Narcissus Restoration Project Outreach-Research 2016

Theodore Roosevelt's home, Sagamore Hill, Oyster Bay, NY. The image was taken
at dusk during the Theodore Roosevelt Association annual meeting gathering.
 10-29-2016. PWM - Friends of Sagamore Hill  Theodore Roosevelt Center

Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library

    The Narcissus Project Blog was created in April 2015 to reach a large number of folks through social media to introduce them to Narcissus. The Narcissus is a luxury, high-speed, wooden electric interurban. The Narcissus was built in 1912 in Laconia, NH, and operated in Maine, between Portland and Lewiston, from 1914 to 1933. Theodore Roosevelt was a passenger on the Narcissus on August 18, 1914. The blog posts appeal to folks interested in Theodore Roosevelt's connection to Maine, to folks generally interested in regional/local history, as well as those folks within the greater railway family. Hopefully, these posts will endear readers to support the Narcissus financially, as it undergoes a complete restoration over the next few years at the Seashore Trolley Museum in Kennebunkport, Maine. 

    This post shares some behind-the-scenes activities during 2016 that involve the volunteer project manager for the Narcissus, Phil Morse :) Responsibilities of a volunteer project manager may include photography, people, artifacts, restoration progress, research materials, and places, outreach activities, organizing fundraising activities, communicating with donors, completing grant applications, research, hands-on restoration work, communications with the restoration shop staff and volunteers, social media offerings, advertising and marketing the project, etc. As the PM for the Narcissus project, I may be expanding the role beyond the traditional PM. I encourage readers' feedback. p.morse31@gmail.com or through the blog comments.

There are 12 of these large, ornate, arched leaded stained glass "eyebrows"
windows. In addition, there are two smaller ones in the passenger
compartment and twenty-six that belong in the clerestory. All were restored
at Sundancer Stained Glass in Saco, ME, and needed a safe place to be stored
and also have easy access to, as they would be needed in 2016. They are all
stored at the project manager's home :) PWM

    As the project manager, I like to use artifacts for traveling exhibits that help promote the Narcissus project and educate communities on their local railway history.

Original newspaper page announcing the end of the
Portland-Lewiston Interurban. This paper is in the archives of the
Seashore Trolley Museum. And is part of the outreach exhibit
displayed at community events. PWM

Thornton Academy (Saco, Maine) Residential Life international

students volunteer to staff the Narcissus project exhibit at the

112th annual reunion gathering of members of the

John Libby Family Association in September 2016. W. S. Libbey.
Libbey, the builder of the Portland-Lewiston Interurban, is a descendant
of John Libby. The Narcissus is a "Libb(e)y family artifact. PWM


Thornton Academy (Saco, Maine), Residential Life international 

students volunteer to staff the Narcissus project exhibit during

the very successful Transit Days, an event at Seashore

Trolley Museum in Oct. 2016. PWM


Thornton Academy (Saco, Maine), Residential Life, international

students volunteer to staff the Narcissus project exhibit during

Members' Day at Seashore Trolley Museum - Sept. 2016. PWM

Outreach announcement on the door to the Gray Public Library in Gray,
Maine, Oct. 2016. PWM


Setting up one of the two Narcissus displays before the

Gray Public Library presentation, October 2016. PWM


The second Narcissus project was exhibited at the Gray Public

Library before the community presentation, in Oct. 2016. PWM

    Theodore Roosevelt loved Maine. He visited Maine several times throughout his life. First, when he was thirteen - Moosehead Lake - 1872, followed by three hunting trips to Island Falls (1878-1879), a trip to Mount Desert Island with his fiancee' in the summer of 1880, when President in the summer of 1902, for political campaigning in 1912, 1914 (passenger on the Narcissus), 1916 (passenger on one of the PLI interurbans), and early 1918, with his final visit in August 1918 to Dark Harbor on Islesboro, to grieve the death of his youngest son, Quentin.

    The Narcissus project embraces Theodore Roosevelt and his connections to Maine. Promoting Theodore Roosevelt's connections to and love for Maine will enhance public awareness of the Narcissus at Seashore Trolley Museum in Kennebunkport, Maine.

