The casting of the first of twenty bronze handles for
up from the Brass Foundry in West Rockport, ME.
It was inspected and approved. The owner of the foundry,
Richard Remsen will make some pattern adjustments
to improve consistency. Take a look, it is self-evident
as to why it's a slow piece to mold, cast, and finish.
PWM image
As 2019 rolls along, later in the year, on October 31st, the Narcissus will be celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of its arrival at Seashore Trolley Museum in Kennebunkport, Maine. The Narcissus is currently in the Donald G. Curry Town House Restoration Shop, in the midst of a complete restoration to operating condition. Once the restoration is complete, the Narcissus will be on display for the visiting public, and for special occasions will be operated on the Museum's Heritage Electric Railway. The ribbon-cutting ceremony celebration is being planned for the fall of 2021.
Scrolling down any of the Narcissus blog posts you will find the listing of the various generous organizations that have made donations to the Narcissus Project. Also listed are organizations whose members may have also contributed individually to the Narcissus Project. We are grateful to you all. Thank you!
This post will be an update on various restoration tasks. While restoration is ongoing daily, other important work continues off-campus that also is critical to the Narcissus Project. In preparation for the ribbon-cutting celebration, we are planning the interpretation programming. We research the Seashore Trolley Museum archives and many other historical societies, libraries, etc., for materials that will be important in helping us create exhibits, displays, and online education programming for all ages. Once artifacts, photographs, and related ephemera are identified, they are added to a spreadsheet. Once the data is collected, then the inventory can be considered for use in any number of interesting, engaging ways in the interpretation programming. In some cases, the photographs and other ephemera materials identified need to be photographed and have a digital file created. Then that digital file can be used in the programming.
One such incredible find in our research was the original surveyors' map from January 1910, of the Portland, Gray, and Lewiston Railroad (PG&LRR became the Portland-Lewiston Interurban in 1914). The owner, Paul Libbey, grandson of the builder of the PG&LRR, W. S. Libbey, gifted the historic electric railway map to the Seashore Trolley Museum. It would be a cornerstone exhibit piece for the Narcissus ribbon-cutting celebration, however, it was in desperate need of conservation. Once cleaned, repaired, conserved, and photographed, we would have the original safely stored away and have the digital files available to use in the interpretation programming.
First, we had to raise the funds to have the above conservation work, etc., done. It took eight months, but we raised the funds and now have the original safely stored and we have the exciting digital files....oh, and a 28.5-foot copy of the original map too!
Mr. David Joyall, Senior Collections Photographer at Northeast
Document Conservation Center in Andover, MA at the far
end starting to roll up the facsimile while Collections
Photographers, while Amelia Murphy and Katelyn Legacy,
hold the reproduction map steady before rolling it up.
Photo by Tim Gurczak, Collections Photographer.
There are more important photographs and ephemera that have been identified within Seashore's collection, that will be invaluable to the Narcissus interpretation programming, these too must first undergo cleaning, repairs, conservation, and being photographed to create digital files.
Eighty-eight pages of irreplaceable photos,
original poetry, newspaper clippings with
personal notes, and other ephemera that
need our help to be cleaned, repaired,
conserved, and scanned to digital files can be
available to help tell the incredible story of the
Narcissus and the PLI. PWM image
Narcissus work -
One by one, the vertical window posts that
are assessed as being structurally unacceptable,
are replaced with new posts made in the shop.
The replacement of a single post requires
lifting the posts on either side of the
replacement candidate to relieve the weight
enough from the post being replaced,
so the replacement process can
take place safely. PWM image.
The new replacement window posts await their turn.
PWM image
The left side of the Narcissus is seen on June 12. We will
retain the original window posts that pass
the structural integrity assessment. PWM image
The right side of the Narcissus is seen on June 4, 2019.
PWM image
Seth is working on the left side beltline
that runs the whole length of the passenger
compartment and in part provides
horizontal support for the window posts
and ultimately a place for the bottom of the
passenger window sash to rest when closed.
