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3-D CAD breakdown of segments of the arc headlight used
by 1912, Portland-Lewiston Interurban No. 14, Narcissus.
Solidworks is the provider of the software used for building
National Register of Historic Places member, Narcissus, and
for other restoration projects at Seashore Trolley Museum
in Kennebunkport, Maine. Image supplied by Ernie Eaton,
restoration shop project manager overseeing the Narcissus
restoration.
The original arc headlight from the Arbutus.
Arbutus was one of the original four high-speed
luxury electric interurbans, along with, Narcissus,
ordered from the Laconia Car Company for the
The name of the railroad would change to
Portland-Lewiston Interurban (PLI) Railroad in 1914.
The Gray Historical Society has this arc headlight
and other original components from Arbutus in
its extensive collection of artifacts from the PLI.
Photo PWM
One view of the assembled components of the
arc headlight is portrayed in the Solidworks digital file.
Image supplied by Ernie Eaton
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 in the restoration process.
The headlight rests on a horizontal metal bar on the train door
of the Arbutus. Mrs. Gertrude Libbey Anthony, a daughter
of W. Scott Libbey, purchased the Arbutus later in 1933.
Photo from the scrapbook with contents from the four
reunions of the former employees of the Portland-Lewiston
Interurban (1938-1941).
Arbutus in the yard of Mrs. Gertrude Libbey Anthony,
Bay View, Saco, Maine circa 1940. The horizontal
metal bar in the lower panel of the train door is
the bracket that holds the headlight. Mrs. Anthony
created this memorial to commemorate her father,
W. Scott Libbey. Photo from the scrapbook with
contents from the four reunions of the former employees
of the Portland-Lewiston Interurban (1938-1941).
are currently being cleaned, repaired, photographed
(at high resolution), and conserved at
Northeast Documents Conservation Center,
Andover, MA.
Click Here to access the education resources
Solidworks shares in their newsletter above.
Click Here to access educational resources for
Electric Railways in Maine
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A close-up view of the assembled components of the top of the
handrail attached to the passenger door frame and one of
the brass hinges attached to the passenger door
is portrayed in the Solidworks digital file.
Image supplied by Ernie Eaton
Original brass hinges of the Narcissus. The measurements
and visual details for these were added to the Solidworks
files and then utilized in creating the virtual 3-D model.
Photo PWM
Gray Historical Society displays various brass ends for
wood handles that were attached to Arbutus. Fortunately,
we also have a few originals from the Narcissus. The
measurements and visual details for these were added to the
Solidworks files and then utilized in creating the virtual 3-D
model. Locating other sources, such as the Gray Historical
Society has been important in locating items that Seashore
does not have on hand, such as a destination roll sign. We
were able to borrow an original Arbutus roll sign to measure
etc. for specs to add to the Solidworks files. Photo PWM
A close-up view of the assembled components of one
passenger entrance is portrayed in the Solidworks
digital file. Image supplied by Ernie Eaton
There are many useful options when it comes to
viewing the virtual 3-D model of the Solidworks Narcissus
files. One is the ability to see details from various points of view.
Here is a point of view that allows the viewer to see portions
of the interior of the number one end vestibule, smoking
compartment, bulkheads, and passenger compartment.
Image supplied by Ernie Eaton
door post drawings produced from the Solidworks 3D virtual
model. As many as two days of planning may be required
each time a new post design is fabricated. There are four basic
types of posts with mirrored versions of each in the vestibule assembly.
Another two days may be required to fabricate the post
depending on the complexity.
Narcissus train door post (left) was structurally compromised
requiring a replacement (on the right).
Photo by Ernie Eaton
An original Narcissus train door post (left) and replacement
post (right) show the complex surfaces that required
preplanning and a very high level of woodworking skills to
replicate properly and precisely. Photo by Ernie Eaton
A train door post-replacement fabrication is in progress.
Photo/description by Ernie Eaton
Close-up view of the end of a train door post showing
the desired profile and outline of a tenon traced in pencil.
Photo by Ernie Eaton
A view of a train door post after receiving a few cuts.
Photo by Ernie Eaton
Close-up of mortises and reliefs cut in train door post to
accept ribs that will, in turn, support the exterior tongue
and groove siding. Photo by Ernie Eaton
A side view of the finished door post.
Photo PWM
The face of the exterior of the door post.
Photo PWM
The open channel is where a metal rod with threads on
each end will be encased.
Photo PWM
A view of the series of cuts made that were necessary for one
of the steps needed in the process to match the shape of the ash
wood for the number two end vestibule door post.
Photo by Ernie Eaton
Closeup of the cuts made in the step of the woodworking
process for shaping the ash wood for a door post.
Photo by Ernie Eaton
The next step requires the removal of the thin slices of ash
in advance of squaring up the surface of the post.
