Waterville, Fairfield & Oakland Street Railway (WF&O)
photo. College Avenue looking north toward Fairfield 1920.
The turnout is just south of this location. The waiting station
is on the left. George E. Cantara Photo in
Foster Leavitt, Sr.'s Photo Album Collection No. 7.
Courtesy of Mike Leavitt.
Foster Leavitt, Sr. and his brother, Edward "Eddie" Leavitt, like their father, Charles "Bob" Leavitt, worked as motormen and conductors for the Biddeford and Saco Railroad Company (B&SRR). The B&SRR like the Waterville and Fairfield Railroad Company, began as a horsecar railroad, then transitioned to become an electric railroad. Foster and Eddie also were early members of the Seashore Trolley Museum in Kennebunkport. Foster, Sr's love of trolleys was also passed down to his son Foster Leavitt, Jr. Between the father and son, they collected hundreds and hundreds of photos of electric railways and railroads from all over the State of Maine and many cities in the U.S.
Foster, Jr's son, Mike Leavitt was very kind and shared the many photo albums with me. Mike allowed me to copy photos and gave me permission to share the photos. In sharing, I always credit Mike's grandfather/father and individuals who may be credited on the backs of the photos.
Included in this post below are more than 85 photos of the WF&O from Album No. 7 of the Foster Leavitt, Sr. Collection that his grandson, Mike now has in his possession. These photos include some from the Waterville and Fairfield Railroad Company, The Waterville & Fairfield Railway & Light Company, The Waterville & Oakland Street Railway, and the Waterville, Fairfield & Oakland Railway Company.
To show my appreciation to the Leavitt family, I'll share a few photos of them prior to beginning the WF&O pictorial.
Foster Leavitt, Sr. (left) is the motorman and his brother,
Edward "Eddie" (right) was the conductor of Car 31 in 1938.
Like their father, Charles"Bob" Leavitt, both brothers
worked for the Biddeford and Saco Railroad for many years.
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Charles "Bob" Leavitt at the Saco carbarn 1921.
Mr. Leavitt worked as a motorman at the
Biddeford and Saco Railroad for 39 years,
beginning in 1896. Seashore's Car 31 arrived
in Saco in June 1900 and Mr. Leavitt was one
of the motormen operating Car 31 from day 1.
Eddie Leavitt (left) was the conductor
and his brother, Foster Leavitt, Sr. (right) was the motorman
on Car 31 at Seashore Trolley Museum in Kennebunkport
in 1977. Both operated cars at the Museum throughout
the 1960s, 1970s, and into the 1980s.
Click Here: for the post on the ten Maine railway-related cars in the Seashore Trolley Museum's collection that have been listed in the National Register of Historic Places since 1980, including Car 31. Waterville, Fairfield & Oakland Street Railway No. 60 is also shown in this post though it arrived at the Museum in the early 1990s. It is in need of a full restoration.
June 23, 1999 - In 1999, as one of the activities to celebrate
the 60th anniversary of the SeashoreTrolley Museum and
the saving of Car 31, I organized a "Home Tour" for Car 31.
Car 31 returned to Saco, Biddeford, and Old Orchard Beach.
I did not know Mike Leavitt at the time, however, he, his wife,
and their two daughters attended the Saco celebration. Here they
are on Car 31 with Mike's grandfather, Foster, Sr's, motorman hat
on the bumper, that he wore while working for the B&SRR.
Mike's wife and daughters with Mike on
Car 31 on August 12, 2023, reenacting
their Car 31 photoshoot from 1999.
I just happened to take this photo of Mike's daughters
gifting their great grandfather's B&SRR motorman hat to
the Dyer Library with Car 31 in the background on June 23, 1999
Mike and his whole family are on Car 31. They represent
six generations connected with Car 31 over 123 years!
August 12, 2023
Separately, if you would like to view posts on the Fairfield & Shawmut Railway Company, the Benton & Fairfield Railway Company, the Lewiston, Auburn & Waterville Street Railway, or the Rockland, Thomaston & Camden Street Railway, simply click on the names.
Foster Leavitt, Sr.'s Collection - Album No. 7.
In the possession of his grandson, Mike Leavitt.
Label with the list of contents inside Album No. 7.
Click Here: for the post of the biography of former Fairfield resident, Amos Fitz Gerald, the Electric Railway King of the Pine Tree State.
Many photos did not have a date written on the back. If a particular trolley car and its number were listed, I then could establish a range of years that the photo was taken. I tried my best to have each photo have a caption with a date.
As folks view the photos, their locations, dates, and names of motormen/conductors if you can clarify any of the points or know any aspect to be mislabeled, please let me know and I can make the correction/addition.
