Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony for the Completely Restored Narcissus - Planning Has Begun!

1915 Portland-Lewiston Interurban Waiting Station from

Morrison Hill in West Cumberland, Maine, awaits 1906

Connecticut Company No. 1160 at Seashore Trolley Museum

in Kennebunkport, Maine - May 2018 PWM

     Planning for campus improvements at Seashore Trolley Museum turns into the implementation of the plans for campus improvements. This process is not new. It has been ongoing for many years at the Museum. Museum members, individuals, and businesses alike, as well as grantors, continue their generous financial support that allows the Museum to make enhancements to program offerings, infrastructure upgrades, and its expansion, track work, and general campus improvements. Thank You!

     One of the campus areas that will benefit from general upgrades in the coming months and years is the Morrison Hill Station area up towards the Donald G. Curry Town House Restoration Shop and northwesterly, parallel to the mainline from the treeline (where the Burma Shave signs are currently).

     Upgrades started in the Morrison Hill Station area later in the 2017 operating season when the track department began building one of two new switches to replace the two existing switches in the shop yard and shop lead. In addition, Morrison Hill Station window sills, door sills, and some window trim were replaced and painted. The interior and exterior received a new coat of paint. The interior also had flooring installed. The first items for the new Narcissus/PLI display were installed. The remainder of the display was installed in May 2018.

     As work on Morrison Hill Station carried on in the later summer and early fall of 2017, the idea of upgrading the existing border of the path from Morrison Hill Station to the shop began to evolve into a much larger vision to expand the pathway to include visitor respite space, garden areas, and to position visitor access to the area to include a visually appealing line of sight for photographing historic electric railway vehicles as they passed by on the mainline with stops at Morrison Hill Station. The improvements that are proposed will be phased in over time.  With the Museum's 80th anniversary year 2019, and Maine's Bicentennial Celebration year in 2020, this area, with its enhancements, will become a visitor favorite.

     

Schematic of the aerial view of the area from Morrison

Hill Station is parallel to the Riverside Carhouse and

towards the Donald G. Curry Town House Restoration

Shop. The existing conditions site plan schematic is by Kevin
Downing at KW Architects PC in Wells, ME

Click Here: for the post about a new exhibit in Morrison Hill Station

This area is east of the mainline and north of

Morrison Hill Station will be one of the premium vantage points

for seeing and photographing historic electric railway vehicles.

View looking north from Morrison Hill Station. A new path

will allow visitors and photographers to walk to the east

from the existing path to access the seating areas with fieldstone

and gardens. The new path will then meander north and west

crossing the existing path near the treeline, continuing

northerly and somewhat parallel to the mainline.

(Scroll down to see the landscape architect's design)

PWM May 2018

This area will become a prominent vantage point for relaxing

and for taking photos of historic electric railway vehicles

traveling along the Museum's Heritage line, such as seen here, as 1906 Connecticut Company No. 1160 passes by.

PWM May 2018

A panoramic view of the area that will be transformed in the

coming months and years into premium trolley viewing vista and visitor respite.

Cobblestones as the border of the entrance area east of

Morrison Hill Station as it approaches the Donald G. Curry

Town House Restoration Shop. Notice in the background

one of two new switches that the track department has built

to replace the existing switches in the shop lead/yard.

PWM May 2018

Cobblestones as the border of the entrance east of the

Morrison Hill Station approaches the Donald G. Curry Town

House Restoration Shop. PWM May 2018

Cobblestones as the border around Morrison Hill Station

replaced old railroad ties. PWM May 2018

New benches on the Morrison Hill Station platform feature

memorial plates of individuals who were passionate about

seeing the Narcissus restored, but sadly, will not be with us on the day we celebrate the completed restoration.

PWM May 2018

Lee Johnson is memorialized in this second memorial plate

in the series dedicated to those who were passionate about seeing the Narcissus being restored.

The first plate featured Daniel Vallee.  PWM May 2018

Two student volunteers from Thornton Academy in 

Saco, ME, take a break from removing old railroad ties

and hauling cobblestones to the site. 