    As the Narcissus project manager, I attend various meetings to help connect Theodore Roosevelt to communities in Maine. Two or three times a year, the Maine Woods Forever organization offers a public Roundtable forum to discuss the conservation of Maine's woodlands. Maine Woods Forever presents an annual Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Award to youths or youth organizations who demonstrate a commitment to Maine's forests and woodlands. 

Massabesic Middle School's 7th Grade Aroostook Team accepts

Tedd Roosevelt Maine Conservation Award - front: 7th Grade Team

Andrew Lawpaugh and Brenna Ramsdell; back: John Rust

of Maine Woods Forever, 7th-grade science teacher Patrick Parent

Image courtesy of MWF

    I first met Bart DeWolf at the Maine Woods Forever Roundtable meeting held at Unity College in Unity, Maine. When Bart met me and learned of my interest in Theodore Roosevelt, he spoke to me of his interest in researching the trail that TR took during his 1879 trip to ascend Mount Katahdin. The trail most likely passed through a portion of the land being considered for designation as a new National Monument.

A lengthy newspaper story about climbing Mount Katahdin in 1920. Percival
Baxter was among the climbers. He would soon become the Governor of Maine,
and lead the campaign to acquire the lands that we now know as
Baxter State Park. Newspaper copies, courtesy of microfilm at the Lewiston
Public Library. PWM

The map that shows Baxter State Park and the lands, then

owned by the Elliotsville Plantation, Inc., which would become
Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument in
August 2016.

The University of Maine in Orono, ME, for the public hearing
May 2016.  National Park Service superintendent. Jon Jarvis (Left)
was hosted by Maine U.S. Senator Angus King (right), to field
questions on the proposed National Monument in Maine. After the
public hearing, I had the pleasure of meeting Superintendent Jarvis
and Lucas St. Clair. Lucas is the President of Elliotsville Plantation,
Inc. PWM

Lucas St. Clair addresses the audience attending a public meeting

at Unity College in Unity, Maine. Lucas'  presentation was as a

guest of Maine Woods Forever Roundtable in Sept. 2016. One winter,

Lucas and his wife rented the Sewall House in Island Falls, Maine.

The Sewall House is where Theodore Roosevelt lived during

his three visits to Island Falls from 1878 to 1879. PWM

    I enjoy doing research. Generally, topics for research include Theodore Roosevelt and his connections to Maine, the Portland-Lewiston Interurban (PLI) and the communities it served, W. S. Libbey and PLI employees, Electric Railway service in Maine, the Narcissus after its PLI operating days and the Vallee summer camp years, and products and materials associated with the restoration of the Narcissus. I'll occasionally look online for postcards or other ephemera that may help tell/enhance a particular story within a blog post.

During one of my trips to Unity, ME, to attend the Maine Woods

Forever Roundtable, I stopped and took this picture of The Gerald

in Fairfield, Maine. Amos F. Gerald is known as the "King" of

Maine's electric railways. He was the leader in the state when it

came to establishing electric railway systems throughout the State

of Maine. He loved castles, and he often built a castle-like

hotel in a community served by one of the railways he established.
The Gerald Hotel is a castle example. PWM

Click here for the post on Amos Fitz Gerald's Biography

Click here for the post with several Maine Trolley Parks...including the ones with castles

The Gerald in Fairfield, ME, back in the day.
PWM postcard


Two visits to the Gray Historical Society have uncovered a treasure

trove of PLI artifacts and ephemera. This photo will be very helpful

as we plan to build replacement fenders. #16, Clematis, is a sister

to Laconia, NH, car #14, Narcissus. Image courtesy of the

Gray Historical Society


This image from the Gray Historical Society shows several PLI

artifacts, in particular, items from #10 Arbutus. Image courtesy of
Gray Historical Society


This is the full image of Theodore Roosevelt aboard the Narcissus in Gray
Maine, August 18, 1914. This was a great find! Image courtesy
Gray Historical Society