Here we go...enjoy!
WF&O Western Avenue, Waterville, was dug up and cement
was poured/laid. George E. Cantara Photo in
Foster Leavitt, Sr.'s Photo Album Collection No. 7.
Courtesy of Mike Leavitt.
WF&O Second Rangeway, Waterville
March 1920. Looking west, a person is standing in front of
the waiting station on the right.
George E. Cantara Photo in
Foster Leavitt, Sr.'s Photo Album Collection No. 7.
Courtesy of Mike Leavitt.
.jpg)
WF&O Second Rangeway, Waterville March 1920.
Looking east, the spire at the peak of the waiting station roof
is visible just over the top of the pile of snow on the left.
George E. Cantara Photo in
Foster Leavitt, Sr.'s Photo Album Collection No. 7.
Courtesy of Mike Leavitt.
WF&O Oakland line.
Edwin "Bill" Robertson & George E. Cantara Photo in
Foster Leavitt, Sr.'s Photo Album Collection No. 7.
Courtesy of Mike Leavitt.
WF&O Church Street, Oakland, looking toward Main Street.
George E. Cantara Photo in
Foster Leavitt, Sr.'s Photo Album Collection No. 7.
Courtesy of Mike Leavitt.
WF&O looking east with approaching Fairgrounds at left
with the sand car No. 30 (1927-1937) at the turnout at
the top of the hill. George E. Cantara Photo in
Foster Leavitt, Sr.'s Photo Album Collection No. 7.
Courtesy of Mike Leavitt.
WF&O Fairfield line with the town of Oakland in
the background. George E. Cantara Photo in
Foster Leavitt, Sr.'s Photo Album Collection No. 7.
Courtesy of Mike Leavitt.
WF&O with the town of Oakland in the background.
George E. Cantara Photo in
Foster Leavitt, Sr.'s Photo Album Collection No. 7.
Courtesy of Mike Leavitt.
WF&O
George E. Cantara Photo in
Foster Leavitt, Sr.'s Photo Album Collection No. 7.
Courtesy of Mike Leavitt.
WF&O - Second Rangeway
George E. Cantara Photo in
Foster Leavitt, Sr.'s Photo Album Collection No. 7.
Courtesy of Mike Leavitt.
WF&O - Looking west - Second Rangeway
with the waiting station on the right.
George E. Cantara Photo in
Foster Leavitt, Sr.'s Photo Album Collection No. 7.
Courtesy of Mike Leavitt.
WF&O mainline between Second Rangeway and
the Fairgrounds. George E. Cantara Photo in
Foster Leavitt, Sr.'s Photo Album Collection No. 7.
Courtesy of Mike Leavitt.
WF&O mainline between Second Rangeway and
the Fairgrounds. George E. Cantara Photo in
Foster Leavitt, Sr.'s Photo Album Collection No. 7.
Courtesy of Mike Leavitt.
WF&O - Trolley coming down Grove Street Hill, Waterville.
This is the third hill. The picture is of cars Nos. 11 or
No. 12 or No. 13 at the foot of Grove Hill 1904/05.
Just about where the car is in the photo was the end of
the line in 1904/05. George E. Cantara Photo in
Foster Leavitt, Sr.'s Photo Album Collection No. 7.
Courtesy of Mike Leavitt.
WF&O mainline between Second Rangeway and
the Fairgrounds. George E. Cantara Photo in
Foster Leavitt, Sr.'s Photo Album Collection No. 7.
Courtesy of Mike Leavitt.
WF&O mainline between Second Rangeway and
the Fairgrounds. George E. Cantara Photo in
Foster Leavitt, Sr.'s Photo Album Collection No. 7.
Courtesy of Mike Leavitt.
WF&O No. 103 on Colby College campus turnout on
College Avenue, Waterville. August 1936.
George E. Cantara Photo in
Foster Leavitt, Sr.'s Photo Album Collection No. 7.
Courtesy of Mike Leavitt.
WF&O trolley at the top of Grove Street Hill. There are
three hills on Grove Street. Looking west.
George E. Cantara Photo in
Foster Leavitt, Sr.'s Photo Album Collection No. 7.
Courtesy of Mike Leavitt.
WF&O No. 103 (1931-1937) inside Fairfield carbarn.
A second trolley, No.34, can be seen in the background on
the left in the 2nd carbarn. George E. Cantara Photo in
Foster Leavitt, Sr.'s Photo Album Collection No. 7.
Courtesy of Mike Leavitt.
WF&O No. 103 (1931-1937) on Water Street, Waterville.
The hill in the background on the right is Lockwood Hill.