PWM May 2018

New display materials inside Morrison Hill Station.

PWM May 2018

Inside Morrison Hill Station is a display of the

330-F series Western Electric magneto field

phone. The earlier series, 330-E, was used

as emergency phones in the PLI vehicles. A

330-E has been acquired and will be installed

in the Narcissus. PWM May 2018

There is no better venue for the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

To have the Portland-Lewiston Interurban, No. 14, Narcissus

celebrating the completion of its restoration, then having the

Narcissus  on the tracks, next to the PLI waiting station from

Morrison Hill in West Cumberland, before making a mainline

trip while full of guests.

Draft concept design by Kevin Downing at

KW Architects PC in Wells, ME

1906 Connecticut Company No. 1160 pauses at 

Morrison Hill Station before continuing its trip to the

visitor center loop. PWM May 2018

Cobblestones in place as the border of the path from Morrison Hill Station looking

north towards the Donald G. Curry

Town House Restoration Shop.

PWM May 2018

The final 30 or 40 cobblestones are in place

along the east side of the path nearest to the

restoration shop. PWM May 2018

A panoramic view from the path after cobblestones

first replaced railroad ties as the border. PWM May 2018

"Waiting For the Narcissus" by Maine artist,

Wade Zahares. Greeting cards are available in the Museum Store.

Wade Zahares painted the original artwork of the greeting

cards in July 2017 when the tiger lilies were in bloom.

PWM photo July 2017

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

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 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!

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 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

"Waiting For the Narcissus" - Morrison Hill Station - New Artwork from Wade Zahares

"Waiting For the Narcissus"A new original work of
art by Maine artist Wade Zahares is now available
as a 4"x 6" greeting card. A box of ten cards with
envelopes. See below for ordering options.

"Waiting For the Narcissus"

The 1915 West Cumberland, ME,

Morrison Hill Station, of the

Portland-Lewiston Interurban (PLI);

now resides at the Seashore Trolley Museum

inquietude and awaits the return

of its PLI partner, Narcissus.

The beautifully appointed, high-speed PLI

interurban coach, No. 14, Narcissus, is

currently undergoing restoration in the

Donald G. Curry Town House Restoration Shop.

Artwork by Wade Zahares, Lyman, ME

Morrison Hill Station and the Narcissus are both at

Seashore Trolley Museum, Kennebunkport, ME

     In the image below, 1915 Morrison Hill Station was located in West Cumberland, ME, along the Portland-Lewiston Interurban. In the photo above, the waiting station greets Seashore Trolley Museum visitors disembarking from 1905 Connecticut Company open car No. 303.

 Morrison Hill Station is waiting for the day when 1912
Portland-Lewiston Interurban, No. 14, Narcissus makes stops
at the station, as it did, so often, over many years in
West Cumberland. Notice the tiger lilies next to the station.
These are the same tiger lilies featured in Wade Zahares'
artwork. PWM photo

Morrison Hill Station has been at this location for about
twenty-five years. The station and platform area received
much-needed repairs in 2017. The station will have
 a Portland-Lewiston Interurban exhibit in 2018.
Late October 2017. PWM photo

Planning for end-of-year gifts?

Consider a colorful print of your fav, Narcissus?

Don't procrastinate. Many prints are in limited quantities and will sell out quickly.

First-Come-First-Serve. Don't miss out on your first choice!

Free Shipping on all orders placed with me before December 14, 2017

A signed print by Maine artist Wade Zahares' fabulous artwork, "Fast Friends", featuring the Narcissus and a box of ten greeting cards - a perfect choice. 

Signed prints and boxes of ten greeting cards are now available for purchase. 100% of the proceeds from these sales will benefit the Narcissus project.

A print of "Fast Friends" by Maine artist Wade Zahares. PWM

Signed Limited Edition Prints:

20" x 30" - numbered through 200 - $400 (free shipping/rolled up in a tube)

13" x 20" - numbered through 800 - $185 (free shipping/rolled up in a tube)

Signed Prints:

10" x 15" - not numbered - $125 (free shipping/rolled up in a tube)

Free Shipping on all orders placed with me before December 14, 2017

To order prints to be mailed, contact Phil Morse

Email p.morse31@gmail.com

Greeting card of "Fast Friends" by Maine artist Wade Zahares.

