Elm Street in Mechanic Falls
O. R. Cummings Collection 2009_2_10_024
Courtesy Seashore Trolley Museum Library
Here is the newest release in the Maine Bicentennial series of electric railways in Maine. This blog post features the Auburn, Mechanic Falls & Norway Street Railway summary/images from the book, from 2015 NEERHS book, "The Illustrated Atlas of Maine's Street & Electric Railways 1863-1946" Additional information came from the 1915 Public Utilities Report.
From the Poland side of Little Androscoggin looking at
a trolley passing through Minot Corner.
O. R. Cummings Collection 2009_2_10_001
Courtesy Seashore Trolley Museum Library
- 3.15.2020 - Maine Bicentennial Series - York Utilities Company 1923-1949
- 3.14.2020 - Maine Bicentennial Series - Atlantic Shore Railway 1911-1923
- 3.11.2020-Maine Bicentennial Series - Portsmouth, Dover & York St Rwy 1903-1906
- 3.9.2020 - Maine Bicentennial Series - Auburn, Mechanic Falls & NorwayStRwy1902-3
- 3.7.2020 - Maine Bicentennial Series - Portland & Brunswick Electric Railway 1902-1911
- 3.7.2020 - Maine Bicentennial Series - Androscoggin & Kennebec Railway Co. 1919-1941
- 3.7.2020 - Maine Bicentennial Series - Lewiston, Augusta & Waterville St Rwy 1907-1919
- 3.6.2020 - Maine Bicentennial Series - Lewiston, Brunswick & Bath St Rwy 1898-1907
- 3.4.2020 - Maine Bicentennial Series - Bangor Hydro-Electric Company 1925-1945
- 3.4.2020 - Maine Bicentennial Series - Penobscot Central Railway 1898-1906
- 3.3.2020 - Maine Bicentennial Series - Bangor. Hampden & Winterport Rwy 1896-1905
- 3.2.2020 - Maine Bicentennial Series - Bangor, Orono & Old Town Railway 1895-1905
- 3.2.2020 - Maine Bicentennial Series - Bangor Railway & Electric Company 1905-1925
- 3.1.2020 - Maine Bicentennial Series - Bangor Street Railway 1889-1905
- 2.23.2020 -Maine Bicentennial Series - Portsmouth, Kittery & York St. Rwy 1897-1903
- 2.22.2020 - Maine Bicentennial Series - Sanford & Cape Porpoise Railway 1899-1904
- 2.21.2020 - Maine Bicentennial Series - Mousam River Railroad 1892-1899
- 1.31.2019 - Maine Bicentennial Series - The Norway and Paris Street Railway 1894-1918
- 1.27.2019 - Maine Bicentennial Series - Aroostook Valley Railroad 1909-1946
- 10.17.2018 - Maine Bicentennial - Portland Railroad History 1860-1941
No. 190 with its destination sign as "Special." This
indicates that a group hired the car for a special occasion,
perhaps a fan trip?
O. R. Cummings Collection 2009_2_10_002
Courtesy Seashore Trolley Museum Library
Auburn, Mechanic Falls & Norway Street Railway
An act to grant additional powers to the Auburn, Mechanic Falls & Norway Street Railway was approved by the legislature on March 28, 1903. It seems that perhaps the initial approval of the organization of the company on October 21, 1902, didn't include broad enough powers to allow the company the latitude needed to attract the financial support to make the company viable. The additional powers in this 1903 act did. However, the company was still not able to attract enough interest to initiate the start of the line until it was restructured.
No. 310 in Hackett's Mill crossing the Little Androscoggin
River bridge. O. R. Cummings Collection 2009_2_10_007
Courtesy Seashore Trolley Museum Library
What would become Maine's longest electric railway, with more than 150 miles of mainline trackage, started with its "parent" company, Auburn, Mechanic Falls & Norway Street Railway obtaining authority to change its name to the Lewiston, Augusta & Waterville Street Railway in 1907. The new (LA&W) inherited rights granted to the parent in 1903, to acquire the property, rights, privileges, and franchises of some of the other railway companies. This would be just what the new corporate organizers had in mind. Even though the independent company named, the Auburn, Mechanic Falls & Norway Street Railway ended in 1907, the line continued serving the public until 1941.
No.190 again in a sequence photo from the previous photo.
O. R. Cummings Collection 2009_2_10_003
Courtesy Seashore Trolley Museum Library
These rights led to the Lewiston, Augusta & Waterville Street Railway, starting with Auburn, Mechanic Falls & Norway Street Railway, acquiring the Brunswick Electric Railroad (later known as the Lewiston, Brunswick & Bath Street Railway), the Bath Street Railway, the Lewiston & Auburn Horse Railroad Company, the Augusta, Winthrop & Gardiner Railway, the Augusta & Waterville Railway, the Auburn & Turner Railroad, and the Portland & Brunswick Street Railway, operating 156 trolley cars on 161 miles of track.
No. 120 was hired for this fan trip of the "Portland Trolley
Electric Railroaders special outing. We have learned that
the date of this trip was April 19, 1938.