Looking South. George E. Cantara Photo in
Foster Leavitt, Sr.'s Photo Album Collection No. 7.
Courtesy of Mike Leavitt.
WF&O No. 103 (1931-1937) on Main Street, Fairfield.
George E. Cantara Photo in
Foster Leavitt, Sr.'s Photo Album Collection No. 7.
Courtesy of Mike Leavitt.
WF&O No. 103 (1931-1937) on Water Street near Gold Street
in Waterville, looking south.
George E. Cantara Photo in
Foster Leavitt, Sr.'s Photo Album Collection No. 7.
Courtesy of Mike Leavitt.
WF&O No. 103 (1931-1937) heading up Main Street to
the Post Office Square in Waterville. The trolley is heading
north toward Fairfield. George E. Cantara Photo in
Foster Leavitt, Sr.'s Photo Album Collection No. 7.
Courtesy of Mike Leavitt.
WF&O No. 103 (1931-1937) on East Main Street, Oakland.
George E. Cantara Photo in
Foster Leavitt, Sr.'s Photo Album Collection No. 7.
Courtesy of Mike Leavitt.
WF&O No. 103 (1931-1937) on Water Street turnout.
Looking south. George E. Cantara Photo in
Foster Leavitt, Sr.'s Photo Album Collection No. 7.
Courtesy of Mike Leavitt.
WF&O No. 103 (1931-1937) on Main Street, Fairfield.
Looking north toward the end of the line.
No. 103 is near Burell Street. George E. Cantara Photo in
Foster Leavitt, Sr.'s Photo Album Collection No. 7.
Courtesy of Mike Leavitt.
WF&O No. 103 (1931-1937) turning from Grove Street
onto Water Street, Waterville. Looking south.
George E. Cantara Photo in
Foster Leavitt, Sr.'s Photo Album Collection No. 7.
Courtesy of Mike Leavitt.
WF&O No. 103 (1931-1937) on East Main Street, Oakland.
George E. Cantara Photo in
Foster Leavitt, Sr.'s Photo Album Collection No. 7.
Courtesy of Mike Leavitt.
WF&O No. 103 (1931-1937) at the waiting station (small
building on the left with a spire extending up from the roof)
near the Oakland to Waterville Road. Looking east with
No.103 headed toward Oakland. George E. Cantara Photo in
Foster Leavitt, Sr.'s Photo Album Collection No. 7.
Courtesy of Mike Leavitt.
Looking south at WF&O No. 103 (1931-1937) is heading
north toward Fairfield on College Avenue, near
Spruce Street, Waterville. George E. Cantara Photo in
Foster Leavitt, Sr.'s Photo Album Collection No. 7.
Courtesy of Mike Leavitt.
Looking north at WF&O No. 103 (1931-1937) is heading
north toward Fairfield a few hundred feet from the turnout.
George E. Cantara Photo in
Foster Leavitt, Sr.'s Photo Album Collection No. 7.
Courtesy of Mike Leavitt.
Looking south at WF&O No. 103 (1931-1937) is heading
north toward Fairfield on College Avenue, near Terry Street,
Waterville. George E. Cantara Photo in
Foster Leavitt, Sr.'s Photo Album Collection No. 7.
Courtesy of Mike Leavitt.
Looking south at WF&O No. 103 (1931-1937) is heading
north in Fairfield on Main Street.
George E. Cantara Photo in
Foster Leavitt, Sr.'s Photo Album Collection No. 7.
Courtesy of Mike Leavitt.
WF&O No. 102 (1931-1937) at Fairfield carbarn one month
after being purchased from the Rockland, Thomaston &
Camden Street Railway in 1931. George E. Cantara Photo in
Foster Leavitt, Sr.'s Photo Album Collection No. 7.
Courtesy of Mike Leavitt.
WF&O No. 102 (1931-1937)on the trestle crossing
the Massalonskee Stream at the Cascade Woolen Mill.
George E. Cantara Photo in
Foster Leavitt, Sr.'s Photo Album Collection No. 7.
Courtesy of Mike Leavitt.
WF&O No. 103 (1931-1937) on Western Avenue, Waterville.
George E. Cantara Photo in
Foster Leavitt, Sr.'s Photo Album Collection No. 7.
Courtesy of Mike Leavitt.
WF&O No. 101 (1931-1937) crossing the bridge heading
toward Waterville near the Fairgrounds.
George E. Cantara Photo in
Foster Leavitt, Sr.'s Photo Album Collection No. 7.
Courtesy of Mike Leavitt.
