Curator's Choice Podcast - The Seashore Trolley Museum, Kennebunkport, Maine - October 22, 2024

Image from the official YouTube channel for Curator's Choice Podcast.

Like History?        Love Museums?

    Curator's Choice is an interview-style podcast with each episode featuring a new museum and the history of two extraordinary artifacts/exhibits housed there. From ancient relics to modern marvels, each episode of this show features a new museum. These guardians of history will share insights, anecdotes, and the often untold stories that breathe life into the artifacts they protect.

    During this past summer, the Executive Director of the Seashore Trolley Museum, Katie Orlando, contacted me and asked if I would like to represent the Seashore Trolley Museum in a podcast interview. Ayla Anderson-Sparks, from the Curator's Choice Podcast, had contacted Katie and asked if the Museum would provide a staff member or volunteer to be interviewed. The podcast topic would have the Museum representative's talk feature stories about two of the Museum's major artifacts and or exhibits. 

    Katie and I agreed that the two featured artifacts should be two in the Maine Collection that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. One, the Museum's first trolley car acquired; Biddeford & Saco Railroad Company, No. 31. The 124-year-old, Car 31, is considered the "Mother" trolley of all trolley museums in the World, and 2024 is the 85th Anniversary of the saving of Car 31, which began what we now know as the Seashore Trolley Museum. The second featured artifact would be the Portland-Lewiston Interurban, No. 14, Narcissus. The only surviving interurban from what was considered the "Finest Electric Interurban Railway" in Maine and perhaps in all of New England. Former POTUS, Theodore Roosevelt, was a passenger on the Narcissus on August 18, 1914. The Narcissus is currently undergoing restoration at the Seashore Trolley Museum.

    Katie shared Ayla's contact information with me. Ayla and I corresponded and set up a date for the podcast interview. Scroll down to learn more about Ayla and her Curator's Choice Podcast.

And now, I'm sharing the link with you to the newly released podcast...Enjoy!

When you click on the live link below, you will be able to listen to the podcast and access related information about the two featured topics in the Seashore Trolley Museum podcast. In addition, all the other episodes that were previously released by Curator's Choice are also listed.

    Episode 63: Seashore Trolley Museum was released on October 22, 2024

https://www.curatorschoicepodcast.com/1285394/episodes/15973482-episode-63-seashore-trolley-museum

Ayla Anderson-Sparks - Founder - Curator's Choice Podcast

Ayla provided some background about herself for doing the podcast:

    I've always had a deep love for museums, history, and storytelling, which stems from my background in wildlife ecology and conservation, as well as my time working as an interpreter at the Calvert Marine Museum. I also spent several years in the Peace Corps, where I developed educational programs, so combining education with storytelling became a real passion for me.

    The idea for my podcast, Curator's Choice, came to life after I was evacuated from my Peace Corps post in Malawi due to COVID-19. I found myself with a lot of time to reflect and wanted to create something meaningful. I always believed that museums are vibrant, relevant spaces filled with incredible stories that deserve to be shared with a wider audience, and that's how the podcast began. The goal was simple: showcase the fascinating artifacts and exhibits found in museums across the globe and make them accessible to everyone, especially during a time when many museums were closed to the public.

    One of the key early moments that confirmed I was on the right path happened during my episode with the Idaho Potato Museum (Episode 12). Not only was it such a fun and quirky topic, but the museum staff were so enthusiastic and appreciative. Their passion mirrored my own, and hearing their excitement about how much they enjoyed being featured on the podcast made me realize that this project was creating a positive impact.

    Another pivotal moment was when I secured an interview with the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum (Episode 56). This felt like such an important piece of history to cover, and the opportunity to share that with listeners was incredibly fulfilling. It made me smile knowing that I was not only amplifying stories from smaller, lesser-known museums but also highlighting significant historical institutions.

    Ultimately, my goal with Curator's Choice is to foster a love for museums and history through audio storytelling, allowing people to discover new museums, big or small, and feel inspired to visit or learn more. Every episode reminds me why I started this journey, and I'm excited to see where it will go next!

   

Ayla Anderson-Sparks

    

Here is the link to the list of all the Curator's Choice podcasts  - you can also Click Here

To subscribe to Curator's Choice Podcast, copy/paste the URL below into the podcast app of your choice

https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/1285394.rss

Several Episodes of the Curator's Choice Podcast are also available on YouTube

Click Here for Episode 56: Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum

The "Mother Car" of all trolley museums in the world,

 Biddeford & Saco Railroad Company No. 31. was built in 1900

by the J. G. Brill Company in Philadelphia, PA, Car 31

a double-truck open car that carries 60 passengers and has

been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since

1980. Nine other historic Maine railway vehicles join

Car 31 is on the NRHP list and is held in public trust at

Seashore Trolley Museum in Kennebunkport, Maine.

