Former President Theodore Roosevelt holding his hat as
he faces a friend. Further research is needed, based on
the info you will see below, we believe Roosevelt's daughter,
Mrs. Ethel Roosevelt Derby is seen on the right.
We believe this photo was taken on August 3, 1918,
when Theodore, Mrs. Roosevelt, and their daughter
made a trip from Dark Harbor, Islesboro to Belfast.
Photo: Helen Shute Collection - Belfast Historical Society,
courtesy of Megan Pinette, President of
Updated 2-5-2024
I first started researching Theodore Roosevelt in 2010. As a volunteer at Seashore Trolley Museum in Kennebunkport, Maine, overseeing the Narcissus project (Roosevelt was a passenger on the Narcissus on August 18, 1914), I felt the need to learn more about Roosevelt's visit to Maine. That initial research piqued my curious nature to want to learn more about Theodore Roosevelt and his various visits to Maine.
Twelve years later, that seed of curiosity has taken root and blossomed, into the development of what is the: Theodore Roosevelt Maine Heritage Trail: Connecting Maine Communities. Insight throughout the State of Maine is what this trail provides by tracing and describing Theodore Roosevelt's connections with each of these communities.
Each community is identified with a star with a number or
a moose with a letter. The key to the logo landmarks is below.
Each moose represents a community that has an indirect
connection with Roosevelt, meaning he may not have paid the
community a visit, but there is a meaningful connection to
Roosevelt in that community. The stars indicate a community
that Roosevelt visited and probably engaged with the people
and or the local geography. As research continues, other
communities will be added to the logo.
Logo: "Designs by Reece" - Reece Saunders
Over the ensuing weeks, each of these
communities/landmarks with its Roosevelt
connections will have a separate page describing
details of TR's connections. Each will also
have a link(s) to local resources/venues.
Key by "Designs by Reece" - Reece Saunders
Today, we describe "Star 14" shown on the list (key) above - Islesboro/Dark Harbor
Library of Congress
Ethel Roosevelt Derby with her husband, Mr. Richard Derby
in 1917. TRC 570.R67e-008 Houghton Library, Harvard University
Former President of the United States, Theodore Roosevelt, and his wife, Edith, received confirmation from the military of the death of their youngest son, Quentin, following his plane being shot down during an aerial battle on July 14, 1918, along the France/German line. In a decision to seek a place of solitude to grieve their loss, they traveled to Dark Harbor, Islesboro.
The Roosevelts arrived by train in Rockland and took
the Maine Central Railroad steamer, Pemaquid, to
Dark Harbor.
The steamer Pemaquid, passing Rockland breakwater
c 1930 by M. Harriman in the 1993 publication;
When The Maine Central Railroad Went to Sea - Train Boats
and Boat Trains by John P. Archer
Steamer Boothbay at the Dark Harbor landing.
Islesboro Historical Society image in the 1993 publication;
When The Maine Central Railroad Went to Sea - Train Boats
and Boat Trains by John P. Archer
Mrs. Richard Derby, daughter Ethel to Theodore
and Edith Roosevelt.
Library of Congress
Mrs. Nicholas Longworth was Theodore Roosevelt's first
child, daughter, Alice. Alice's mother, Alice Hathaway Lee,
was Theodore Roosevelt's first wife. She died shortly after
giving birth to their daughter, Alice.
Ibid
The Edward Adams cottage in Dark Harbor was constructed
in 1905. Image from Maine Historic Preservation
Commission in; The Summer Cottages of Islesboro
1890-1930, by Earle G. Shettleworth, Jr
Library of Congress
The Dr. Richard H. Derby cottage in Dark Harbor.
Landside view circa 1905. Dr. Derby's son, also
named Richard, was married to Ethel Roosevelt.
Image from Richard Cheek in;
The Summer Cottages of Islesboro
1890-1930, by Earle G. Shettleworth, Jr
Ocean side view of the Derby cottage c 1905
Image from Maine Historic Preservation
Commission in; The Summer Cottages of Islesboro
1890-1930, by Earle G. Shettleworth, Jr
Photo of the Derby cottage taken earlier in August 20022 by
Patrick O'Bannon, President of the Islesboro Historical Society
Photo of the Derby cottage taken earlier in August 20022 by
Patrick O'Bannon, President of the Islesboro Historical Society
Front page of August 1, 1918, The
Click Here: Daily Kennebec Journal, August 5, 1918, courtesy of the Library of Congress
Daily Kennebec Journal, August 5, 1918
The Islesboro Inn during the dedication ceremony
with the crowd in attendance to hear Theodore Roosevelt's
remarks on August 4, 1918.
Ibid
Ibid
People traveled from various communities to be witnesses to Roosevelt at the celebration.
From Stockton Springs
Library of Congress
A dear friend of mine, Joe Banavige, is currently working on the last few chapters of a two-volume manuscript on his in-depth research on Theodore Roosevelt. Joe found a letter from Edith Roosevelt to her son Kermit, dated August 4, 1918. Edith wrote the letter while in Dark Harbor. She mentions some activities she, her husband, and their daughter participated in. She mentions some friends they visited and in some cases joined in with activities. Thank you, Joe, for sharing photos of Mrs. Roosevelt's letter with me. You can see in the photo the proper credit of the holder of the letter and the collection.