WF&O No. 101 (1931-1937) on Main Street, Fairfield at
The Gerald on June 18, 1935. Nos. 101, 102, and 103 were
acquired from the Rockland, Thomaston, & Camden Street
Railway in 1931. Roger Borrup photograph in the George E.
Cantara Photo Collection in Foster Leavitt, Sr.'s Photo
Album Collection No. 7. Courtesy of Mike Leavitt.
WF&O No. 101 is on its side as it's being scrapped - 1937.
George E. Cantara Photo in
Foster Leavitt, Sr.'s Photo Album Collection No. 7.
Courtesy of Mike Leavitt.
WF&O No. 60 in 1931. No. 60 was purchased from
the Brocton & Plymouth Street Railway in 1929.
Charles D. Heseltine Photo in
Foster Leavitt, Sr.'s Photo Album Collection No. 7.
Courtesy of Mike Leavitt.
WF&O No. 101 (1931-1937) on Western Avenue, Waterville.
George E. Cantara Photo in
Foster Leavitt, Sr.'s Photo Album Collection No. 7.
Courtesy of Mike Leavitt.
WF&O No. 60 (1930-1937) near the carbarn in Fairfield.
George E. Cantara Photo in
Foster Leavitt, Sr.'s Photo Album Collection No. 7.
Courtesy of Mike Leavitt.
WF&O No. 60 (1930 -1937) in Waterville.
Edwin "Bill" Robertson /George E. Cantara Photo in
Foster Leavitt, Sr.'s Photo Album Collection No. 7.
Courtesy of Mike Leavitt.
WF&O No. 60 (1930-1937) at Fairfield Carbarn.
George E. Cantara Photo in
Foster Leavitt, Sr.'s Photo Album Collection No. 7.
Courtesy of Mike Leavitt.
A WF&O double-truck "Birney" trolley and a No. "50-series"
trolley at the turnout at the Colby College campus on the right
and where the Maine Central Railroad (MCRR) was on the left.
(1918-1937) Photo in Foster Leavitt, Sr.'s Photo Album
Collection No. 7. Courtesy of Mike Leavitt.
Interior of WF&O No. 56 (1922-1937). Acquired from
the Rockland, Thomaston & Camden Street Railway in 1922.
Edwin "Bill" Robertson/George E. Cantara Photo in
Foster Leavitt, Sr.'s Photo Album Collection No. 7.
Courtesy of Mike Leavitt.
Builder's photo of WF&O No. 52 (built 1918) -
The G. C. Kuhlman Car Company, Cleveland, OH.
George E. Cantara Photo in
Foster Leavitt, Sr.'s Photo Album Collection No. 7.
Courtesy of Mike Leavitt.
Brand new WF&O No. 52 on Main Street, Fairfield 1918.
George E. Cantara Photo in
Foster Leavitt, Sr.'s Photo Album Collection No. 7.
Courtesy of Mike Leavitt.
WF&O No. 54 (1922-1937) in front of the Fairfield carbarn.
Frank E. Butts Photo in
Foster Leavitt, Sr.'s Photo Album Collection No. 7.
Courtesy of Mike Leavitt.
WF&O No, 42 between Oakland and Waterville.
March 6, 1925. Photo in
Foster Leavitt, Sr.'s Photo Album Collection No. 7.
Courtesy of Mike Leavitt.
WF&O No. 44 is ready to be unloaded at the MCRR
freight yard in Waterville 1922. Photo in
Foster Leavitt, Sr.'s Photo Album Collection No. 7.
Courtesy of Mike Leavitt.
WF&O No. 42 near Fairfield (1922-1933)
George E. Cantara Photo in
Foster Leavitt, Sr.'s Photo Album Collection No. 7.
Courtesy of Mike Leavitt.
WF&O No, 42 on the Oakland line, March 6, 1925.
Photo in
Foster Leavitt, Sr.'s Photo Album Collection No. 7.
Courtesy of Mike Leavitt.
WF&O No. 42 (1922-1933) in front of the carbarn in Oakland.
Adelbert "Del" Decker - 3rd from right.
Photo in Foster Leavitt, Sr.'s Photo Album Collection No. 7.
Courtesy of Mike Leavitt.
WF&O No. 42 on Main Street, Oakland.
Adelbert "Del" Decker, operator circa 1928.
George E. Cantara Photo in
Foster Leavitt, Sr.'s Photo Album Collection No. 7.
Courtesy of Mike Leavitt.
WF&O No. 40 in Oakland circa 1935.
George E. Cantara Photo in
Foster Leavitt, Sr.'s Photo Album Collection No. 7.
Courtesy of Mike Leavitt.
WF&O No. 40 with "Del" Decker circa 1928.