In addition, Car 31 became a Save America's Treasures

Project in 2000. Photo courtesy of Dan Vardaro.

The Car 31 "Parade of Chained Vehicles" diorama at

the Seashore Trolley Museum on August 31, 2024. 

Thank you, Tom Tello and Anthony Tieuli.

Photo by Phil Morse

Portland-Lewiston Interurban No. 14, Narcissus, had been 

operating on the new electric railroad for less than two

months, when former President Theodore Roosevelt

was a passenger on a trip between Lewiston and Portland

on August 18, 1914. TR is seen here waving from the

number two end train door of the Narcissus to the gathered

spectators at the Gray, Maine stop.

Photo courtesy of the Gray Historical Society.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Click Here: For the list of links to Theodore Roosevelt Maine Heritage Trail Posts in Easy Order to View

We continue the restoration work on the 1912 Narcissus, the only surviving high-speed, luxury interurban coach of the Portland-Lewiston Interurban. 

Click Here: Narcissus Restoration-Related Posts

Being more than a century old, the stately, "Elegant Ride," Narcissus, is a gem.  This shimmering precious stone of Maine transportation history is brilliantly resplendent as it emanates so many elements of history, including time, places, people, and events, that it was coupled to, that when just a smattering of its seemingly innumerable stories are shared, the contents first captivates, fascinates, then generates interest to learn more 🙋. The majestic Narcissus is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Please consider joining the epic journey to complete the Narcissus Project by making a donation today!

Click Here: Donation Options

The restoration of this majestic icon of Maine's electric railway history is but one in a series of captivating stories containing an abundance of incredible coalition of narratives.

Click Here: History-Related Posts - Narcissus and Portland-Lewiston Interurban

     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.

Click Here: Bookstores and Businesses promoting the Narcissus Project

Independent book publisher, Phil Morse, holding

Gold Book Award Winner plaque for

 Middle Reader category for The Eric

Hoffer Book Award. Congratulations to

award-winning Maine author,

Jean M. Flahive

Car 31 - Planning for 1999 Anniversary Tour Began 20 Years Ago

1900 Biddeford & Saco Railroad open trolley car No 31

in operation at Seashore Trolley Museum on June 17, 1999,

the day before being loaded on a low flatbed trailer in

preparation for traveling back to Saco, Maine. Car 31 would

be on "tour" for a week, visiting its old neighborhoods in

Saco, Biddeford, and Old Orchard Beach as part of the 

60th Anniversary Celebration for Seashore Trolley Museum.

The deposit of $108 was made to the B & S RR on July 5, 1939.

Ten days later, the balance of $42 was paid to complete the

purchase. Car 31 left Saco on July 15, 1939, and traveled to

its new home in North Kennebunkport. The purchase of

Car 31, made it the first trolley car, anywhere in the world,

to be acquired by individuals to start a trolley museum.

2019 will be Seashore Trolley Museum's 80th Anniversary!

      Reflection - Twenty years ago, in preparation for Seashore Trolley Museum's 60th Anniversary Celebration, I received permission to raise funds for the Museum's first trolley car, 1900 Biddeford & Saco Railroad open trolley car No. 31. The J. G. Brill-built, 60-passenger open car had operated out of the Saco, Maine trolley carbarn on Beach Street for 39 years before being acquired by the young men who began what would become, Seashore Trolley Museum. For the better part of a year, we raised money, did some maintenance work, applied some paint and varnish, and had the National Register of Historic Places gem looking great for its trip back home in 1999.

      This blog post is a pictorial summary of the 1999 Car 31 60th Anniversary Tour. It is still spring, and as the project manager for the Narcissus, I'm looking ahead a little bit and planting some seeds here in this post:) I became quite nostalgic as I dug through my archives and combed through photo albums for these pictures (none were digitized). Lots of volunteers and staff put in very long hours each day for that week in 1999. I hope you enjoy the results of my "dirt therapy" :)

      I took most of these pictures, but not all. I'll make a note otherwise if I can recall who?

Pre-tour promotion with Bob Black

being recorded for the Biddeford

Cable Access TV promotional tape.