Photo by Ernie Eaton
Seth Reed, a Master Woodworker with many years of experience
in the restoration of and making replacement replicas of historic
wood components, seen here examining printouts of Solidworks
files about the wood crown piece for
the Narcissus vestibule on the number two end.
The Solidworks files are created by Ernie Eaton. Photo PWM
The plywood mockup for the number two end vestibule
crown piece. Ash is the wood in the background that will be used to
construct the replacement crown piece for the number two end
vestibule. Photo PWM
Seth working on the wood crown piece
replacement for the number two end vestibule
for the Narcissus. Photo by Katie Orlando
A test fitting of the replacement vestibule wood floor
crown piece on the number two end. Ernie Eaton,
the restoration shop project manager overseeing the restoration of
the Narcissus is checking the replacement floor level.
Seth Reed is looking at the right side of the replacement
support for the flooring. Photo PWM
Seth and Ernie taking some measurements as
they plan to mark the crown piece
where the various door post tenons will meet.
The mortises will then be made accordingly.
Photo PWM
Initial test placement of the crown piece
at the number two vestibule of the Narcissus.
A segment of the original crown-piece has been
placed on top to help in determining the position
of the replacement crown piece.
Photo by Ernie Eaton
The replacement crown piece is placed in position temporarily
before the door posts are temporarily put in place,
while measurements and markings are made for the
mortise/tenon on the crown piece. Photo by Ernie Eaton
Another view of the crown piece temporarily in place,
Photo by Ernie Eaton
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With the door post and crown pieces
temporarily in their proper position,
the crown piece can now be marked where
the tenon of the door post will need its mortise
cut made. This process is repeated for
all door posts. Photo by Ernie Eaton
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The mortise has been cut.
Photo by Ernie Eaton
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The door post tenon and its mortise in
the crown piece match up quite nicely.
Photo by Ernie Eaton
The mortises and tenons of the door posts
match up with the mortises in the crown piece.
A dry-fit of door posts with the replacement
crown piece with the original components in
the vestibule's roof. Photo PWM
The original passenger door opening arches were made from
a single solid piece of ash. Here Seth Reed shapes by hand a
graft of new ash that replaced a decayed and cracked section
of the original from Narcissus. Photo by Ernie Eaton
The side sill and its matching steel channel
rest along the right side of Narcissus.
Photo PWM
Once removed, its condition was evaluated,
and how it is utilized in connection with
other components. It was determined to
have Seth make a replacement. This is a block
near one of the stairwells. Photo by Ernie Eaton
Seth made replacement blocks from ash
for the decayed originals near the stairwells.
Photo by Ernie Eaton
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A replacement block from ash to replace a
decayed original near a stairwell. Photo PWM
Seth holding in place one of the replacement
blocks made from ash near a stairwell. Photo PWM
Seth holding in place one of the replacement blocks
from ash near a stairwell. Photo PWM
Temporarily in place is one of the replacement blocks.
Photo PWM
Various replica components have been made from ash for Narcissus.
Photo PWM
Being able to utilize original components is
important. Except for a segment of the lower
portion, the majority of this original door post
passed the testing process and can be
included in the restoration of Narcissus.
Photo PWM
Here the new graft has been secured to the
original door post. Photo PWM
The number two end vestibule wood components were
temporarily positioned as a dry-fit assembly for a tour
on the morning of Members Day in August 2022.
Ernie Eaton provided tour participants a view of
the Solidworks digital files utilizing a monitor.
Photo PWM
One of the many removed rods that will be
replaced. Photo by Ernie Eaton
Hundreds of rusted bolts have been removed
and will be replaced. Photo by Ernie Eaton
Looking down from above at the rusted bolts
removed from the various wood components
that were in place in components forming
the number two end vestibule.
Photo by Ernie Eaton
Count the rings of the old-growth timbers on the left. There
are 25 or more rings in one cross-section timber.
On the right, the same-sized farm-grown timber has only
ten or so rings. Old-growth timber with many rings tightly grouped
provides more dense, stable durability, and is more resistant to decay.
An end view of three sections of one of the original
southern yellow pine side sills from Narcissus on the left.
Sections of the sill that were usable were salvaged for
reuse in replacing similar-sized blocks needing
replacement in the other parts of Narcissus.
Photo by Ernie Eaton
There were no original metal seat components with the Narcissus body when it arrived at Seashore Trolley Museum. To construct seats, all metal seat components would need to be cast at a foundry. To have components cast, patterns for those components would be required. The first set of metal seat components was cast from patterns that were made for the Narcissus seats. The individual metal components of that first set of metal seat parts are now being assembled. Machining of contact areas of components may be required to have the assembled components work smoothly with one another.
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Volunteer, Kevin Dyer, is holding a cast metal
seat component. Kevin has been working on
machining the connecting metal joints where
individual seat parts connect to have them work
together smoothly when assembled.
Photo by Ernie Eaton
We are still in need of funds for creating the interpretation programs that will tell this fascinating 110+-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.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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
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 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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