October 8, 1983 - At Seashore Trolley Museum.
First Day Issue of the set of four trolley stamps.
Seashore Trolley Museum member/volunteer/trustee and
President of ARM, Michael Lennon, is standing next to
Mrs. Barbara Bush, who is standing next to her husband,
Vice President George Bush. U.S. Postmaster General,
William F. Bolger happened to be bending over behind
the podium when this photo was snapped. Next,
in the red jacket is the Chairman of the NEERHS
Board of Trustees, John G. Smith
Seashore Trolley Museum photo
The set of four stamps was officially issued that day.
Click Here to read about the history of the four stamps
Seashore Trolley Museum photo
Here is a copy of the cover of the USPS pamphlet with
the contents describing the First Day Issue stamps.
The pamphlet courtesy of the Dwight Winkley Collection
at Seashore Trolley Museum
One of the two inside pages of the pamphlet.
The pamphlet courtesy of the Dwight Winkley Collection
at Seashore Trolley Museum
The second of two pages is on the inside of the pamphlet.
The pamphlet courtesy of the Dwight Winkley Collection
at Seashore Trolley Museum
The back of the pamphlet.
The pamphlet courtesy of the Dwight Winkley Collection
at Seashore Trolley Museum
U. S. Railway Post Office car No 34 (left) was built in 1878.
U. S. Railway Post Office ca No. 108 (right) was built in 1904.
Seashore Trolley Museum photo
No. 34 is seen here on display at the event in 1983.
No. 34 was built in about 1878 as a 7-bench horse car for
the New Bedford and Fairfield Street Railway. The railway
was electrified in 1894.
No. 34 was converted into a post office car in about 1906
and operated between Fall River and Onset. Two postal clerks
worked on board the car sorting and canceling mail
while picking up and dropping off mail along the way.
Seashore Trolley Museum photo
No. 108 is seen here on display for the event in 1983.
No. 108 was built in 1904 for the Portsmouth, Dover,
and York Street Railway. It handled mail with a postal worker
on board until 1919.
Seashore Trolley Museum photo
Built by the Laconia Car Company Works for the PD&Y in
1904, U. S. Mail car No. 108 also carried Express. No. 108
is among the collection of Maine railway vehicles at
Seashore Trolley Museum listed in the
O. R. Cummings Collection
Railway Mail Service clerk Charles Preston sorts letters in
the postal compartment of No. 108 somewhere between
Badger's Island and York Beach.
O. R. Cummings Collection
The set of four stamps and the official First Day Issue
cancellation date stamp PWM Collection
A personalized envelope featuring Kennebunkport, Home
of Vice-President Bush, and the Seashore Trolley Museum
for the occasion was canceled with two of the new stamps.
PWM Collection
Various transportation-related stamps were canceled using
a special one-day cancellation date stamp depicting what looks
similar to postal car 34. PWM Collection
Other groups created special one-day cancellation date
stamps to commemorate the event using 108.
PWM Collection
A postcard of 108 was released in 1999 to promote
the Trolley Museum's first Pumpkin Patch Trolley event (1999).
It was also the inspiration to create a one-day
special U S Postal cancellation date stamp that would be used
to commemorate Seashore's 60th Anniversary and
included the School Around Us that planted
the original pumpkin patch for the first PPT.
PWM Collection
See below
A 108 postcard back with a special one-day cancellation
date stamp to commemorate the 60th anniversary of
the founding of the Seashore Trolley Museum.
PWM Collection
That postcard of 108 and a new postcard, seen in the lower left
hand corner on the table inside 108 in the 2003 event,
the Southern Maine Library Districts 3rd Annual
Summer Reading Celebration at the Trolley Museum.
For the 2003 SRC event, here in 108 is an STM volunteer
and U S Postal worker, Bob Perkins, Sr. applied for the
one-day special official Post Office Cancellation
date stamp to letters and postcards during the event.
PWM Collection
See below
Special one-day postal cancellation date stamp,
August 22, 2003,
for the 3rd Annual Summer Reading Celebration.
PWM Collection
The postcard created for the 2003 Southern Maine
Library District's 3rd Annual Summer Reading Celebration
hosted at Seashore Trolley Museum. Pictures from
the previous two Summer Reading Celebration events were
featured on the card. Including former First Lady
Barbara Bush in 2001 on newly painted Connecticut No 303 with
Maine author of Grandfather's Trolley (photos from STM)
Bruce McMillan and the three characters from the book;
Allison Fiske, (STM members) Richard Lane, and John Mazzei.
PWM Collection
While I was standing on the stage I took three photos
(my camera didn't have the panorama option back in 2001).
For the Sept/Oct 2001 issue of The Dispatch newsletter,
we put the three photos next to each other so readers could
view the crowd of 2,300 to see/hear Former First Lady Barbara
Bush read the book, Grandfather's Trolley. The photos inside
the children's-book were taken at STM and used Connecticut
No. 838 as the operating trolley. PWM
Click Here to go to Bruce McMillan's site with all the photos of the First Summer Reading Celebration with Former First Lady, Barbara Bush.
I was the one who initiated the event by first speaking to the children's room librarian at the Kennebunk Free Library during the winter of 2001. As the volunteer Director of Community Relations for the Trolley Museum at the time, I led the team that organized the event for the host site, STM. I also was the emcee for the event and introduced Former First Lady Barbara Bush to the more than 2,300 who attended the event in 2001.
Me introducing Former First Lady, Barbara Bush
to the 2,300 attending the 2001, Summer Reading
event. PWM
Me with former First Lady Barbara Bush.
2001 PWM
Front cover of the 1983 Annual Report of the NEERHS
(New England Electric Railway Historical Society - owner/operator of
the Seashore Trolley Museum - PWM Collection
Inside front cover of the 1983 NEERHS Annual Report - PWM Collection
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 at Seashore Trolley Museum in Kennebunkport, Maine. The only surviving interurban of the Portland-Lewiston Interurban Railroad. 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
