was remarkable.
Photo by PWM
Water damage took its toll on places along the
thirty-seven-foot southern yellow pine side sill from the right
side of the Narcissus. Photo by PWM
There are places on the channel steel that rusted
away totally. Photo by PWM
This a classic case where looks can be deceiving. Early in the
assessment processes, there was speculation that the sills/
channel steel beams were in remarkably good condition and
may only require relatively minor repairs. At worst, the
channel steel beams might need to be replaced.
Photo by PWM
As the assessment process advanced, evidence started
building in favor of the need to examine the sills and channel
beam much more closely.
As various metal components were being removed,
the evidence clearly pointed to the need for a more aggressive
examination of the channel steel beams and sills.
Photo by PWM
Here, volunteer, Tom Hughes is digging deeper into the
buildup of rust along the length of the right side channel
steel beam and the flooring of the smoking compartment.
Photo by DGC
More tell-tail signs that there were "issues" that warranted
further inspection. Only by removing the side sill and
channel steel beam could a truly proper assessment be done.
Photo by PWM
View of the ends of the right sill and the channel
steel beam at the No. 2 end. photo by PWM
Remarkably, only along a short segment of the
edge of the floorboard base in the smoking
compartment is there any wood damage. And
the damage is minimal. Notice how tight the
growth rings are seen on the end of the side sill
compared to the rings on the 4 x4s below the
sill. Finding old-growth southern yellow pine
to replace the two-side sill of the Narcissus
will be challenging. Photo by PWM
The deterioration of the right sill in areas such as the one
seen above results in this sill being damaged to the point
where it cannot be repaired for use in the restoration of the
Narcissus. Sections of the sill that are in good condition will
be measured for possible use to replace deteriorated
vestibule crossbeams. Photo by PWM
Damage to the sill
areas has compromised the structural integrity of the sill.
Photo by PWM
The challenges to removing nuts and bolts that
have been in place for as long as one
hundred and six years were many. Various
means of removal were applied.
Photo by PWM
Hundreds of nuts and bolts were removed.
The removal of most of the bolts securing the
side sills to the underframe required creativity
on the part of Ernie Eaton, the lead restoration
technician. He fabricated a bolt removal
device that would feature a 20-ton hydraulic
jack. This specialty tool proved very effective.
Photo by PWM
.
Theodore Roosevelt on the Narcissus when addressing
The layers of rust continued to build upon
the shaft of the body of the bolts, expanding
outward a little more each year, tightening
its grip on the bolts housed in the sills, making
the bolts nearly impossible to extract by the
more conventional methods.
If the bolt body twisted and snapped free, that was actually
preferable to most extraction alternatives. Photo EE
A small representation of the hundreds
removed. Photo by PWM
The left side sill seen here has had its bolts removed and is
ready to be detached from the passenger compartment with
its channel steel beam firmly attached. Photo by PWM
The left sill side has many of the telltale signs
that the right sill had that led to an area with
major sill damage. We expect the same findings
on the left sill once removed and the channel
beam is removed. Photo by PWM
An interesting observation. The damaged areas
in the right sill were located in the area
below where a double vertical stud was in
place, leading Ernie to surmise a steady water
flow along the inside of the vertical stud.
Further research and assessment to
follow. Photo by 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 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!
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 each month. 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.
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
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