Among the PLI artifacts at the Gray Historical Society is this original
destination sign from #10, Arbutus. It was a gift from Gertrude Libbey
Anthony, daughter of W. S. Libbey, builder of the PLI. We will be able

to measure the individual pieces that make up the complete unit and

then reproduce two units for use on the Narcissus. PWM

List of PLI items from the Arbutus, gifted to the Gray Historical

Society by Gertrude Libbey Anthony. All will be very helpful in

identifying details for the restoration work of Narcissus. PWM


My first visit to the Androscoggin Historical Society in Auburn, ME,
uncovered several newspaper clippings on the PLI and the
Narcissus in particular. Also, a Libbey file with family members'

photos. This image has W. S. Libbey with his son, W. S. Libbey, Jr.

This image of W.S. Libbey, Jr. is also from the Libbey file
at the Androscoggin Historical Society. W. S. Libbey, Jr. served
in WWI and WWII. Two of his complete uniforms were
gifted to the Androscoggin Historical Society. W. S. Libbey,
Jr's great-great-granddaughter, Sophia Beck, visited the
Narcissus in August 2015.

The Seashore Trolley Museum Library has several of O. R. Cummings' files held at the York County Community College Library in Wells, Maine. I paid the college library a visit to look through the original Portland-Lewiston Interurban Employees Scrapbook

Cover page of the PLI Employees Scrapbook
STM Library - OR Cummings

The PLI Employee Scrapbook includes information on the four annual
reunions, in Gray, ME (1938-1941) STM Library - OR Cummings

A previously unknown photograph of Theodore Roosevelt with Maine politicians was sent to me from North Dakota Communications, Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Dickinson, North Dakota.

Theodore Roosevelt with Maine politicians - ??????? (Resolved 2017)

Left to Right: Bert (Albert) M. Fernald, Governor of Maine 1909-1911,
Maine U.S. Senator 1916-1926), Frederick Hale (Maine U.S. Senator
1917-1941, Hale served as U.S. Senate Chairman of the Naval

Committee Theodore Roosevelt, Charles B. Clarke (Mayor of Portland,

ME, 1918-1921), Carl E. Milliken (Governor of Maine, 1916-1921.

Many things are unknown concerning this image: What was the date that
this photo was taken? What was the event that brought these gentlemen
together to stage this photo? What was the location where this photo was
taken? Any details that a reader may have to help answer these questions
would be welcome. Image courtesy of North Dakota Communications,
Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library
Dickinson, ND

Portland Evening Express newspaper clipping from TR's
March 23, 1912, visit to Portland, ME. Frederick Hale
(seen in the above image) was TR's host and transported 

TR to various venues during the day and evening.

On Friday, September 16, 2016, I headed north to attend the Maine Woods Forever Roundtable meeting at Unity College (Unity, ME), to hear Lucas St. Clair address attendees and the general public on the journey of Elliotsville Plantation, Inc.'s gift of 87,500 acres of land holdings east of Baxter State Park, to the National Park Service to start what has become Maine's new Katahdin Woods and Water National Monument. Theodore Roosevelt hiked through this land in August 1879 as he made his way to climb Mount Katahdin.

I left a little early for the first visit to "Good Will-Hinkley" (Fairfield, ME), to explore their trail system, to specifically take pictures of the Theodore Roosevelt Memorial. The specific stone that has a bronze plaque was dedicated in September 1921. The stone is from TR's home, Sagamore Hill, in Oyster Bay, NY. Mrs. Roosevelt gave permission for the stone to be removed and used for this purpose.

Theodore Roosevelt Memorial is on the trail. Good Will-Hinkley
(Fairfield, ME) PWM

Plaque of the Theodore Roosevelt Memorial. Good Will-Hinkley
(Fairfield, ME) PWM

Later in October 2016, I traveled down to Oyster Bay, NY, to attend the 97th annual meeting of the Theodore Roosevelt Association. I first wanted to visit the Theodore Roosevelt Memorial in Oyster Bay. There is a granite stone from Maine there, and I wanted photos to see what else I might learn about it.

