Gray and the Interurban Trolley
This historic video captures memories and artifacts from the era when the Portland–Lewiston Interurban trolley brought modern electric rail service directly through Gray. For years, residents had hoped for reliable transportation to Portland, as existing rail lines lay far east of town and focused mainly on freight. That dream was realized through the persistence of Mr. Libby, whose vision and leadership finally brought the electric railroad to life in 1914.
The arrival of the trolley created tremendous excitement. The Gray station stood only a short walk from the center of town, and the line’s brick substations—located in Danville, Gray, and West Falmouth—were not only functional but welcoming, with waiting rooms and dependable, punctual service. Many Gray residents worked on the railroad, making it a truly local enterprise.
The trolley cars themselves were a marvel. Rather than simple numbers, the first passenger cars were given flower names—such as Arbutus, Magnolia, and Narcissus—to give them personality. Inside, they were luxuriously appointed with mahogany paneling, stained glass, and polished fittings. Conductors even wore white kid gloves when serving passengers. One of these cars, Narcissus, survives today and is undergoing restoration at the Seashore Trolley Museum.
The interurban quickly became a point of pride. In August 1914, former president Theodore Roosevelt stopped in Gray to ride the line and famously declared it “the best electric railroad in the United States,” rewarding the conductors generously at the end of his trip.
The video also documents the realities behind the romance of the rails. Fires, floods, and fierce Maine winters tested the line, including a major 1924 substation fire near the Pennell Institute, when students rushed out to help fight the blaze. Despite setbacks, the railroad persevered, even carrying record-breaking crowds during Maine’s 1920 Centennial celebrations.
Through artifacts, photographs, and firsthand recollections, this film preserves the story of how the interurban trolley shaped daily life in Gray—linking the town to the wider region, showcasing early electric rail technology, and leaving a legacy that is still remembered with pride today.