Episode 63: Seashore Trolley Museum

Curator's Choice

Join us as we step into the rich history of the Seashore Trolley Museum, celebrating 85 years of preserving trolley heritage with Phil Morse, a devoted leader and long-time member. Phil's passion for keeping trolley history alive is evident as he shares his personal connection with the museum. Set against the backdrop of the 1930s Depression and the transition from trolleys to buses, discover how a group of young, visionary men laid the foundation for what would become a pivotal institution in transportation history.
🎓 From Harvard Dreams to Historic Rails 🚋

Dive into the captivating story of Car 31's dramatic rescue, a mission that tested the resolve and creativity of a small group of trolley enthusiasts. Learn how their dedication and community support saved this historic trolley from being scrapped, securing its place as a cherished piece of the museum’s collection. As you explore the museum’s treasures, you'll encounter the luxurious Narcissus trolley from the Portland-Lewiston interurban line, an icon of early 20th-century elegance in travel. Experience the nostalgia and wonder of trolleys like never before. Whether you're a seasoned trolley aficionado or just discovering the charm of electric railways, this episode will spark your curiosity and deepen your appreciation for these extraordinary vehicles and the stories they tell.
📚 Teddy Roosevelt, Millie, and the Elegant Ride 🚎
Millie Thayer is a headstrong farmer's daughter who chases her dreams in a way you would expect a little girl nicknamed "Spitfire" would-running full tilt and with her eyes on the stars. Dreaming of leaving the farm life, working in the city, and fighting for women's right to vote, Millie imagines flying away on a magic carpet. One day, that flying carpet shows up in the form of an electric trolley that cuts across her farm. A fortune-teller predicts that Millie's path will cross that of someone famous. Suddenly, she finds herself caught up in events that shake the nation, Maine, and her family. Despairing that her dreams may be shattered, Millie learns, in an unexpected way, that dreams can be shared.

This book is a fund-raiser for the Seashore Trolley Museum Narcissus Renovation Project.

Link to Purchase This Book from the Museum:
https://store.trolleymuseum.org/teddy-roosevelt-millie-and-the-elegant-ride.html
🔗 Episode Links
Phil's Blog:
https://narcissus1912.blogspot.com/
Seashore Trolley Museum:
https://trolleymuseum.org/
The Biddeford and Saco Railroad by Osmond Richard Cummings:
https://digicom.bpl.lib.me.us/books_pubs/31/
Biddeford & Saco Railroad Co. 31 Car:
https://collections.trolleymuseum.org/items/14
Narcissus 1912 Renovation Project:
https://narcissus1912.blogspot.com/p/about.html
Virtual Tour of the Narcissus:
https://narcissus1912.blogspot.com/2020/06/virtual-tour-narcissus-3-d.html

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Curator's Choice - A podcast for history nerds and museum lovers

Chapters

1. Teaser (00:00:00)

2. How the Museum Began (00:03:38)

3. Change from Trolleys to Busses (00:06:09)

4. save the whole car, not just the body (00:07:18)

5. cant put trolleys in area because of trolly bodies (00:09:47)

6. Fan Trip on last day of trolley operations (00:12:08)

7. Finding a trolly resting place (00:14:50)

8. transporting this parade of cars (00:22:40)

9. diarama (00:23:58)

10. Trolley Car 31 (00:28:46)

11. 85th anniversary, car 31 is the mother car (00:31:47)

12. W Scott Libby (00:33:58)

13. libby emotionla connection with nameing each car (00:36:09)

14. name the m after his favorite flowers (00:37:25)

15. most famous passenger (00:37:49)

16. narcissus was a diner (00:42:21)

17. body of narcissis (00:43:05)

18. the book raising money (00:46:10)

19. go to museum, cant wiat to go (00:51:16)