Entrance to the TheodoreRoosevelt Memorialin Oyster Bay, NY PWM


The memorial is a collection of stones from many places around the country and

the world that are associated with Theodore Roosevelt and his amazing life. PWM

The granite stone from Maine - PWM

The plaque with a description of the significance of the stone to the
specific area TR visited. For me, this plaque created more questions
than answers. It was my understanding that the stone came from
the Moosehead Lake area. TR's very first visit to Maine was to
Moosehead Lake in August of 1872, when he was 13 years old.
The plaque states that TR visited Island Falls in 1872. Well, actually,
TR did not visit Island Falls, Maine, until 1878 when he was
attending Harvard University. So, there is something amiss here?
PWM

Entrance to Sagamore Hill National Historic Site, Oyster Bay, NY. PWM

Tweed Roosevelt at the Saturday symposium welcomes the attendees to
the 97th annual meeting of the Theodore Roosevelt Association (TRA).
Tweed is one of TR's great-grandsons. PWM


Theodore Roosevelt's beloved home, Sagamore Hill - PWM


Generally, photographs of the interior of Sagamore Hill

are not permitted by the National Park Service. For this special

occasion of the 97th annual meeting of the TRA in conjunction

with the 100th Birthday celebration of the National Park Service,

members of the TRA were permitted to take photographs of the

interior of Sagamore Hill :) PWM

TR's great hall at Sagamore Hill - PWM

One of the many, many bedrooms. PWM

Ornate gifts to TR were omnipresent. PWM

Staff sewing room. PWM

Sunset from the porch at Sagamore Hill. PWM

The tent for the TRA celebration with a windmill and visitors in view. PWM

TRA celebration tent with Sagamore Hill in the background, right PWM

    Throughout the year, I collect/purchase items that I can then raffle, sell, and use in an auction to raise money for the Narcissus Project. I often have the opportunity to meet authors at these TRA gatherings. They are very kind to work with me as I purchase their books and arrange for them to sign each. Here are some examples.

One of the symposium speakers was Bill
Bleyer. Bill is the author of the 2016 publication,
Sagamore Hill: Theodore Roosevelt's
Summer White House. PWM

Another symposium author presented was
Geoffrey Cowan. His 2016 book,
Let The People Rule. PWM

On Sunday morning, following the TRA annual meeting in Oyster Bay, NY, I drove to Tenafly, New Jersey, to visit the Theodore Roosevelt Monument there. The sculptor of the memorial, Tryqve Hammer, is the grandfather of the Seashore Trolley Museum member Karen Perry. Her grandfather attended the dedication ceremony on July 15, 1928. The monument received some renovation several years ago.

The display that describes the Theodore Roosevelt Monument in
Tenafly, NJ PWM

TR Monument in Tenafly, New Jersey, easterly. PWM

The TR Monument in Tenafly, New Jersey. PWM

One of the many books purchased in 2016 that
were used as a resource for research. PWM

Another great resource book for research - PWM

I first met Michael Canfield at Sagamore Hill in
2014. He and I were in the same tour group.
His 2015 book was the basis for his
presentation at the 2016 Narcissus benefit event
weekend, Teddy Roosevelt Days, at Seashore
Trolley Museum, August 5-7. PWM

    Seashore Trolley Museum is the host of the Narcissus Project benefit event weekend, Teddy Roosevelt 

 Days. In 2016, it opened on Friday mid-afternoon with a special opening event. Saturday and Sunday activities and fundraising to benefit the Narcissus were open to the public. As the Narcissus project manager, this three-day event takes a lot of time year-round to plan. As a side note, all the financial resources to underwrite the costs of this event and other fundraising expenses are raised separately. No restoration funds are used.