Greeting Cards:

Box of Ten (10) "Fast Friends" w/envelopes - 4"x 6"- blank inside - $20

(Free shipping via USPS)
Box of Ten (10) "Waiting For the Narcissus" w/envelopes - 4"x 6"- blank inside - $20
(Free shipping via USPS)
A Box of Ten Cards may be mixed with Five Cards of each for the same price - Make note of your request in your order.

Free Shipping on all orders placed with me before December 14, 2017

To order Greeting Cards - email p.morse31@gmail.com

All proceeds from the sale of these items will be added to the Narcissus fund 816-A, to help with the costs associated with restoring the interior of the Narcissus.

In addition, there are TR-related books for sale that are all signed by the respective author. Theodore Roosevelt was a passenger on the Narcissus on August 18, 1914, on a trip from Lewiston to Portland.

Free Shipping on all orders placed with me before December 14, 2017

To order any of these signed Books

email p.morse31@gmail.com

Paperback Signed  $15 - 8 Left

Paperback signed  - $17 - 4 Left

     

Paperback Signed  - $21 - 11 Left

Hardcover Signed First Edition $35 - 7 Left

Hardcover Signed First Edition $28 - 5 Left

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

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 captivate, fascinate, and 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!

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 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

$40,000 in Donations For the Narcissus! - Matching Grant to Follow from 20th Century Electric Railway Foundation

The 1912 Portland-Lewiston Interurban No. 14, Narcissus in

Seashore Trolley Museum's  Donald G Curry Town House
Restoration Shop in  Kennebunkport, Maine on
October 23, 2017. PWM

Very Exciting News to Announce!

     Donations, lots of donations, were rolling in during the past several weeks. Whether it was a single dollar, change from a pocket, a five, ten, or twenty-dollar bill, checks for ten, twenty-five, a hundred, and more, children and adults alike were excited and determined to help the Narcissus meet the goal.

The goal.

     The 20th Century Electric Railway Foundation in La Canada, CA, first provided a matching grant opportunity to benefit the Narcissus in the fall of 2014. We had 90 days to raise the initial $10,000. Once raised, donations would be matched dollar-for-dollar, up to the full $10K. We were successful that fall in raising the full $10K in ninety days. The largest portion was donated by individuals who were either staff members or alumni of my employer in Saco, Maine -  Thornton Academy.

     In the months following the successful matching grant campaign, I would occasionally send project progress updates to the secretary of the 20th Century Electric Railway Foundation. Later in the autumn of 2015, the Foundation secretary called me to discuss the progress of the Narcissus Project. That conversation led to a discussion about other future plans for the Museum. Ultimately, from that conversation, two separate matching grant opportunities were offered to the Museum. Starting early in 2016, the $40,000 matching grant for the Narcissus was kicked off, followed later by a $75,000 matching grant challenge to benefit Seashore Trolley Museum's Preserve & Protect capital campaign. The initial goal for both of these very generous and important fundraising opportunities for the Museum has now been met!

     Once our paperwork is prepared, sent to the Foundation, and verified. A check to the Museum for the Narcissus, most likely later in November (2017), and separate press releases acknowledging the successful completion of both campaigns will be distributed by the Museum and the Foundation.

     As the project manager for the Narcissus project, it is very exciting and humbling to receive so many donations from so many different people, families, non-profit organizations, and grantors with the common goal of helping to raise the money necessary to continue the work to restore the only surviving Portland-Lewiston Interurban, the Narcissus.

     Thank you to everyone who helped Narcissus to this point. We still need to continue to spread the word about the project. I encourage you to invite others to join the effort by bringing this beauty back into being the majestic, elegant, operating representative of Maine's premier electric interurban railway.

    One way to explain what the Narcissus project is about is by sharing the posts from the Narcissus project blog: www.narcissus1912.blogspot.com

     Lots of folks find the posts very interesting.

