These elegant, high-speed interurbans inspired people to write
poetry. No. 18, Azalea, was a luxury interurban of the
Portland-Lewiston Interurban (PLI). The interurbans would
exit/enter their right-of-way at Deering Junction (near
Allen Avenue) and use the Portland Railroad line from
Forest Avenue on its way to/from Monument Square where
passengers would board/disembark. Occasionally, a PLI
interurban would be chartered by a party to travel to
Riverton Park. The Azalea was used for such an
occasion on June 26, 1914, during an inspection trip just
prior to the opening of the line. There is an accounting of
the dining service and grounds as described by a
newspaper reporter. Image from the O.R. Cummings
Collection at a Seashore Trolley Museum.
Trolley Parks, like Riverton Park in Portland, certainly
generated many opportunities to experience a variety of
emotions that may well stay with the patron for their whole
life. Trolleys, the trolley ride, the operators, the passengers, the
destination - all were ingredients for the emotional recipe that
each patron and operator would experience every trip, on
every day. Postcard postmarked August 14, 1911, shows a
steamer on a moonlight cruise on the Presumpscot River
next to Riverton Park with one end of a walking bridge
that has bench seats under the canopy. PWM
What inspires one to become a poet?
The inspiration for creating this post was from considering how some select new blog posts could be created to become research resources for students. Students will be conducting research as they complete classroom assignments specified in the companion classroom lesson plans crafted from Teddy Roosevelt, Millie, and the Elegant Ride, and created by the Maine Historical Society (MHS).
A resource for educators
Maine Historical Society has created companion lesson plans inspired by Teddy Roosevelt, Millie, and the Elegant Ride - These State-standard-based lesson plans are for classroom use in grades 6, 7, and 8. The lesson plans and companion vocabulary and reading activities are available as free downloads through the Seashore Trolley Museum's website at www.trolleymuseum.org/eleganttide or Click Here.
The eight Social Studies/ELA units were also uploaded to the Maine Memory Network and are available with other statewide lesson plans K-12.
The audiobook is now available Click HERE to go to the Audible page. The eBook is available Here
This post is geared toward the lesson plan titled: "Clang, Clang, Clang Went the Trolley..."
As you might perceive from its title, in part, students will be practicing skills involved in researching and analyzing primary sources related to trolley transportation historically used in Maine. This post is about a number of poems written about trolleys. The poet might be a patron or an operator. These poems will represent just one source of information relating to the emotions trolleys may have evoked. As additional works of poetry are located, they too will be added to this post.
The Interurban runs again
Upon its single track;
And operates within my mind
When memory brings it back.
Arbutus, 'nolia, Maine;
Three of the finest cars,
Speed no longer through the night
Beneath the twinkling stars.
An yet, the Road runs on once more,
Past Morrill's, Falmouth, Gray,
Gloucester, Danville, Auburn, too,
Ghosts of another day.
The boys were grand, the cars were, too,
And though the Road's no more;
Still, I ride on Fancy's wings
As in the days of yore.
C. D. Heseltine, 1933. Lamenting the closing of the Portland-Lewiston Interurban late in June 1933, and presented at the former employees' reunion of 1938/39.
No. 10, Arbutus, running as Train 37, made the last eastbound trip over the Portland-
Lewiston Interurban, leaving Portland at 11:05 p.m. on June 28, 1933. Left to right
are John I. Cluff, William M. Jones, Albion M. Conant, Ralph Shaw, "Joe Happy",
are John I. Cluff, William M. Jones, Albion M. Conant, Ralph Shaw, "Joe Happy",
Mrs. Gertrude Libbey Anthony, and Charles H. Mitchell.
Image from O. R. Cummings Collection at Seashore Trolley Museum Library.
To the Grand Old Interurban
The shining rails are silent,
The sandy roadbed lays
The days when the Interurban
on schedule every time,
Came humming down the railway
Of the Portland-Lewiston Line.
A grim and lone reminder
Of the good old days.The days when the Interurban
on schedule every time,
Came humming down the railway
Of the Portland-Lewiston Line.
When the sun is slowly sinking
At the close of a busy day,
In fancy, I hear her whistle
In the distance far away.
Even the trees and bushes
That beside the old track grew
Are whispering and sighing
They're lonely for her too.
At the close of a busy day,
In fancy, I hear her whistle
In the distance far away.