George E. Cantara Photo in
Foster Leavitt, Sr.'s Photo Album Collection No. 7.
Courtesy of Mike Leavitt.
WF&O No. 40 in Oakland. June 18, 1935
George E. Cantara Photo in
Foster Leavitt, Sr.'s Photo Album Collection No. 7.
Courtesy of Mike Leavitt.
Interior of WF&O No. 34 (looks to be early in the process
of being scrapped - 1937)
George E. Cantara Photo in
Foster Leavitt, Sr.'s Photo Album Collection No. 7.
Courtesy of Mike Leavitt.
WF&O Nos. 34 and 44 being scrapped at the
Oakland carbarn - 1937. George E. Cantara Photo in
Foster Leavitt, Sr.'s Photo Album Collection No. 7.
Courtesy of Mike Leavitt.
WF&O No. 34 in Waterville. No. 34 (1926-1937) was acquired
from Rockland, Thomaston & Camden Street Railway in 1926.
George E. Cantara Photo in
Foster Leavitt, Sr.'s Photo Album Collection No. 7.
Courtesy of Mike Leavitt.
WF&O No. 34 at Oakland carbarn 1932
George E. Cantara Photo in
Foster Leavitt, Sr.'s Photo Album Collection No. 7.
Courtesy of Mike Leavitt.
WF&O No 34 (1926-1937) was built by the Wason Company for
the Rockland, Thomaston & Camden Street Railway and was
acquired by the WF&O in 1926. Charles D. Heseltine Photo in
Foster Leavitt, Sr.'s Photo Album Collection No. 7.
Courtesy of Mike Leavitt.
WF&O No. 23 (1911-1922) "split the switch" and struck
a utility pole at the Fairfield Carbarn. George E. Cantara
Photo in Foster Leavitt, Sr.'s Photo Album Collection No. 7.
Courtesy of Mike Leavitt.
WF&O No. 16 at Messalonski Hall carbarn in Oakland circa
1911. No. 16, a former Boston Elevated Railway trolley.
George E. Cantara Photo in
Foster Leavitt, Sr.'s Photo Album Collection No. 7.
Courtesy of Mike Leavitt.
WF&O Nos. 17 and 18 were ten-bench open cars that were
originally purchased in 1891 by Waterville & Fairfield St. Rwy.
In 1911 they became WF&O cars. No. 17 was scrapped in 1920.
No. 18 was scrapped in 1922. This photo is at the Fairfield carbarn.
George E. Cantara Photo in
Foster Leavitt, Sr.'s Photo Album Collection No. 7.
Courtesy of Mike Leavitt.
WF&O No. 20 on East Main Street, Oakland. No. 20 is
headed toward the carbarn circa 1912.
George E. Cantara Postcard in
Foster Leavitt, Sr.'s Photo Album Collection No. 7.
Courtesy of Mike Leavitt.
WF&O No. 10 on Water Street at Sherwin Turnout, Waterville.
L. Eugene Nolette (l) and R. Henry Proulx (r) circa 1914.
George E. Cantara Photo in
Foster Leavitt, Sr.'s Photo Album Collection No. 7.
Courtesy of Mike Leavitt.
WF&L No. 13 at Grove Street, Waterville 1904.
L-R is conductor William McAuley, Lloyd A. McAuley,
Hazel McAuley, and motorman Joseph Gillis.
End of the line at the top of the hill in front of
the Pine Grove Cemetery. Tracks were later extended to
Silver Street. Photo in
Foster Leavitt, Sr.'s Photo Album Collection No. 7.
Courtesy of Mike Leavitt.
WF&L No. 8 (1903-1911) near the front of Oakland carbarn.
No. 8 was a "Duplex Convertible." The sides of the car were
rolled up into the roof pockets. Left is motoman Lew Hutchinson,
with conductor G. T. Leavitt on the right at the end of the car.
Photo in Foster Leavitt, Sr.'s Photo Album Collection No. 7.
Courtesy of Mike Leavitt.
WF&L No. 12 (1900-1911), a 12-bench open car at the end
of the line in Fairfield. Bill Ireland (l) was the conductor
and Walter Steeves (r) was the motorman.
George E. Cantara Photo in
Foster Leavitt, Sr.'s Photo Album Collection No. 7.
Courtesy of Mike Leavitt.
WF&O No. 2 (1903-1911)(No. 20- 1911-1922)
Main Street, Waterville.
Photo in
Foster Leavitt, Sr.'s Photo Album Collection No. 7.
Courtesy of Mike Leavitt.