O. R. Cummings Collection 2009_2_10_004
Courtesy Seashore Trolley Museum Library
Click Here to see the April 1938 issue of The Maine Electric Transiteer that shows the full schedule of the April 19, 1938, Portland Div of the ERA fan trip.
Construction of the Auburn, Mechanic Falls & Norway actually did not start until 1907. The first $42,000 in construction costs were handled under the initial parent company name and on July 8, 1907, the Lewiston, Augusta & Waterville Street Railway took over and carried on the management payment arrangements for the construction of the line.
No. 190 in Minot probably on Minot Avenue with the Little
Androscoggin on the right through the brush.
O. R. Cummings Collection 2009_2_10_005
Courtesy Seashore Trolley Museum Library
The construction company, the Northern Construction Company, was contracted to build the Auburn, Mechanic Falls & Norway Street Railway, had the contract adjusted to exclude the Norway extension from Mechanic Falls, and to include the construction of the Sabattus to Gardiner extension and the Augusta to Waterville extension.
Auburn to Mechanic Falls: $166,430
Sabattus to Gardiner: 524,133
Augusta to Waterville: 483,843
Total of $1,174,406
Construction of the Auburn-Mechanic Falls trackage began at Washington Street and Minot Avenue and proceeded about nine miles; to Steven's Mills, Haskell Corner, Minot, Hackett's Mills to Mechanic Falls. The line was never extended to Norway to connect with the Norway & Paris Street Railway.
No. 186 on a trip in September 1939. Hackett Mills Road
bridge over the Little Androscoggin in Poland/Minot.
O. R. Cummings Collection 2009_2_10_009
Courtesy Seashore Trolley Museum Library
The system opened for service with two closed cars, one open car, and a snowplow assigned to the line (the open car would be kept in the carbarn in Turner during the winter months). The line would follow alongside the main highway with a private steel bridge over the Little Androscoggin River at Hackett's Mills.
The Portland-Lewiston Interurban Railroad (PLI) opened for service on July 2, 1914, and it branched off from the Auburn, Mechanic Falls & Norway line at Fairview Junction. The PLI would end operations on June 29, 1933 (Seashore Trolley Museum in Kennebunkport is now restoring the only surviving PLI interurban, the Narcissus).
Auburn-Mechanic Falls Map from
2015 NEERHS book,
"The Illustrated Atlas of Maine's Street
& Electric Railways 1863-1946"
When operations commenced later in 1907, through-trips started in Lewiston at the waiting room at Hulett's Square at the head of Lisbon Street; to Court Street and Minot Avenue, Turner Center Creamery spur, Washington Street and Minot Avenue, Fairview Junction (PLI), Garfield Road (First Fare Limit), Pulsifer's (Second Fare Limit), Minot Corner, Hackett's Mills (Third Fare Limit), Sand Pit spur, Harris Hill (Fourth Fare Limit), and to the end of the line in Mechanic Falls.
A total of 10.23 miles.
Each fare limit cost 5 cents. So, a through-trip, in either direction, costs a total of 20 cents.
No. 120 during a fan trip of the Portland Trolley Electric
Railroaders excursion. Hackett Mills Road
bridge over the Little Androscoggin in Poland/Minot.
O. R. Cummings Collection 2009_2_10_012
Courtesy Seashore Trolley Museum Library
No. 120 during a fan trip of the Portland Trolley Electric
Railroaders excursion. Hackett Mills Road
bridge over the Little Androscoggin in Poland/Minot.
O. R. Cummings Collection 2009_2_10_013
Courtesy Seashore Trolley Museum Library
At the Advent Christian Campground on Lewiston Street,
Mechanic Falls. O. R. Cummings Collection 2009_2_10_015
Courtesy Seashore Trolley Museum Library
The Advent Christian Church is seen on the left in the back at
the end of the line in Mechanic Falls. September 1939, No. 186.
O. R. Cummings Collection 2009_2_10_017
Courtesy Seashore Trolley Museum Library
Sunday, April 1941, No. 190 at the corner of Elm and
Lewiston Streets in Mechanic Falls.
O. R. Cummings Collection 2009_2_10_018
Courtesy Seashore Trolley Museum Library
The Advent Christian Church is seen on the left in the back
at the end of the line in Mechanic Falls.
O. R. Cummings Collection 2009_2_10_019
Courtesy Seashore Trolley Museum Library
No. 28 was a passenger car on the Lewiston, Brunswick &
Bath line. It was converted to an overhead maintenance
work car. Seen here at the corner of Elm and
Lewiston Streets in Mechanic Falls
O. R. Cummings Collection 2009_2_10_020
Courtesy Seashore Trolley Museum Library
No. 180 at the corner of Elm and Lewiston Streets in
Mechanic Falls has its trolley pole wire secured in the down
position before heading out for East Auburn.
O. R. Cummings Collection 2009_2_10_021
Courtesy Seashore Trolley Museum Library
Revenues generated on the line in the fiscal year ending June 30, 1915, were $32,095
The Line was abandoned on September 1, 1941, along with the remainder of the Lewiston railway system.
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.
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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