Peter Wilson brings the tractor-trailer around 

1901 Boston Elevated Railway Switching Station, Tower-C.

Heading to the loading area.

Preparing to load Car 31 onto the

trailer. L-R Peter Wilson, Mike Simonds

Roger Tobin.

L-R - Jack Coyle and Chuck Griffith use 1920 Oshawa,

Ontario, electric locomotive No. 300 to move cars so that

Car 31 can access the loading dock.

Chuck Griffith is at the controls as he approaches the trailer.

No overhead wires....no problem. A "bug" was used.

(a bug is basically an extension cord)

Safely loaded.

Peter Wilson is next to Car 31 in the parking lot at the visitor

center of Seashore Trolley Museum. Here the car will

be prepared for the trip to Saco.

Mike Simonds changing the light

bulbs out and replaced with 32-volt

bulbs for use with 110-volt

operation.

Ben Yuscavitch checked all electricals

for use during night ops when Car 31

would be on display.

L-R - Mike Simonds, John Middleton, and

Ben Yuscavitch secured one of the banners to car 31.

Ready to roll. In the background, the 1901 Boston Elevated 

Railway, Northampton Station, looks on.

Normand Viger, with his grandson, 

receiving info from Mike Simonds

on how Car 31 is secured to the trailer.

Normand was one of the volunteers

to drive the tractor-trailer rig.

L-R -Henry Dickinson, Mike Simonds, Normand Viger,

Normand's grandson, Dick Avy, and Roger Tobin just before 

we hit the road.

Normand Viger driving the tractor-trailer with Car 31 as

they begin to leave STM.

Car 31 entered what became the entrance to the Museum,

from what was gravel, Biddeford Road in 1939, now exits

the Museum grounds for the first time in 60 years.

Car 31 turns right from Log Cabin Road in Arundel, onto

Route One, North. Henry Dickinson's car is parked as he

records Car 31's travels.

Car 31 crosses the railroad tracks and

stops for a moment on Main Street, 

Saco next to the very tall 1915

line pole from the Biddeford &

Saco Railroad held the 600-volt, DC

electricity, that powered Car 31. This 

line pole was left in place when

Main Street received new street lighting poles

and lights in 2005. The other line poles

were donated to the Seashore Trolley Museum,

along with several of the original ornate

pole caps. The line poles that were on

Main Street, Biddeford, was donated 

to the Museum when upgrades were made

in the late 90s.

This 1937 or later image was taken from the

opposite side of the tracks and across the street.

You see the tall line pole next to Car 612..look at

how high the trolley pole is :) From O. R.

Cummings 1989 book, "Streetcars to Old

Orchard Beach"

.

Car 31 passes Saco City Hall.

This blogger with his back on the camera, wearing a very

limited edition t-shirt with 1920 Portland Railroad No.

615 image. No. 615 was sold to the Biddeford & Saco

Railroad in 1936 and operated alongside Car 31 until 1939.

They were reunited in 1941 when No. 615 arrived at

Seashore Trolley Museum. It was the third trolley car in the

growing collection in North Kennebunkport.

During its operating years (1900-1939) for the B&SRR,

Car 31 would generally turn right onto Beach Street

(left for us reading this)when heading north on Main Street,

Saco. The carbarn was a mile or so east on Beach Street on the

left.

Car 31 on Main Street, Saco, across the street from

York Institute Museum (Now Saco Museum).

York Institute Museum (now Saco Museum) with the

outdoor banner (on the right) promoting the new exhibit;

You Could Get There From Here: Life In Maine's

Trolley Era.

Car 31 entering the parking lot of the York Institute Museum

(now Saco Museum).

L-R - Roger Tobin holds the ladder

for Jack Coyle as Jack secures the

Car 31 tour banner.

Normand Viger and his grandson at

the controls of Car 31 after safely

delivering the historic treasure to its

first tour stop.

Jack Coyle making some last-minute

adjustments to Car 31's trolley pole rope.

Car 31 is in place for the opening night reception event

at York Institute Museum (now Saco Museum) on

Main Street, Saco.

L-R - Mike Simonds securing Car 31's

trolley pole rope while Bob Hughes and

Henry Dickinson relax in the vestibule

before the reception celebrating the 

opening of the new exhibit;

You Could Get There From Here:

Life In Maine's Trolley Era.

L-R - Bob Hughes, Dick Howe, and O. R. Cummings relax

before the reception celebrating the opening of the new

exhibit; You Could Get There From Here:

Life In Maine's Trolley Era.