In October 2017, the blog surpassed 100,000 total page views! On October 25th alone, there were just under 1,800 page views.

The blog is a great way to spread the news of Narcissus.

Let's keep it going :)

Planning for end-of-year gifts?

Consider a colorful print of your fav, Narcissus?

Don't procrastinate. Many prints are in limited quantities and will sell out quickly.

First-Come-First-Serve. Don't miss out on your first choice!

Free Shipping on all orders placed with me before November 30, 2017

A signed print by Maine artist Wade Zahares' fabulous artwork, "Fast Friends", featuring the Narcissus and a box of ten greeting cards - a perfect choice. 

Signed prints and boxes of ten greeting cards are now available. 100% of the proceeds from these sales will benefit the Narcissus project.

A print of "Fast Friends" by Maine artist Wade Zahares. PWM

Signed Limited Edition Prints:

20" x 30" - numbered through 200 - $400 (free shipping/rolled up in a tube)

13" x 20" - numbered through 800 - $185 (free shipping/rolled up in a tube)

Signed Prints:

10" x 15" - not numbered - $125 (free shipping/rolled up in a tube)

Free Shipping on all orders placed with me before November 30, 2017

To order prints to be mailed, reach out to

email p.morse31@gmail.com

Greeting card of "Fast Friends" by Maine artist Wade Zahares.

Greeting Cards:

Box of Ten (10) with envelopes - 4"x 6" - blank inside - $20

(Free shipping via USPS)

Free Shipping on all orders placed with me before November 30, 2017

To order Greeting Cards - email p.morse31@gmail.com

All proceeds from the sale of these items will be added to the Narcissus fund 816-A, to help with the costs associated with restoring the interior of the Narcissus.

What's next for Narcissus? 2017/2018

Restoration work will continue on the exterior of the Narcissus. 

The image above was taken on October 17, 2015 - PWM - All roof

ribs were removed, repaired, primed, and replaced. Ten needed to

be replaced. The left side has had its end boards secured to

the roof rib tenons. The right-side end boards are nearly all in place.

Donald Curry works on securing the right end boards to 

the roof rib tenons. 10.23.17 PWM

Major side sill and bolster work is in the early stages. The bolsters will be

removed, assessed, repaired, pieces replaced as necessary, primed, painted,

and then reinstalled. Side sills and their attached channel steel lengths
will be removed, assessed, repaired, and replaced as necessary.
10-23-2017 PWM

Morrison Hill Station

     In recent weeks, the petite 1915 Portland-Lewiston Interurban waiting station, originally located in West Cumberland (ME), had window and door sills replaced and painted. Window trim boards replaced and painted, metal roof edges repaired and painted, the west-facing roof panels sanded and painted, exterior walls (yellow) north, south, and west repainted, and the tiny wooden electrical box that feeds the 600 volts (DC) lights of the building fully rebuilt, primed and painted, and many interior upgrades. All these improvements (and a few more to follow) are in preparation for the building to be the home of an exhibit next season about the Portland-Lewiston Interurban.

This picture was taken on October 23, 2017. 1915 PLI Morrison

Hill Station looks great with fresh upgrades and paint. PWM

Inside Morrison Hill Station. New floating oak flooring, newly painted

kickboards, and new kickboards, and trim are painted and awaiting
installation. 10.20.17 PWM

Interior of Narcissus

Patented interlocking rubber floor tiles in the smoking compartment

and down the center aisle of the passenger body floor of the Narcissus.
We will be seeking contractors and prices on making new tiles, as
well as seeking solutions to properly repair the tiles for possible reuse.
10-23-2017 PWM

Seats for the Narcissus. We will make all 20 walkovers and mohair plush

upholstered seats from scratch. We have prices from two foundries

to cast all the various metal components. Funding the cost to

cast original patterns and then the various components is the

highest priority for fundraising now. Image of the interior of 1912,

Portland-Lewiston Interurban No. 16, Clematis. This
image has the viewer peering down the aisle towards the number

two end of the Clematis. Image from Seashore Trolley Museum 

One of the newly restored (5 of 8 completed

mahogany sash windows that are contained in the

two bulkheads. Additional interior work will include

rewiring the Narcissus. The body was H. Henri Vallee's

summer home, 120-volt household wiring was added,

and much of the original wire was removed.