Michael Canfield is addressing guests during his presentation on Friday
night of the Teddy Roosevelt Days event to benefit the Narcissus in 2016.
Image courtesy of Patricia Pierce Erikson

Poster promoting the Narcissus benefit event

The Friday mid-afternoon to early evening event includes a trolley ride to
Morrison Hill. Morrison Hill is an original Portland-Lewiston Interurban Way
Station (1915). TR would have passed this station during his interurban
ride on August 31, 1916. Image courtesy of Patricia Pierce Erikson

The Friday guests walk from Morrison Hill Way Station up the path to the
Town House Restoration Shop for a tour of the Narcissus. Here on the left,
in the Narcissus, is lead restoration technician, Donald Curry. That is me
standing on the floor, waving my arms and legs, directing guests' attention
to various details on the Narcissus :)  Image courtesy of Ernie Eaton

Guests throughout the weekend were given the opportunity for

a walking tour through the Narcissus. Image courtesy of

Patricia Pierce Erikson

A photo "opp" was set up on the right side inside the smoking 

compartment. Most of the restored original mahogany was put

in place in the #1 vestibule (seen here) and around the passenger

windows, temporarily for the weekend. The restored passenger

windows and the large stained glass "eyebrow" over the pair of

passenger windows were also in place. Image courtesy of

Patricia Pierce Erikson

Daniel and Rose Vallee, in the smoking compartment during the
Friday event to benefit the Narcissus. Dan lived in the Narcissus. It
was his family's summer camp for 35 years. He and his family lived

in the Narcissus year-round for two years. He was a guest speaker

during the Friday event. Image courtesy of Patricia Pierce Erikson

The Teddy Roosevelt Days event in 2016 also had three original

Theodore Roosevelt artifacts are on display for the weekend.

The Presque Isle Historical Society made the trek south and

proudly displayed the items and discussed the stories behind them

with guests and visitors over the weekend. PWM

The original mirror from Theodore Roosevelt's Elkhorn Ranch was

one of the three original Theodore Roosevelt artifacts on display at
the Presque Isle Historical Society during the weekend of the
Teddy Roosevelt Days event. Adorned with buffalo horns, this

mirror has the reflection of the three men who used the mirror

nearly every day in the mid-1880s in the ranch house in what is

now North Dakota. Left to Right: Theodore Roosevelt,

Wilmot Dow and William Sewall. The image of the three men is

from February 1879 in the Island Falls, ME area. The image is from
the TRC.520.12.015 in the Houghton Library at Harvard University.
The image happened to be on exhibit in such a position as to reflect
the three men perfectly. PWM

The Teddy Roosevelt Days benefit weekend had many items

available through an auction or purchase. The proceeds would

benefit the Narcissus project. PWM

There is a series of wooden-barreled pens available. The one in

this image is white pine. Wood barrels include original Mahogany

from the clerestory sash that could not be restored. Original Pine

and Ash. And, vintage poplar was used to replace the original wood. PWM

Daniel Vallee was very kind to give his permission to be
interviewed. The short video of what life was like living in the
Narcissus, as he was growing up, was a blog post in the summer of
2016. Patricia Pierce Erikson conducted the interview and edited
and created the finished video. PWM

Coffee from the Sagamore Hill Gift Shop :) PWM

Suffice it to say that Theodore Roosevelt drank a lot of coffee.
One of the presenters at the symposium at the TRA annual meeting
is a well-known doctor who specializes in asthma. His presentation
was on the research he led that meticulously looked into TR's life
and his struggles with asthma. One nugget I held on to from that
presentation was that, as a young child, having an asthma attack, a
fairly common practice was to have the child drink deep, heavy,
black coffee. As it turns out, drinking the coffee, TR did have
some relief from his challenge to breathe. Science now tells us
that in coffee, even though a very small amount
does indeed relax the breathing airways slightly.
TR's sense of some relief from asthma attacks from drinking
coffee may be what led him to drink so very much coffee
as an adult.  PWM

Massive coffee cup from the Sagamore Hill gift shop -  PWM

    The project manager (PM) is always looking for ways to "spread the word" about the project. Fundraising is always on the PM's mind. There are display areas along the public walkway in the Town House Restoration Shop. Visitors can see work being done on the Narcissus (on the left of the image below) and ask questions of the staff or volunteers. The PM's business cards are there for visitors to pick up. The cards have the Narcissus Blog address. Visitors can then learn more about the project from the blog posts. On January 1, 2017, the Narcissus project blog surpassed 50,000 total page views!!