Even the trees and bushes
That beside the old track grew
Are whispering and sighing
They're lonely for her too.
Tho she's gone forever, her memory
Time never can erase
And the buses that replaced her
Can never take her place.
She served us every hour
Like a true and faithful friend
Wherever we wished to go
On her, we could depend.
Time never can erase
And the buses that replaced her
Can never take her place.
She served us every hour
Like a true and faithful friend
Wherever we wished to go
On her, we could depend.
There's a haunting sort of silence
Along that deserted line.
That went, a regretful sacrifice
To the progress of "Time."
She's gone but not forgotten
We're proud of the record fine
Of the grand old Interurban
And the Portland-Lewiston Line.
Written by Mrs. Margaret Turner and read at the former PLI employees' second reunion held on June 29, 1939 (excerpt from the 1967 book by O. R. Cummings, Maine's Fastest Electric Railroad: Portland Lewiston Interurban, Bulletin No. 3, New England Electric Railway Historical Society).Along that deserted line.
That went, a regretful sacrifice
To the progress of "Time."
She's gone but not forgotten
We're proud of the record fine
Of the grand old Interurban
And the Portland-Lewiston Line.
This poem was put to music by Troy Bennett - Click Here to go to the music vid
The Narcissus c 1914 with Oscar S. Adkins (left) and
John I. Cluff motorman at Gray. O. R. Cummings
collection
The Interurban Reunion Day
We eager hearts we gather
The happy hours to spend
In wars anticipation
Of the meeting with old friends.
This is the thirtieth anniversary
When we commemorate again
The Road that knew no rival
In the history of Maine.
To its officials and employees
We will ever grateful be
For the splendid service rendered
And their unfailing courtesy.
What this day means to us
And the happiness it affords,
Can be read in the smiling faces
Around the festive board.
Round the hall together
Our thoughts in happy trend,
Gazing at dear old pictures
Shaking the hand of a friend.
Dancing to soft, sweet music
The hours slip by, and then,
We bid God Speed and Au-re-voir
Until we meet again.
We owe all thanks to the committee
Who have done their very best
In earnest endeavor
To make this day a success.
And the memories old and tender
Will ever with us stay
The keynote to our happiness
on our Reunion Day.
Written by Mrs. E. Everett (Margaret) Turner and read at one of the former PLI employees' reunions held in Gray, Maine. Her reference to the anticipation of war makes it reasonable to consider the reunion on June 30, 1940, as the reunion in this poem presented... Another reference she mentions is the "thirtieth anniversary." The line opened operations in 1914, so her reference is more likely to be the year construction started to build the line. The ground was first broken to start construction in 1910. So, the 1940 reunion would have been the thirtieth anniversary of the beginning of the construction of what would become the Portland-Lewiston Interurban.
We are seeking donations to have the scrapbook Conseved
The scrapbook has several pages dedicated to reunions of former PLI
employees and their families. There are four reunions specifically
cataloged on several pages; June 29, 1938, June 29, 1939, June 30, 1940,
and June 28, 1941. All four of the reunions were held in Gray, ME.
The 1938 and 1941 reunions were held at the Newbegin Hall. The
1939 and 1940 reunions were held at the Pennell Institute Gymnasium.
It is noted in newspaper articles of the times, that combined, the total of
former PLI employees and their family members that attended each of the
reunions in 1939 and 1940, well exceeded 100 in attendance.
The image above is from the final annual reunion, 1941.
Portsmouth, Dover & York Street Railway
W. G. Meloon, Receiver
Portsmouth, NH
Dear Sir:
I write to tell you with promptness and dispatch
Of the accident that happened to myself and Calvin Hatch
Since I knew you want the details to preserve the same on file;
Please excuse my punctuation and crude poetic style.
This Hatch sir is my chauffeur and a good old soul is he;
A sober steady fellow and as careful as can be.
He seldom jumps a trolley or kicks a breaker out
He's always on his job sir and knows what he's about.
When we left Rosemary and started down the line.
the stars were shining faintly; the evening was fine;
We had two men upon the car I found when I came 'round
To gather up the tickets, that for Saco they were bound.
When we climbed the hill I went inside to turn the seats, you know.
A man said "How's our chances" I answered him "They're fine."
As I drew my watch and looked to see "We'll get there just in time."
Now someone threw in the switch, sir, although I cannot see
Just why he did the trick, sir, or who the chap could be.