L-R - Bob Black, Mary Ellen Black, Judy Avy,

Helen Heffner at the reception celebrating the opening of the

new exhibit; You Could Get There From Here:

Life In Maine's Trolley Era.

L-R - Rick Michaud (Saco City Mgr.), Saco Mayor Bill

Johnson, Dyer Library Executive Director Marilyn Solvay, 

and Mrs. Johnson at the reception celebrating the opening of

the new exhibit; You Could Get There From Here:

Life In Maine's Trolley Era.

L-R - NEERHS (Seashore Trolley

Museum) Chairman of the Board Jim

Schantz and Dyer Library Association

Chairman of the Board, Jim Pate.

L-R - (unknown), Paul Kochs, Jim Schantz, Peter Folger,

Nancy Auclair, Lisa Roland, and Gary Jenness.

L-R -Jim Hamlin and Mike Simonds ready to take

Car 31 to Saco DPW for the night.

Mike Simonds finds that Car 31 almost

fits into the building at Saco DPW.

L-R - Jack Coyle and Mike Simonds on the roof of Car 31.

Jim Hamlin is on the ground as they cover Car 31 with a 

tarp for a good night's rest. Busy days ahead.

L - Roger Tobin and Henry Dickinson (red hat) mingle with

visitors during the public opening event of the new exhibit at

York Institute Museum (now Saco Museum)

Bob Black shows visitors how Car 31 operates.

L-R - David Newton looks on as Bob

Black is interviewed "Live" for

broadcast on radio station WRED.

L-R - Tom Simonds holds his son's

hand while "Uncle Mike" (Simonds)

 demonstrates the new penny machine.

The squished penny has an image of

Car 31 :)

Uncle Mike (Simonds)

demonstrates to his nephew how a 

trolley farebox operates.

Al Deshaises entertains visitors

during the public opening celebration.

R - Scott Hooper explains to visitors

how Car 31 operated in Saco for

39 years.

L-R - Jim Pate holds his daughter.

Polly Bruns (Charles Seaward's daughter),

and Win Peck.

Bob Black is at the controls. Models in authentic period dress

have a photo opp on Car 31.

Center - Tom Hardiman of the York Institute Museum accepts

actual motorman's hat and hat badge from the B & S RR

from Foster Leavitt's great-granddaughters.

Car 31's car cards look great in this image :)

This blogger assists a young model as she steps off Car 31.

Scott Hooper talks with visitors on Car 31.

Then it's off to another stop.

Main Street Biddeford. Pepperell Bank was a major financial

contributor to the Museum in support of the Car 31 tour.

Mike Simonds directing traffic safely around Car 31

on Main Street Biddeford.

Part of the Car 31 team for the day. L-R - Charles Hammond,

John Arico, Mike Simonds, Normand Viger, and Roger Tobin.

L-R - John Arico, Mike Simonds, and Charles Hammond.

Sometimes we positioned Car 31 so that it was close to being

in the same position as it was during operations.

See the image below :)


Close :)

Rotary Club luncheon at Wonder Bar
Restaurant in Biddeford - notice
sign on the sidewalk :)

The display of Biddeford & Saco Railroad at the luncheon.

Center - Biddeford Mayor Donna Dion
handing out the Seashore Trolley Museum
hats at the luncheon.

Center - Biddeford Mayor Donna Dion

Phil Morse and Mayon Dion enjoying a moment on Car 31.
Did John Arico snap this photo?

L-R - Phil Morse, Donna Dion, and Al Deshaises.
John Arico photo?

The current president with many past presidents of the
Rotary Club.

L-R - Henry Dickinson, Mike Simonds, and Jack Coyle.

L-R - Mike Simonds and Roger Tobin

On the road again.

See the next image :)


Close :)

Alfred Street heading towards Five Points.

Alfred Street and approaching Five-Ponts in Biddeford and
what would have been a sharp turn right onto Elm Street
to head back to Main Street.

L - Gerry O'Regan R - David Newton just off Route One
in Biddeford.

Attempts to park Car 31 in the yard of
Harmon Museum at the top of the hill
(to the left out of this frame) were
unsuccessful, so with Jack Coyle on the
roof to keep wires clear, Car 31 travels
east as it did for 39 years, to the end of the
line in Old Orchard Beach.