Page one of the letter to Kermit Roosevelt from his mother, Edith
Roosevelt, while she was in Dark Harbor, Islesboro on August 4, 1918.
I forwarded copies of the letter to Patrick O'Bannon, President of the Islesboro Historical Society, and asked Patrick if he might be able to help identify any of the individuals that Mrs. Roosevelt mentions in the letter. He was able to :)
- Mrs. Gibson is Alice "Irene" Langhorne Gibson (1873-1956) the wife of Charles Dana Gibson(of Gibson Girl fame). They had a large cottage on 700 Acre Island, which is across Gilkey's Harbor from the main island of Islesboro.
- Mr. Brandegee is Edward D. Brandegee (1857-1933) a wholesale clothing manufacturer from Brookline, MA. He and his wife, Mary Bryant Pratt (1871-1956) bought the Dupee-Sloane Cottage (1898) on Shipyard Point in Islesboro in 1912.
Ocean-side view of the Dupee-Sloane cottage
Image from Richard Cheek in; The Summer Cottages of Islesboro
1890-1930, by Earle G. Shettleworth, Jr
Ocean side view of the Dupee-Sloane cottage c 1905
Image from Maine Historic Preservation
Commission in; The Summer Cottages of Islesboro
1890-1930, by Earle G. Shettleworth, Jr
Below are a couple of newspaper articles mentioning some of the activities.
Primrose Hill residence of Ralph Cross Johnson
Library of Congress
Ibid
Charles Dana Gibson was a famous illustrator
Mr. T. George Dodworth of North Shore
August 8, 1918 - Library of Congress
Charles Dana Gibson's cottage on an island across Gilkey's
Harbor from the main island, Islesboro c 1905. Details courtesy,
Patrick O'Bannon, President of Islesboro Historical Society
Image from Maine Historic Preservation
Commission in; The Summer Cottages of Islesboro
1890-1930, by Earle G. Shettleworth, Jr
Page 8 - Library of Congress
The family photo below includes family members who were together in Dark Harbor.
Library of Congress
My trip to Dark Harbor - October 7, 2015
When I first heard of TR's visit to Dark Harbor in Islesboro, specifically to mourn the death of his son Quenton, it made me shiver a bit. I learned of TR's visit to Dark Harbor from author Chip Bishop.
Chip, sadly, has passed away. His 2014 book, Quentin & Flora: A Roosevelt and a Vanderbilt in Love during the Great War, has information about the Roosevelts spending time in Dark Harbor.
Could it be any more beautiful :) Looking out from the ferry,
"Margaret Chase Smith", as we approach Islesboro.
PWM image 10-7-2015
This rose was painted on the ferry,
"Margaret Chase Smith",
depicts the distinguished
depicts the distinguished
senator's fresh red rose that was
a daily fixture on her attire.
PWM image 10-7-2015
PWM image 10-7-2015
Alice L. Pendleton Library, Islesboro, Maine
PWM image 10-7-2015
I was fortunate that the library in Islesboro is open from 10 until Noon on Wednesdays.
Library Director Linda Graf was very helpful to me. She used a book to help find some background information on Roosevelt's visit to Dark Harbor. I was able to purchase a copy of the book. The Summer Cottages of Islesboro: 1890-1930, by Earle G. Shuttleworth, Jr. This 1989 publication was printed for the Islesboro Historical Society.
The Dark Harbor, Islesboro, Maine - PWM image 10-7-2015
As I motored around the island and the Dark Harbor area, gazing at the beauty of the landscape and seascape, Chip Bishop's words of Theodore expressing his sorrow and loss for his son, Quentin, and for the loss of the opportunity for Quentin to have married and perhaps to have a family of his own came to mind. Having two sons of my own, made it a sobering thought for me.
Approaching the ferry entrance at Grindle Point, Islesboro, Maine
PWM image 10-7-2015
Marine Museum at Grindle Point where the ferry service to
Lincolnville departs/arrives in Islesboro, Maine.
PWM image 10-7-2015
Lincolnville departs/arrives in Islesboro, Maine.
PWM image 10-7-2015
departing the ferry terminal at Grindle Point, Islesboro, Maine.
PWM image 10-7-2015
The Summer Cottages of Islesboro
1890-1930 by Earle G. Shettleworth, Jr
Islesboro Historical Society 1989
Front Cover: When The Maine Central
Railroad Went to Sea - Train Boats and
Boat Trains by John P. Archer 1993
Back cover
A portion of my collection of TR-related books :)
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
Androscoggin Historical Society, Lewiston
Eliot Historical Society, Eliot
Gray Historical Society, Gray
Kennebec Historical Society, Augusta
Letterpress Books, Portland
Maine Historical Society Store, Portland
Morph Gallery & Emporium, Kennebunk
New Gloucester Historical Society, New Gloucester
Roosevelt Campobello International Park, Welshpool, NB, Canada
Seashore Trolley Museum, Kennebunkport
Sherman's Maine Coast Book Shops, All Locations
Thompson's Orchard, New Gloucester
Winthrop Maine Historical Society, Winthrop
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 every 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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