Here is Portland-Lewiston Interurban (PLI) No. 10, Arbutus
in Lewiston in June 1914 with PLI staff. Take note of the
train door seen on the No. 2 end. It has an interesting
window setup. The upper window will slide down
for the conductor to reach out to access the trolley
pole rope without opening the door. On the lower half of the
door is a metal plate for the arc headlight to attach to.
Photo from the O.R. Cummings Collection
Here is a close-up. We need to build
one train door from scratch. We have
one original train door from the
Narcissus, with an incomplete set
of window sashes and no hardware.
From the O.R. Cummings Collection
Seashore Trolley Museum Library.
The Arbutus with a clear view of the No. 1 end
train door with the arc headlight attached.
Photo from the O.R. Cummings Collection
Seashore Trolley Museum Library.
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.
We have an arc headlight available for use with the
Narcissus. See the rear of the light where the brackets
attach to the metal plate on the train door.
Ernie Eaton image.
Here is the exterior of the lower portion of
the original train door from the Narcissus. You
can see the two bolt holes on each side where
the metal plate attaches. Notice the wire
extending from the bolt hole on the right.
This is a ground wire that travels through
the wood to the lower hinge. See the image
below. PWM image
The ground wire protrudes from where the lower
hinge attaches to the door. We haven't found
where the headlight wire plugs into its source.
Usually, the outlet is on the exterior. If you
have an idea of where the outlet may be
placed, please let me know. PWM image
The inside of the Narcissus train door.
Two window sash. The lower
sash is designed to have a sheet of
glass and to have screws secure the
window sash to the door frame.
Notice in the top right corner is a
hole and the outline of a component
that would be used to manually
allow the outer window of the door
to slide down or lock the
upper window in a closed position.
We need the mechanical
component to operate the window
properly. The
upper inside sash is designed to not
have a sheet of glass. The door
and sash of the three windows
are mahogany. PWM image
Close-up of the hole and outline of the
missing mechanical components that
allows the conductor to lock the
outside train door window in the upper
(closed) position, or when activated, releases
so that the upper window may slide down
(open) so that the conductor might reach
through the top of the train door to access
the trolley pole rope from inside the
car. We need the mechanical
component to operate the window
properly. PWM image
The hole as seen on the left corner of the inside lower
sash of the train door.
We need the mechanical component to operate the
exterior upper train door window properly. PWM image
We will need to build a replacement
exterior upper train door sash from
mahogany that will slide up and down
PWM image
This is what we have of
an interior upper sash for
the train door. This can be
repaired and will be used to
replicate a new one. It will
also, be used as a guide to
replicate two longer versions
that will also be modified
to accept a plate of glass.
PWM image
The No. 2 end of the right
side steel channel. The steel
channels on both sides will be
replaced. PWM image
Click here to see the post on the removal of the right side sill - including a short video.
Click here to see the post on the removal of the left-side sill.
The two new 37-foot steel
channels each weigh 550-
pounds. Waiting to be moved
into the shop. PWM image
The two new 37-foot steel
channel waiting to be moved
into the shop to have the
holes drilled before being
positioned for installation
as structural support for the
side sills of the Narcissus.
PWM image
A number of the vertical
posts that are the wall studs
for the passenger
compartment needs repairs or
need to be replaced.
This ash board was part of
a major order of green ash
purchased for the Narcissus
and delivered on December
9, 2015. The ash has been
stored while it dried and has
been used periodically
over the past year for use
making various repairs or
for making replacement
components, like the
the vertical wall studs.
PWM image
On the inside of the passenger
compartment between each of
these vertical posts is a
mahogany veneered covered
panel. The surviving panels
are now receiving attention.
PWM image
The surviving passenger panels from the
exterior walls are receiving attention.
Several panels will need to be made to
replace missing panels. The inside
mechanical seat end-plate of each
seat base bolts to one of these panels.
PWM image
Here is an image of one of the
20"-wide mahogany boards
that were used to make the
segments needed to make the
large arched sash that holds
the ornate leaded-stained
glass windows for the
1912 Portland-Lewiston
Interurban, No. 14, Narcissus.
PWM image
Some of the rough-sawn mahogany arch-halves
were cut from the wide boards, then allowed to
sit for several weeks to "settle". The sides would
then be planned flat before the next steps. Below are
a series of short videos showing those steps.
LS image.
Click Here to see the blog post on the first steps of the mahogany sash work.
Lary Shaffer in his woodworking shop marking rough-sawn
mahogany boards that he will then plane straight. These
boards will be finished to be the bottom sash to hold the
large arched ornate leaded stained "eyebrow" windows
for the Narcissus. LS image.
Each of the rough-cut mahogany boards
are compared to a straight edge for
curvature issues. Slight bows or curls
can be planned away while still leaving
the board with the adequate thickness
needed for the next steps in working
towards a finished bottom board for
the sash to receive the large ornate leaded
stained glass windows for the Narcissus.
LS Image
Lary runs the mahogany boards through the planer.
LS image.
The bottom boards and the arch segments are each checked
for thickness after a pass through the planer. Each must be
straight and flat and not below the minimum thickness used.
LS image.
Here the new candidates are for the sash bottoms. LS image
The first video. Lary is explaining the next steps
for preparing the arch sash segments. PWM video
There are lefts and rights
to be used in the next steps.
PWM image
This mahogany is beautiful. The photo doesn't capture
the full luster this arch has. PWM image
Short video of Lary and the next steps. PWM video
Once each rough-sawn arch segment and bottom board were
marked with an outline, each was cut along the outside of the
line, before the next steps. PWM image
Every step in making these sash segments is extremely
time-consuming and takes focus and patience. PWM image
Short video of Lary and the next steps.
PWM video
Short video of Lary and the next step.
PWM video
Short video of Lary and the next step in preparing
segments. PWM video
Two jigs on one baseboard. There are several jigs that Lary
designed specifically for certain tasks in preparing the
mahogany sash segments. This setup is for one of the
arch segments to be run through the shaper to remove excess
wood. One jig is to remove wood on the inside of the arch
and one is for removing wood on the top side. A different
pair of jigs were used for a "left" arch segment and a "right"
arch segment. PWM image
Short video of Lary using one jig to remove
excess wood from the top side of an arch
segment. PWM video
A short video of Lary using one jig to remove
excess wood from the inside of one of the arch segments.
PWM image.
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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