This left-side beltline is much better
condition than the right side. During its
35 years as the Vallee family summer camp
at Sabattus Pond, the right side
received all the weather elements, unprotected.
The left side faced inland and benefitted
from the protection. PWM
The right-side belt line needed lots of attention.
As mentioned in an earlier post, there were clear
and very interesting signs of having had several
More "Friend or Foe" trading card shims were found when repair
segments were removed...see the segment of one card?
PWM image
Here are the backs
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Here are the fronts
PWM image
The previous repairs were removed. PWM image
Once the repairs from 70 years ago were removed, and the
other areas that had condition problems were also removed,
it was determined that enough of the original southern yellow
pine of the right side beltline was structurally sound and the
appropriate repairs would move forward. A very time-
consuming project. PWM image
Love the old-growth southern yellow pine :)
Look at the number of growth rings per inch
in this beautiful old-growth timber.
PWM image
Seth found some old-growth southern yellow pine leftover
from a since completed project and the sizing was just right
for the pieces needed for the repairs. PWM image
Repairs pieces in place and ready to become permanent.
PWM image
Seth begins the process of permanently
attaching the repair pieces. PWM image
Piece by piece. PWM image
Eaton. Tom Hughes was the Narcissus Project
manager for several years starting in
the mid-1990s. His attention to detail in
documenting the condition of the
Narcissus in those early years, through
photographs and sketches, has provided
Ernie, as the leader of the Narcissus
restoration in the shop, invaluable
resources for piecing together the
Narcissus planning. Thank you, Tom!
PWM
During Tom's visit, he was able to get
reacquainted with his old friend, Narcissus.
Tom also had the opportunity to meet the shop staff
member, Seth Reed. Seth is the self-proclaimed,
"wood guy," providing his perfectly suited
woodworking skills from years in the historic
restoration field to the Narcissus. PWM
No. 16, Clematis, is a Laconia-built coach from the same
order in 1912, as Narcissus. The four Laconia-built coaches
originally all had brass "peanut" whistles, as seen here on the
clerestory roof of the Clematis. We needed a couple of these
whistles for the Narcissus. Photo from O.R. Cummings Coll.
This spring, a peanut whistle was offered
to the Museum. We acquired the whistle
and feel the base whistle will be one less
we need to find for the Narcissus :)
Morrison Hill Station had two more benches added this
spring. We added four more - In Memoriam plaques in 2019.
While visitors wait for a trolley ride at Morrison Hill Station,
they have an opportunity to learn about some of the people
in the life of the Narcissus. The
Narcissus traveled by and occasionally stopped at this
station when it was in service in West Cumberland, ME
along the PLI from 1915 until 1933. PWM image
J. Henri Vallee - In Memoriam plaque - new in 2019 PWM
Bill Dox, Jr. - In Memoriam plaque - new in 2019 PWM
W. S. Libbey -In Memoriam plaque - new in 2019 PWM
O. R. Cummings - In Memoriam plaque - new in 2019 PWM
I was invited to speak at the Gray Historical Society's annual
meeting. The mid-April gathering had 50-plus in attendance.
The presentation focused on the Narcissus Project and the PLI.
PWM image
Gray Historical Society had an open house on
Saturday, June 8, 2019. A feature display was
the extensive collection of Portland-Lewiston
Interurban artifacts and memorabilia. PWM
Photo in the PLI Employees Scrapbook of No. 10,
Arbutus, in Mrs. Anthony's yard in 1941. In 1933,
Mrs. Gertrude Libbey Anthony purchased the fully
complete, ready-to-operate, No. 10, Arbutus, and had it
moved from Lewiston to her property in Saco, ME.
There it was placed on a short section of track, as a
the builder of the PLI.
Sadly, Mrs. Anthony had the Arbutus scrapped in the mid-40s.
She did, however, have some components and pieces of the
Arbutus removed and donated them to various organizations,
such as the Maine Historical Society and Gray Historical
Society. Here is a mahogany panel from No. 10, Arbutus,
on display at the Gray Historical Society's open house.
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: 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