The end of the line at Old Orchard Beach just before the

railroad crossing. Look at the building to the right.
Now, look at the next image :)


This image was taken on June 18, 1939.
It was this trip, on this day, on Car 31 during the
fan trip, that it was decided to buy Car 31.
Notice the building on the right :)

Same building in 1999 as in the image below.


June 18, 1939, of Car 31 during that fateful fan trip.

There are many postcards of trolleys parked in OOB with this
point of view.

Light rain caused us to pack up and button up Car 31 and

leave a little early. Off to Biddeford DPW for the night.

The next day we started off in Biddeford at Shop & Save
(now Hannafords).

Car 31 meets up with an old friend from Seashore

Trolley Museum. 1967 General Motors "New Look"

bus from Boston. From here the two mass transit vehicles

will leave and participate in the LaKermesse Parade.

A picture I took  earlier in 1999 show
rails of the Biddeford & Saco RR busting
up through the pavement.

Car 31 traveling down Elm Street to
Main Street, right over that rail :)

The rail can be seen breaking through
the yellow paint :)

Looking down Elm Street to the Main
Street intersection.

Car 31 turns the corner from Elm Street to enter Main Street.
The building seen on the left is now gone, but in
photos, film, postcards of trolleys turning this corner, just
like Car 31 is in this photo, the building was a butcher shop
at one point, with prices written in the windows.

Car 31 in the LaKermesse parade line.

Right - Gary Jenness hands out Trolley Museum info to
parade audience.

Car 31 on display at LaKermesse

A large number of visitors were expected. John Middleton at
the handbrake in the vestibule with Cecelia Clapp staffing

the table.

George Sanborn, Jay McMahon, Roger Tobin.

Right - John Middleton chats with visitors.

Left- Ben Yuscavitch chats with visitors.

Left - Jay McMahon in the vestibule.

Jay McMahon makes a new friend.

Roger "Fluffy" Tobin learns that this
cotton candy is his namesake.

Simonds' family reunion in

the vestibule of Car 31. L-R -

Brothers & Sister - Michael, Harvey,

Jacquelyn, and Thomas.

Henry Dickinson connecting
with visitors.

Night lights.

Henry Dickinson leads the packing-up crew at the end of
the night.

The tarp is being removed from Car 31 as Mike Simonds,
Jack Coyle and Matt Whiton prepare Car 31 to leave
the safe confines of the Biddeford DPW and head home to
STM.

And like that, Car 31 returns safely home to Seashore
Trolley Museum.

What a trip! 

Gotta get back on the tracks! Only seven days until
the 60th Anniversary Celebration!

Heck of a way to start off the celebration on July 5!
"Hey, Mike!"

Yep, there are rails under there. Car 31 returned to the tracks
in relatively short order :)

R-L - Tom LaRoche at the controls with Robert Perkins as

they direct Car 31 with many happy visitors on July 5, 1999.
Happy 60th Anniversary!

Some of the operators from the anniversary weekend - 1999
I can name a few I think?  First Row; John Brinkloe,
John Mercurio, (John Middleton?), Ed Fenton, Burt Shaw, Tom LaRoche, (?)
Top Row; (?), Mark Sullivan, Bill Higginbotham, Gail Harrje,
(?), Bob Reich, Todd Brown, Rick Russell.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Click Here: For the list of links to Theodore Roosevelt Maine Heritage Trail Posts in Easy Order to View

We continue the restoration work on the 1912 Narcissus, the only surviving high-speed, luxury interurban coach of the Portland-Lewiston Interurban. 

Click Here: Narcissus Restoration-Related Posts

Being more than a century old, the stately, "Elegant Ride," Narcissus, is a gem.  This shimmering precious stone of Maine transportation history is brilliantly resplendent as it emanates so many elements of history, including time, places, people, and events, that it was coupled to, that when just a smattering of its seemingly innumerable stories are shared, the contents first captivates, fascinates, then generates interest to learn more 🙋. The majestic Narcissus is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Please consider joining the epic journey to complete the Narcissus Project by making a donation today!

Click Here: Donation Options

The restoration of this majestic icon of Maine's electric railway history is but one in a series of captivating stories containing an abundance of incredible coalition of narratives.

Click Here: History-Related Posts - Narcissus and Portland-Lewiston Interurban

     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.

Click Here: Bookstores and Businesses promoting the Narcissus Project

Independent book publisher, Phil Morse, holding

the Gold Book Award Winner plaque for

 Middle Reader category for The Eric

Hoffer Book Award. Congratulations to

award-winning Maine author,

Jean M. Flahive