Messalonskee Hall on Messalonskee Lake (view from the lake)
was a combination carbarn and dance hall in Oakland for
the Waterville and Fairfield Railway circa 1905.
Photo in
Foster Leavitt, Sr.'s Photo Album Collection No. 7.
Courtesy of Mike Leavitt.
Messalonskee Hall, the combination carbarn and dance hall
at Oakland, Maine, as it looked in 1905. Cars are 14-bench
open No. 3, formerly owned by the Portland & Brunswick
Street Railway Company and Duplex No. 6. At the extreme
left is Amos F. Gerald and next to him, partially hidden by
No. 3, is Superintendent Lester Choate.
Photo in Foster Leavitt, Sr.'s Photo Album Collection No. 7.
Courtesy of Mike Leavitt.
Click Here: for the post of the biography of Fairfield resident, Amos Fitz Gerald, the Electric Railway King of the Pine Tree State.
WF&L end of the line in Fairfield at Gerald Hotel.
George E. Cantara Photo in
Foster Leavitt, Sr.'s Photo Album Collection No. 7.
Courtesy of Mike Leavitt.
WF&O No. 9 on its side in Shoddy Hollow, North Vasselboro
1920. WF&O work car (probably No. 33
George E. Cantara Photo in
Foster Leavitt, Sr.'s Photo Album Collection No. 7.
Courtesy of Mike Leavitt.
WF&O No 33 (1924-1937) work car at the Fairgrounds.
George E. Cantara Photo in
Foster Leavitt, Sr.'s Photo Album Collection No. 7.
Courtesy of Mike Leavitt.
WF&O No. 2 snow plow on Oakland line 1920.
George E. Cantara Photo in
Foster Leavitt, Sr.'s Photo Album Collection No. 7.
Courtesy of Mike Leavitt.
WF&O Oakland line re-opened after a snowstorm.
George E. Cantara Photo in
Foster Leavitt, Sr.'s Photo Album Collection No. 7.
Courtesy of Mike Leavitt.
WF&O No. 8 snow plow. (1931-1937) was acquired from
the Rockland, Thomaston & Camden Street Railway in 1931.
George E. Cantara Photo in
Foster Leavitt, Sr.'s Photo Album Collection No. 7.
Courtesy of Mike Leavitt.
W&F No. 2 snow plow in front of the Fairfield carbarn
circa 1903. No. 2 was built by the Waterville and Fairfield
Railway and is said that the plow blades were fabricated at
the Maine Central Railroad shops in Waterville.
Photo in Foster Leavitt, Sr.'s Photo Album Collection No. 7.
Courtesy of Mike Leavitt.
WF&O Nos. 2, 50, 54, 56, 52, and line car No. 33 at
the Fairgrounds, each awaiting its turn to be scrapped - 1937.
George E. Cantara Photo in
Foster Leavitt, Sr.'s Photo Album Collection No. 7.
Courtesy of Mike Leavitt.
WF&O Nos. 40, 2 snow plow and inside Fairfield carbarn
after the carbarn survived a fire on January 21, 1936.
Edwin"Bill" Robertson/George E. Cantara Photo in
Foster Leavitt, Sr.'s Photo Album Collection No. 7.
Courtesy of Mike Leavitt.
Shoveling out the snow in front of the Oakland carbarn.
Photo looking toward Main Street.
George E. Cantara Photo in
Foster Leavitt, Sr.'s Photo Album Collection No. 7.
Courtesy of Mike Leavitt.
WF&O end of the line at the Oakland carbarn.
George E. Cantara Photo in
Foster Leavitt, Sr.'s Photo Album Collection No. 7.
Courtesy of Mike Leavitt.
Interior of the WF&O Oakland carbarn circa 1937.
George E. Cantara Photo in
Foster Leavitt, Sr.'s Photo Album Collection No. 7.
Courtesy of Mike Leavitt.
Waterville & Fairfield Railway No. 1 June 23, 1888. The first
horsecar to operate between Fairfield and Waterville.
Theodore F. Stephens is seen here as the driver of the first car.
He also was operating the controller of the last trolley for a portion
of the final trip from Waterville to Fairfield departed at
12:40 a.m., on October 11, 1937. A couple hours later,
the regular operator of the trolley, Ernest J. King returned
the trolley to the Fairfield carbarn, thus ending service.
Buses began service at 5:15 a.m.
George E. Cantara Photo in
Foster Leavitt, Sr.'s Photo Album Collection No. 7.
Courtesy of Mike Leavitt.
These next few photos of WF&O are in the Edwin "Bill" Robertson Collection that I have in my possession.