October 2017 image PWM

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

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 captivate, fascinate, and 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!

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 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

"I Want To Come Visit My Old Bedroom!" - A Tribute to Daniel A. Vallee 1941-2017

J. Henry Vallee (left) with his son, Daniel Vallee, relaxing

inside their summer cottage, Narcissus. This image is dated

June 1965. In the background, you see the kitchen/dining room

that was attached to the body of the Narcissus. Dan was a Marine

when this picture was taken. Dan retired from the Marines

as a Major in 1984. Image courtesy of Daniel Vallee

This blog post is a tribute to Daniel A. Vallee.

September 25 is the birthday of Daniel A. Vallee. Dan would have been 76 today. Sadly, Dan passed away unexpectedly on September 1, 2017.  He will be greatly missed by this writer. I only knew Dan for a couple of years, but he became an instant and dear friend from our first meeting. Dan grew up living in the Narcissus. When he was dating Rose, he first introduced her to his parents while they were living in the Narcissus. Rose and Dan were married for 50 years. All of us in the Narcissus family share our deepest condolences with Rose, their two sons, Leo and Patrick, and all of the extended Vallee family members for their loss of Dan.

Early sightings of the Narcissus were at the Vallee's summer camp, as it was seen from the Androscoggin & Kennebec Railway in the late 1930s.

Screenshot of the Narcissus as seen in Sabattus, Maine, during

a fan trip. The footage is from the O. R. Cummings Collection

at Northeast Historic Film

Click here for the short clip from a fan trip in the 1930s or early 40s. They happened to pass by the Narcissus in Sabattus, Maine, when it was a summer camp. The footage is from the O. R. Cummings Collection at Northeast Historic Film (P.O. Box 900, 85 Main Street, Bucksport, Maine 04416) and is used here with permission from NHF.

I first met Dan and Rose Vallee in mid-afternoon on Friday, July 31, 2015, as I was setting up for the first Teddy Roosevelt Days weekend event benefiting the Narcissus Project. They made the trek from the Monmouth, Maine area to the Seashore Trolley Museum in Kennebunkport. Earlier in the week, Dan had seen a newspaper story about the 1912 Portland-Lewiston Interurban, No. 14, Narcissus, entering the Museum's Townhouse Restoration Shop. The sole surviving piece of rolling stock of Maine's most famous interurban system was beginning the long process of a full restoration to operating condition. Dan was inspired to call the Museum. Upon his call being answered, Dan's first statement to the staff member was, "I want to visit my old bedroom!" The befuddled staff member asked the caller to clarify his request. Dan went on to explain that he had grown up living in the Narcissus. The Narcissus had been the Vallee family's summer camp at Sabbatus Lake. Dan's father, J. Henri Vallee, had made a trade with the Trolley Museum for the Narcissus back in the late 60s. And so later that week, Rose and Dan headed down to see Dan's old bedroom.

Various newspapers that carried the story of the Narcissus

during July/August 2015. Photo by Patricia Pierce Erikson

Dan and Rose arrived at the Museum after lunch on that Friday. They met Donald Curry and Randy Leclair and were given a tour of the Narcissus. Dan explained the layout of the living arrangements from when he and his brother, Andre, and their parents, J. Henri and Emercienne "Marie". Dan's father had purchased the "body" of the Narcissus for $100 in the 1930s. Dan was born on September 25, 1941. He spent the first eighteen summers of his life living in the Narcissus. When Dan was eight or nine, the family actually lived in the Narcissus year-round for a couple of years. Dan took the time to explain where he and his brother slept. Where his parents slept. The placement of the buck stove. He pointed out two "imprints" where hinges were on the exterior of the number-one end. The hinges held a wooden "window" that his mother would open to sell hot dogs and coffee to summer folks who were visiting the lake.