Display along the visitor walkway overlooking the Narcissus in the

Town House Restoration Shop at Seashore Trolley Museum in

Kennebunkport, ME PWM

The Fall 2016 issue of Classic Trains magazine displayed

this ad, on page 13, enticing readers to check out the blog.

Donations were solicited specifically to underwrite the cost

of the ad and did not reduce restoration funds. PWM

The October 2016 issue of Trains Magazine
displayed this ad on page 19, enticing readers
to check out the blog. Donations were solicited
specifically to underwrite the cost of the
ad and did not reduce restoration funds. PWM

The front page of the year-end Narcissus project summary -  PWM

The back page of the year-end summary of the Narcissus project -  PWM

    Throughout the year, there are opportunities to complete and submit grant applications that, if funded, would certainly benefit the Narcissus project. Some applications were successful. Some were not this year. Hopefully, the donors will consider funding the request. One must just keep asking :) The largest grant approved in 2016 was by the 20th Century Electric Railway Foundation. The Narcissus project will benefit from a "matching-grant" of $40,000 that began on March 1, 2016. Once $40,000 in new donations is received, the foundation will donate an additional $40,000 to match the initial $40,000! We are closing in on raising the initial $40,000. Please help by making a donation today :)

Cover of the 2016 application to the Maine Department of
Transportation, requesting a combination of Federal and State
funds for use in restoring the interior of the Narcissus. 

Interesting items that are related to the Narcissus in one way or

another are presented to me each year. 2016 was no different.

A beautiful model of the Narcissus was presented to me, as the PM, as a gift.
This model was made by Lester H. Stephenson, Jr., a long-time member
Seashore Trolley Museum. The gift of the model was made by Donald
Stephenson, Lester's son, in 2016. The
model will be displayed during events to draw attention to the Narcissus
Project. PWM

Glen Snow, a long-time member of the Seashore Trolley Museum, emailed me
to say he saw this Narcissus letterpress print block on eBay. I contacted the
seller, and we came to an agreement on a very reasonable price. Shipping
costs! Thank you, Dean! The seller was able to tell me that the print block
was purchased at an estate sale of a member of the Seashore Trolley Museum.
It was member Richard Brilliante. PWM

    My research into Theodore Roosevelt and his connections to Maine continues. My personal nature is to ask why. I ask myself this seemingly all the time, about many things I may come in contact with. Perhaps something I read, something I observe, something I hear, piques my interest, and I'm immediately asking myself why this and why that? Sometimes it is just a passing fancy; sometimes it triggers a need within me for a more robust inquiry. TR and his connections to Maine did trigger my inquisitive nature to dig deeper and find more about him and his travels throughout Maine.

    In 2015, I visited TR's Bible Point and The Sewall House in Island Falls (ME), Dark Harbor on Islesboro (ME), Longfellow Square on Congress Street in Portland (ME), where the 4,060-mile-long Theodore Roosevelt International Highway begins, and Sagamore Hill in Oyster Bay, NY. I learned of the TR artifacts at the Presque Isle Historical Society. And conducted lots of research that inspired me to dig a little deeper. Research in 2016 led me to start to "connect the dots" or "footprints" that TR has made throughout Maine. I would like to create a Theodore Roosevelt Maine Heritage Trail, perhaps a map that shares some deeper insights into his Maine travels.

    My TR research started in 2010, but has been more focused in the past three or four years. Heather Cole is the curator of the Theodore Roosevelt Collection (TRC) at the Houghton Library at Harvard University. Heather has been very helpful and patient with this novice researcher during this timeframe. Thank you, Heather :) The TRC has supplied several images that have been utilized in exhibits promoting the Narcissus project and TR's relationship with Maine. TR's diary entries have been valuable resources in the research.

An electronic copy of TR's diary page from August 1872. TR
writes of his first experience in Maine as he visits the Moosehead

Lake region. Courtesy of Houghton Library, Harvard University.