(Circa 1930-1937)
WF&O No. 60 has been at the Seashore Trolley Museum since 1991. It is in need of a total restoration. It is in rough shape. Trucks and motors were acquired by the Museum for No. 60's restoration. No. 60 is in need of an individual, a group, and or businesses, to take on the role of sponsorship to lead the fundraiser to raise the funds needed to restore this historic Maine gem. I am happy to discuss the project with any and all who have an interest in working to help with this project. Email me: p.morse@gmail.com
Donations of $100 or more can be made to WF&O's No. 60's restricted restoration fund:
Fund 873 Waterville Car 60
Online donations of $100 or more can be made through the Museum's website at:
https://trolleymuseum.org/support/donate/
Be sure to specify Fund 873 Waterville Car 60 where it asks for "Fund Designation."
Checks for $100 or more can be made out to and mailed to the Museum. Be sure to make a note that the donation is for Fund 873 Waterville Car 60
Mail to Seashore Trolley Museum
P. O. Box A
Kennebunkport, ME 04046
Here is one short story on WF&O No. 60, which is now 101 years old!
No. 60 was originally a car built in 1922 for the Plymouth & Brockton Street Railway....it was No. 400.
The Waterville, Fairfield, Oakland Railway purchased No. 400 from Plymouth & Brocton Electric RWy (Massachusetts) in 1929...and renumbered it No. 60. Once in Waterville, later that fall, it was placed on a Railroad flatcar and shipped to the Portland Railroad shops on St. John Street in Portland, where No. 60 underwent an overhaul and repainting. When that work was completed, No. 60 was returned to the WF&O by being operated on tracks all the way to Fairfield.
No other individual trolley car, ever, in Maine electric railway history, operated on tracks during one day from Portland to Fairfield.
WF&O began its historic trip when it was first operated on the Portland Railroad (PRR) tracks from the St. John Street shops of the PRR to the Portland-Lewiston Interurban (PLI) right-of-way entrance at Deering Junction, and then operated on the PLI to Lewiston where it then operated on the Androscoggin & Kennebec Railway (A&K) to Augusta, and then on to Waterville, where it would operate on the WF&O to Fairfield. No. 60 operated on the WF&O until the company went out of business in 1937.
This is quite a story...think about how we have a car in the Maine Collection that is of the style that was popular in the major cities of Maine (Portland, Auburn/Lewiston, Augusta, Waterville, and Bangor) and is the only surviving car, of that type, to represent the popular type in those cities that actually, literally, operated on the tracks in five of those six major cities :) It made one 80-mile trip (one-way) in one day to connect those four major cities.
We don't have a car from Maine's capital city, Augusta. However, we have No. 60, which actually did operate in/through Augusta...and it can also represent a common style that operated daily in Augusta.
We don't have a car from the local Auburn/Lewiston railway (The Narcissus used a terminal in Lewiston and had a couple of stops in Lewiston and Auburn, but wasn't considered a "local" car that provided service throughout the twin cities). However, we have No. 60 that actually did operate in/through Auburn/Lewiston...and it can also represent a common style that operated daily in the twin cities.
We don't have a car of the size and style that was popular in the Portland Railroad (No. 615, being a Birney car, was a popular car of its style, but the small version). No. 60 can be the representation of the larger style that was popular in Portland.
Car 60, formerly No. 400 of the Plymouth and Brocton Street Railway, is near
the end of the line in Fairfield. No. 60 has been at Seashore
Trolley Museum since 1991 and awaits funding to
fully restore this last of its type in Maine.
O. R. Cummings Collection 2009_2_40_039
Courtesy Seashore Trolley Museum Library
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
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-resolution digital image files made of the original, 1910, 28.5-foot-long, surveyor map of the elevation and grade of the 30-mile private right-of-way of the Portland, Gray, and Lewiston Railroad (Portland-Lewiston Interurban) Click Here
Thank You!
the crowd gathered in Gray, Maine on August 18, 1914.
Image courtesy of Gray Historical Society
The Narcissus as the Sabattus Lake Diner in Sabattus, Maine,
circa 1940. Photo by John Coughlin in the Kevin Farrell
Collection at Seashore Trolley Museum
L. Henri Vallee (right) and family members in the
Narcissus, when it was Vallee's summer camp in
Sabattus, Maine circa 1958. Photo courtesy Daniel Vallee
Inside the Donald G. Curry Town House Restoration Shop, the Narcissus is in the midst of major work as we strive to complete its restoration. We are now planning the interpretation portion of the Narcissus Project. Donations to the Narcissus Project may be used in the future to help tell the incredible 100-plus-year-old story of the Narcissus. Your donation to the Narcissus is helping to make the dream of the project's success, a reality.