The placement of the hinges is clearly evident on the left side, the number

one end of the Narcissus, just over the first window opening of the smoking

compartment. Dan Valle's mother would sell hot dogs and coffee through this

opening to visitors to Sabattus Pond/Lake. PWM

An interesting coincidence is that the family lived in a third-story apartment in Lewiston for many years. That apartment happened to be next door to the body of the "Maine," which had become a diner. Dan mentioned that on Friday and Saturday nights, the "Maine" had live musical entertainment for the patrons. And that he and his brother would be up late into the night, hearing the various songs.

The 1920 Portland-Lewiston Interurban, No. 22 "Maine."  

Named in honor of the Centennial of the State of Maine.

The body was sold in late 1933 or early 1934 and became

a diner in Lewiston, ME.Image and info from O. R. Cummings'

1967 book, "Maine's Fast Electric Railroad"

Narcissus project sponsor Phil Morse, on the left, with Dan Vallee.

Phil was explaining the process used for restoring

the leaded stained glass windows of the Narcissus.

July 31, 2015. Photo by Patricia Pierce Erikson

Once Dan & Rose returned to Florida for the winter of 2015/16, Dan looked through his family "archives." He was very kind to share his family photos of the Narcissus from the 1960s. They included the first photo in this blog, which had Dan sitting in the Narcissus with his father, J. Henri Vallee. See the other Vallee family photos of the Narcissus - Click Here.

Early in the calendar year, Dan accepted my invitation to be a guest speaker at the 2016 Teddy Roosevelt Days event on Friday, August 5, 2016. Dan also agreed to visit the Museum a few weeks before the Teddy Days event to be videoed while being interviewed. The lead topic for the interview was what life was like living in the Narcissus as he was growing up.

Click the video above to watch Daniel Vallee's short clip on what life was like living in Narcissus. Video created and edited by Patricia Pierce Erikson

"A President Has Ridden in My House" - Click Here to see the video with Dan Vallee of what life was like living in the Narcissus when he was a youngster.

The three photos and captions below are from the 2016 Teddy Roosevelt Days weekend event gala opening on August 5, 2016.

Dan and Rose Vallee are together once again in the Narcissus.

Photo by Patricia Pierce Erikson

    Married for 49 years, Dan first introduced Rose to his parents when the elder Vallees were living in the Narcissus in Sabattus, Maine. This photo opportunity was prepared specifically for photo opportunities inside the right side of the smoking compartment during the three-day event to benefit the Narcissus project. The restored original passenger windows in Santo Domingo mahogany sash, with the restored original leaded stained glass eyebrow above, also in the original mahogany sash. All the mahogany components are seen encasing the windows and the bulkhead frame (on the far left unfinished), including the brass hardware, original to the Narcissus. Notice the framed pictures of the 26th President, Theodore Roosevelt, standing in the White House next to a 1914 image of the Narcissus in Gray :)

Left to Right - Narcissus project manager, Phil Morse, author, Michael

Canfield, Dan Vallee, and Seashore Trolley Museum Library Committee

member, Karen Dooks. Photo by Patricia Pierce Erikson

Dan Vallee gave an extremely entertaining explanation of what

his life was like as he grew up living in the Narcissus in the 1940s,

50s, and 60s. Stories of living conditions, family members, and life

in general as told through a variety of personal stories. Well Done, Dan!

photo by Patricia Pierce Erikson

Dan and Rose attended the 2017 Teddy Roosevelt Days event on Friday, July 21, 2017. It was a special evening with Maine artist Wade Zahares, unveiling the original artwork he created of the Narcissus. Dan and Rose were able to have conversations with descendants of W. S. and Annie Libbey, who were also in attendance. 