The Kineo House - Moosehead Lake in 1872, when TR visited.
PWM postcard

The Exchange Hotel in Dexter, ME. TR stayed here for two nights
during his visit to Moosehead Lake in 1872. PWM postcard

This blogger's crude map of Maine with TR destinations noted :) PWM

Click here for the post on Theodore Roosevelt Maine Heritage Trail

Of course, as the Narcissus project sponsor, I need to know as much about the actual artifact being restored. More than 100 years separate the Narcissus, when built in 1912, and its restoration work in 2016 at Seashore Trolley Museum's Town House Restoration Shop in Kennebunkport. Early in 2016, Daniel Vallee mailed me original photos of the Narcissus from his family photo album. Dan was very generous in giving us permission to copy and use the images to fill in the Narcissus timeline and to promote the project.

J. Henry Vallee with the snow-covered Narcissus in the background
in Sabattus, ME - winter 1968-69. Image courtesy Daniel Vallee

J. Henry Vallee (left) and his son Daniel Vallee inside the Narcissus.
The kitchen in the background was an addition that extended from
the left side near the #1 end of the Narcissus. Image courtesy of

Daniel Vallee.

Narcissus loaded, replacement camp on the right, and about to leave
Sabattus, ME, for the Seashore Trolley Museum in October 1969.

Image courtesy of Daniel Vallee

Documenting the actual restoration is an important task. It takes several folks throughout the year to capture moments for the Narcissus file.

Early in 2016, lead restoration technician Donald Curry measured

and numbered the poplar roof strips on the #2 end of the Narcissus.

Volunteer Lary Shaffer assisting :) PWM

This lead shot was removed from the vintage poplar that came from
a "bank barn" in Akron, PA. The vintage poplar timbers were large
beams and posts that were removed from an 1800s-period barn that

was razed. This is all part of the Narcissus story now :) PWM

Volunteer Lary Shaffer at his woodworking shop at

his home, setting up the jig that will cut the "fingers"

to join the replacement vintage poplar ends to the

original exterior arches that hold the large stained

glass "eyebrow" sash, and windows. PWM

Volunteer Jim Mackell works in his woodworking shop at his home,
attaching mahogany molding to newly restored original passenger
windows for the Narcissus. PWM

Even the project sponsor dirties his hands from time to time.
Working on Narcissus components. PWM

Moxie is "Distinctively Different" and is the official soft drink of the
State of Maine :) PWM

Test fitting the mahogany sash with leaded stained glass windows in their
freshly cleaned and sanded clerestory openings on the right side. PWM

Helping with the Narcissus. Student volunteers from
Thornton Academy (Saco, ME). The Residential Life program
contributes valuable hours to many tasks at the Seashore Trolley
Museum during a school year. PWM

The replacement roof rib has been steamed and is now held in place

with a specific arch fit. This rib may stay in the clamped position

for several weeks to retain the "memory" of the shape. PWM

Volunteer Dick Avy admiring the craftsmanship
of the original 40-foot copper flashing that came
from the clerestory windows on the right side. PWM

Seashore Trolley Museum's collection pieces that also connect to TR, directly or indirectly. TR's life timeline has several connections to the Museum's collection.

This plaque is displayed at the Seashore Trolley Museum.
It is the original plaque that commemorates the opening of the
subway and tunnel route to Cambridge, MA. The date of the
commemoration is March 23, 1912. Theodore Roosevelt
was visiting Portland, Maine, on that date :) PWM

    What's coming in 2017? Major restoration work includes outer sillwork. Also, a new fundraising opportunity :) Well-known New England artist Wade Zahares has been commissioned to create an original painting of Narcissus. It will be a classic image with a colorful and whimsical flavor that only Wade's creative prowess could evoke.

Wade Zahares' studio. PWM

    Well, now you have a sense of what this particular project manager dabbles in throughout a year of working on the Narcissus project. I'd enjoy hearing from you. Express your thoughts, ideas, suggestions, and words of encouragement as we continue to move the project forward. p.morse31@gmail.com or through the blog comments option.

Narcissus project manager Phil Morse (left), with lead
restoration technician Donald Curry, at the #1 end of the Narcissus.

Image courtesy of Mark 

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

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

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 captivate, fascinate, then generate 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!

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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 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.