The grass and leaves and grease, sir, were spread o'er the rail,
Else I would not at present be writing you this tale.
But Calvin saw the open switch, it happened like a flash.
He threw the lever over and then there came the crash;
We'd run into York Beach Car Barn and butted in the door
'Twixt our car and the mail car, we'd sandwiched twenty-four
I saw when I had looked around it might have been far worse.
We had no need of doctors, morticians, or the hearse.
We backed out from the wreckage and it wasn't very far
To run from there to Short Sands where we met the eastbound car.
Now this is all the story of the mishap that befell
Myself and Calvin Hatch sire as near as I can tell.
I hope it will be long ere we meet with another.
I'm the guy you've often heard no doubt that boys speak of as "Brother."
(Frank Sewall)
The envelope carrying the letter was postmarked York Beach & Portsmouth R.P.O. August 21, 1905
From O. R. Cummings' book, "Trolleys to York Beach: The Portsmouth Dover & York Street Railway," December 30, 1964.
The reference, "When we left Rosemary...", refers to Rosemary Junction in Eliot, seen below.
Rosemary Junction in Eliot about 1903. The car on the left
has arrived from Badger's Island, while No. 20, at right, is
headed for York Beach over what was popularly called,
the "Airline," between Rosemary Junction and York Corner
Junction. Through cars were run hourly between Dover and
the resort in summer, shuttle trips being operated on a
two-hour headway between Rosemary and The Goldenrod
in other seasons.
The South Berwick Trolley
Over this land, I have traveled
For nigh forty years
And seldom get timid
Or troubled by fears.
I've journeyed by auto,
By steam car and boat.
But the South Berwick trolley
It getteth my goat.
Just when it is coming,
You never can tell.
It may be on time,
Or a half-hour late.
It will come when it gets here,
Is all you can say
But often it loses
Two or three trips each day.
It rolls and it pitches
Just missing the ditches
It bounds and it wallows
Then skims like the swallows.
I'd love to possess
And drive a tin Lizzie
And just like a sailor,
I'd never get dizzy.
Or had I an airplane
To sail through the blue
I know that my courage
Would equal that too.
But the South Berwick trolley
Gets me every time.
Though I've struggled to conquer
This failing of mine.
So laugh if you will
At my weakness and folly
I always feel nervous
On the South Berwick Trolley.
By Conductor Frank S, Sewall, 1918.
Passing the Philip Furbish home in Eliot is a 13-bench open car
headed for Dover. The tracks would go through South
Berwick and ended in Dover in Franklin Square on Central
Avenue, where they almost-but-not-quite, connected
physically with those of the Dover, Somersworth
& Rochester Street Railway. Philip Furbish image in
O. R. Cummings Collection
Nickel Song for the Biddeford and Saco Railroad
At one time a song was written and dedicated to the Biddeford and Saco Railroad. Composed by Alex T. Feenwoodof Biddeford, a teacher of stringed instruments, it is entitled "Cares Are Soon Forgot" and went like this:
"Local folks all point with pride
To our five-cent trolley ride,
The cheapest form of transportation.
Drop a nickel in the slot,
All your cares are soon forgot,
While riding to your destination."
Printed copies of the song were distributed on the cars.
From O. R. Cummings' book, "The Biddeford and Saco Railroad," February 1956.
Image of a printed copy - PWM
Portland open-trolley car No. 188 and closed No. 180 and a Biddeford &
Saco open trolley is at the end of the line at Old Orchard Beach circa 1906.
On a busy summer day/night when fireworks were on display, it was
common for there to be 10,000 people visiting the beach.
Postcard from PWM
Since the Trolley's Come to Town
Ring out the loud hosannas and do the job up brown,
For at last we have a trolley a-running through town.
The farmers stop their labors and wonder at the sight.
For the way the cars go scooting is a revelation quite.
Their clanging and their buzzing all other noise drown,
For they make an awful racket a-running through the town.
The old town doesn't seem the same. It's mighty bright and gay,
And everyone can celebrate its resurrection day.
Twas buried many years ago and buried good and deep.
But now it has awakened from its Rip Van Winkle sleep,
And every hour of the day the cars run up and down,
And everyone is tickled now the trolley's come to town.
There's two new barns a-going up, excitement everywhere.
And a mild form of paresles seems to permeate the air.