Rose Vallee, Dan Vallee, and Don Curry were in the audience during

the Friday opening of the Teddy Roosevelt Days event. Friday,

 July 21, 2017 - Photo by Ernie Eaton

Maine artist Wade Zahares introduced his new work, "Fast Friends",

featuring the Narcissus, W. S., and Annie Libbey in

Libbey's very rare 1908 Stanley K 30-hp Semi-Racer. PWM

Morrison Hill Station is a Portland-Lewiston Interurban waiting station from West Cumberland, Maine. It was in place in 1915. Seashore Trolley Museum acquired the station in 1990 or so. Volunteers at the Museum rebuilt the metal-clad building and placed it along the Museum's heritage line as the first/last stop for passengers as they leave/approach the Visitor Center platform. At this stop, visitors may choose to disembark from the historically restored electric railway vehicle to visit the newly dedicated Donald Curry Town House Restoration Shop, the Riverside Exhibit Carbarn, or continue their walking tour to other public exhibits throughout the Museum campus. 

Morrison Hill Station is now undergoing some structural improvements. Next spring. When the Museum reopens its public operations (2018 will be the Museum's 79th anniversary year!), the interior of the Morrison Hill Station will have a Portland-Lewiston Interurban exhibit. A couple of weeks ago, a new 5-foot-wide exterior patio bench for visitors was assembled and placed on the platform of Morrison Hill Station. The plan is to add another bench to the platform next spring. In considering a dedication or memorial plaque or plate to be attached to the first bench, the initial decision was to honor J. Henry Vallee. Had Mr. Vallee not purchased the body of the Narcissus in the late 30s for use as the Vallee summer camp, it most certainly would not have survived. Solely due to Mr. Vallee's acquisition, the sole surviving piece of rolling stock from Maine's premier interurban line is now undergoing restoration. 

In developing the text for the dedication, this writer searched Google for the letter "J" in Mr. Vallee's name. The Google search instead had this writer learn that Daniel A. Vallee had passed away. I do struggle expressing my feelings about how I dealt with this news over the following couple of days. Over time, I will find several ways to honor Dan. To start with, the first bench at the Morrison Hill Station will be dedicated in memory of Dan. His father will be mentioned in the text, but this first bench is Dan's. I'll also be dedicating a donation to the Narcissus project in memory of Daniel A. Vallee. He very much wanted to go for "a ride in his house" once it was back on the tracks, a majestic representative of the most beloved Maine electric interurban.

Starting in 1915, the Morrison Hill Station was a waiting station

at the Portland-Lewiston Interurban in West Cumberland, Maine.

The Narcissus would be one of the PLI interurbans to

stop at this station to pick up and discharge passengers.

The 5-foot green bench is a new addition to the platform. PWM

The new 5-foot-wide bench at the Morrison Hill Station.

    This bench now has a nameplate attached, inscribed with text in memory of Daniel A. Vallee. Over many, many years to come, the text will share a nugget of Dan's humor with the thousands of Museum visitors who will read as they share some restful moments on the bench. Once the Narcissus is restored to operating status, it too will pause at Morrison Hill Station from time to time. In doing so, the Narcissus will share a moment with Dan during each trip.

The plate - Thank you to Roger Bastarache at R & W Engraving

in Biddeford for making the plate in short order. PWM

Obituary
Daniel A. Vallee
(1941 - 2017)
North Monmouth (ME) - Daniel A. Vallee, 75, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, September 1, 2017, at his lake house. He was born in Lewiston (ME) on September 25, 1941, the son of the late Henri and Emercienne "Marie" (Paquette). Dan was educated at St. Don's and graduated in 1959. He later joined the United States Marine Corps. He retired as a Major in 1984. He obtained his Master's Degree in Business at Western New England College. He worked at ASEC for 22 years until retiring as Vice-President in November 2006. On May 20, 1967, he married the love of his life, Rose (Daigle), and they shared a loving marriage of over 50 years. He belonged to the American Legion and the Elks Club. Dan enjoyed fishing, cigars, traveling, and spending time with family. Dan is survived by his wife, his two children, Leo Vallee of Tucson, AZ, and Patrick Vallee of Auburn; his sister-in-law, Bernadette Vallee of Lewiston; his one grandchild, Alexandra LaBonte of Plantation, FL, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents and his brother, Andre Vallee.

Daniel A. Vallee 1941- 2017

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

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 donating 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 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