See below for Donation options -
It starts with YOU
Your Donation Matters
Make a Donation TODAY
Please Help the Narcissus.
Donation Options to Help the Narcissus Project:
The New England Electric Railway Historical Society
is the 501c3 organization that owns and operates the Seashore Trolley Museum in Kennebunkport, ME, and the National Streetcar
Museum in Lowell (MA).
The New England Electric Railway Historical Society registered with the IRS (EIN# 01-0244457) and was incorporated in Maine in 1941.
Check or Money Order ***** should be made payable to:
New England Electric Railway Historical Society
In the memo: for a donation to the Interpretation programming
please write: PLI Education Fund 817
For a donation to help with the restoration write: Narcissus Fund 816
Mail to: Seashore Trolley Museum
P. O. Box A
Kennebunkport, ME 04046
Credit Card ***** donations can be one-time donations or you
may choose to have a specific amount charged to your card
automatically on a monthly basis. Please contact the Museum bookkeeper, via email at finance@trolleymuseum.org or by phone, at 207-967-2800 ext. 3.
Online Donations - may be made by using a Credit Card:
Click Here to make an online donation through the Museum's website - When at the Donation page: Fill in donor info, etc., when at "To which fund are you donating? Scroll down to "Other" and type in 816 Narcissus, then continue filling in the required information.
Click Here for PayPal - to make an online donation: you can use email: finance@trolleymuseum.org and in the message box write:
For "Narcissus Fund 816" - if supporting the restoration
For "PLI Education Fund 817" - if supporting Interpretation programs
Donation of Securities ***** We also accept donations of
securities. You can contact the Museum bookkeeper, via email at finance@trolleymuseum.org or by phone, at 207-967-2800 ext. 3,
for brokerage account information for accepting donated securities.
BONUS ***** If you work for a company/corporation that will
"match" an employee's donation to an approved 501c3 non-profit
educational organization, please be sure to complete the necessary paperwork with your employer so that your donation is matched :)
Questions? ***** Please contact Narcissus project sponsor:
Phil Morse, narcissus@gmail.org or call 207-985-9723 - cell.
Thank You :)
Thank You for our Current Funding Partners
* 20th Century Electric Railway Foundation - 2020/2018 - Major Gift, 2017/2014 Matching Grants
* Renaissance Charitable Foundation (LPCT) by Fiduciary Trust Charitable Giving Fund
* Renaissance Charitable Foundation (LPCT) by Fiduciary Trust Charitable Giving Fund
* Mass Bay RRE - 2018 Railroad Preservation Grant
* Thornton Academy (Saco, ME) - Staff & Alumni - Matching Grant Challenge 2014
* New England Electric Railway Historical Society (Kennebunkport, ME) - Member Donations
* Amherst Railway Society - 2015 Heritage Grant
* National Railway Historical Society - 2016 & 2015 Heritage Preservation Grants
* Enterprise Holding Foundation - 2015 Community Grant
* Theodore Roosevelt Association - Member Donations
* John Libby Family Association and Member Donations
* The Conley Family - In Memory of Scott Libbey 2018/2017/2016/2015
* The W. S. Libbey Family - Awalt, Conley, Graf, Holman, Libbey, McAvoy, McLaughlin, Meldrum, O'Halloran, Salto, - 2018/2017
* The Hughes Family 2017/2016/2010
* New Gloucester Historical Society and Member Donations
* Gray Historical Society and Member Donations
* Gray Public Library Association - Pat Barter Speaker Series
* Scarborough Historical Society - PRR/PLI
* LogMein - Matching Employee Donation
* IBM - Matching Employee/Retiree Donations
* Fidelity Charitable Grant - Matching Employee Donations
* Richard E. Erwin Grant - 2017/2016
The Narcissus, with interior back-lit, stained glass windows is majestic.
Make a donation today to help restore the interior of this Maine gem.
Help Theodore Roosevelt's Maine Ride get back on track! Once restored,
you will be able to ride in luxury on this National Register Treasure at
Seashore Trolley Museum in Kennebunkport, Maine.
PWM photo
Please Consider Making a Donation to the project of the National Register of Historic Places member, Narcissus. We are currently raising funds to advance the restoration and to tell the incredible story of this Maine gem.
Various News stories during the summer of 2015 about the
Narcissus and its connection to Theodore Roosevelt. TR
was a passenger on the Narcissus on August 18, 1914.
Photo by Patricia Pierce Erikson
The Narcissus - July 31, 2015. Make a donation today.
Help Theodore Roosevelt's Maine Ride get back on track!
Once restored, you will be able to ride in luxury on this
National Historic Treasure at
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