The benefits to be derived have surely taken root,
While real estate has risen to fifteen cents a foot.
And all the wimmin folks have bought a brand new muslin gown,
For they're bound to cut a figure now the trolley's come to town.
Author unknown - typed poem among newsprint notes of O. R. Cummings' Collection
The reference " two new barns a-going up" might be referring to two carbarns that were constructed in 1903/04 by the Atlantic Shore Railway. One was built at Town House Junction in Kennebunkport, while a new wood frame carhouse was built in Ogunquit at about the same time. See the image below of the Town House Junction.
Left is a 15-bench open car ready to head to Dock Square,
Kennebunkport, from Town House Junction circa 1907. In the
background to the left is the large brick ASLRwy carbarn/
offices. The waiting station in the center of the photo had
a creamery. The combination car on the right could carry
express freight and passengers. That section of the line could
lead to Kennebunk, Cape Porpoise, or Biddeford.
O. R. Cummings Collection
The Cars By Night
The cars they pass my doors
All hours, by day and night,
Sometimes with few aboard,
At others loaded quite;
It's pleasant any time
To see them humming past
In summer's balmy days,
Or in winter's chilling blast.
But the prettiest sight of all
Is on a dark and stormy night
To see them coming thro' the gloom
With their lights all shining bright.
They make clear the darkest shadows,
And brighten the gloomy vale;
And by their light, they cheer us
As they speed along the rail.
They but a moment tarry,
A flash and they are gone;
But their light still trails behind them
As the rainbow follows storm.
And like a ray of brightness
On Life's wild, stormy path,
Shines through the gloom and darkness
And cheers the soul at last.
Author unknown - typed poem among newsprint notes of O. R. Cummings' Collection.
The trolleys were passing by residents' farms in the countryside as well as past apartments in the cities and homes in the towns.
Negotiating the sharp curve at The Willows, York Beach.
O. R. Cummings Collection
The Electric Mail and Express
It's true we've got the mail boys,
And a car all bright and new.
To take it through to York, boys,
And bring it back for you.
The steam cars said they'd route us,
Since the trolley first went through,
But still, we got the mail, boys,
And think we can keep it too.
We also take the xpress, boys,
And leave it at your door,
And that is something that in York
Was never done before.
With Fisher for your motorman,
And Freeman for his aid,
We'' try to keep the track, boys
And run the car through straight.
So now we say goodbye, boys
It's time to run her through;
But if we don't have war with Spain, boys,
We will show you what we'll do.
Author unknown - typed poem among newsprint notes of O. R. Cummings' Collection.
The references; "a car all bright and new" to a new mail/express car and "if we don't have war with Spain, boys," to a timeline prior to the Spanish American War in 1898, leads me to believe the new mail/express car being referred to is:
Text is taken from O. R. Cummings' book, "Trolleys to York Beach: The Portsmouth Dover & York Street Railway," December 30, 1964.
Early in 1898, the Portsmouth, Kittery & York Street Railway received a government contract to transport the U. S. Mail between Portsmouth and York Beach. For this, it was necessary to provide suitable equipment, and a single-truck railway post office car, "A", was purchased, prior to May 1.
The RPO (Railway Post Office) car had an 18-foot body and was divided into two compartments, one 8-feet-long for mail and the other ten-feet-long, for baggage and express.
Original mail car "A" of the PK&Y at York Beach circa 1899.
These may indeed be the "Motorman Fisher" on the right,
with "Freeman for his aid" on the left.
O. R. Cummings Collection
The Electric Trolley
Only one short year ago
On a warm bright summer day
The first electric trolley
Came buzzing O'er the way
And scant were the words of welcome
It received from anyone
Most said it is a nuisance
To be borne as best we can.
But now the tune is altered
In both Kittery and York, too,
And today they speak proudly of it
And of the ones that ran it through.
For Meloon, our superintendent
Is doing all he can
To make the electric trolley
To best one in the land
The motormen and conductors
Have proved themselves worth praise
For their quiet, gentlemanly manners,
Honest and courteous ways.
They came among us strangers
Many friends they have made
In the way, they have run the trolley
Through the peaceful, quiet glades.
Of two of the oldest towns on the coast
Of the proud old state of Maine
Whoever thought that the hum of the trolley
Would ring over the hills and plains.
Long may they stay with us,
And long may the cars run through
Is the wish of all among us
Who to the PK&Y is true.
Author unknown - typed poem among newsprint notes of O. R. Cummings' Collection.
The reference, "Only one short year ago...," refers to the trolley line opening between Portsmouth and York Beach in the summer of 1897. See the image below.
This image was the year before the above poem was crafted.
An enthusiastic crowd greets the first trolley to York Beach
on the afternoon of August 27, 1897
O. R. Cummings Collection
Six Men From Eliot
There were six men from Eliot
One pleasant Saturday
Hailed a passing P D&Y trolley car
And to Dover they paid their way
When they had been there an hour or two
They were feeling rather gay.
2.
At ten o'clock they all came round
To take the homeward car
The first walked with a weary air
As if he'd traveled far
Or had been unloading schooners
As they came across the bar.
3.
The second one the fender edge
Just chanced to catch his toe
He straightway fell across the thing
And flattened out his nose
His bottle smashed on the street
And there he watched his precious
Liquid flow.
4.
The third one just reached the nearest seat
Dropped in it in a heap
His head bowed forward on his breast
He went at once to sleep
And journeyed homeward all the way
In peaceful slumber deep.
5.
The fourth one reached the platform
To the brake handle, he hung
And with the conductor, he tried to talk
The jostled was his tongue
And with every motion of the car
He back and forth swung.
6.
The fifth walked rather shaky
He seemed weak in the knees
But frankly said, that he that day
Was out upon a spree
Altho needless was such candor
As anyone on the car could see.
7.
The six came with an escort
From a dive across the street
A strong man's arm was needed
To keep him on his feet
The bartender helped him on the car
And put him in a seat.
8.
The conductor strode among them
With a grin and solemn air
And muttered oft beneath his breath
As tho he'd like to sear
Altho it was nothing new to him
But an everyday affair.
Author unknown (the poet seems to be a trolley car employee) - typed poem among newsprint notes of O. R. Cummings' Collection. The Portsmouth, Dover & York line went to Dover, NH via crossing a bridge from South Berwick, Maine.
The terminus of the South Berwick village line was at a
Boston & Maine Northen Division grade crossing on Salmon
Street near the east end of the Salmon Falls River bridge.
O. R. Cummings Collection
The Trolleys of York
It was in the month of August
When the days were long and bright;
When the first electric trolley
passed through York one lovely night.
Of course, we girls were anxious
To take a ride you know,
But then our greatest trouble
Was to get five cents to go.
At least when the coveted nickel
Was ours, and we really did go
Our conductor was Jimmie Hogan
And our motorman Frenchman Joe.
Don't speak of Joe so slurring
Our motorman so true;
What if he is a Frenchman
It's nothing at all to you.
But Joe is not a Frenchman
He was born beneath our flag
"Old Glory" is as near to him
As to any Yankee lad.
No matter what his nation
Do not slur our boy in blue.
Who left his home in another state
To run the cars for you.
No matter what his situation,
He is honest, brave, and true
And we trust he'll remain in our town
As long as the cars run through.
Author unknown - typed poem among newsprint notes of O. R. Cummings' Collection.
Motorman Joe may have received considerable attention due to his accent.
Below is a short, but direct, response to feedback received due to attention directed to Joe.
No. 18 at York Beach terminal circa 1915. The Atlantic
Shore Railway car was equipped with a Baker hot water
heater. Notice the stack protruding from the clerestory roof.
O. R. Cummings Collection
Motorman Joe
My friend, don't be so hasty
To say I slurred Motoman Joe;
I assure you I had not the slightest
Intention of doing so.
It was purely in fun it was written,
And since it was not directed to you
I think it would better become you
To speak when you're spoken to.
Author unknown - typed poem among newsprint notes of O. R. Cummings' Collection.
They are not gone who pass
Beyond the clasp of hand,
Out from the strong embrace
They are but come so close
We need not grope with hands.
Nor look to see, nor try
To catch the sound of feet.
They have put off their shoes
Softly to walk by day
Within our thoughts, to tread
At night our dream-led paths
Of Sleep.
They are not lost who find
The sunset gate, the goal
of all their faithful years.
Not lost are they who reach
The summit of their climb,
The peak above the clouds
And storms. They are not lost
Who find the light of sun
And stars and God---.
By Hugh Robert Orr from the First Annual Reunion of former employees of the Portland-Lewiston Interurban, on June 28, 1938.
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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