Topics

1

Moderator Announcements / NEWSLETTERS!!!

« on: March 14, 2023, 08:27:59 PM »

As of March 2023, access to the Newsletter Archive has been changed.

The Newsletter Archive (including the most recent issue) is now accessed here:
https://wwfry.org/newsletters

The page is password protected. Please see the "member's only" announcement for the password.

The Newsletter archive page still requires some additional formatting for ease of use, but all Newsletters should be accessible.

Please do not share the direct links to these Newsletters to those outside of the WW&F organization. If you have a friend you want to pass on an individual issue (as a PDF file) to, please feel free to do so. Please refrain from posting these links on public forums, social media, etc.

2

The Original W&Q and WW&F: 1894-1933 / Historic Photos

« on: March 08, 2023, 08:57:26 PM »

David Chase sent these photos he found online and wanted to share on the forum.

3

Volunteers / VOLUNTEERS NEEDED at SEALYON for Easter Eggspress

« on: February 16, 2023, 10:55:10 PM »

In order to try to keep the costs reasonable for the Easter Eggspress trains, we are looking for a few volunteers who can help at SeaLyon Farm on April 1 and April 8 for the Easter Eggspress. Specifically those who can help with the egg hunt (field setup, moderating the hunts, etc.) Those who would also be willing to do Springtime arts & crafts, face painting, etc., would also be welcome.

Anyone interested should let me know at ed.lecuyer@wwfry.org and I will put you in touch with Marcia Lyons.

Please help spread the word.

Thanks!

4

Volunteers / JB Smith - Character of the County

« on: February 06, 2023, 07:32:27 PM »

They neglected to mention how JB saved Christmas...
https://lcnme.com/opinion/columns/characters-of-the-county-j-b-smith-finds-unique-relationships-on-the-high-seas/

5

Volunteers / Nancy Weeks Honored by Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife

« on: December 22, 2022, 05:19:08 PM »

Scott Higgins passed along this article from the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Newsletter honoring our beloved Nancy Weeks.


Instructor Trainings
In September, we began to hold Instructor Trainings once again. [...] It was great to be able to get back on track and share some of the new changes as well as to have a chance to listen to your questions and concerns as we adjust to the future of conservation education. [...]

During our Instructor Trainings, we not only provided updates and answered questions, but we took some time to acknowledge some of our volunteers for their achievements. Here's just a few of our highlights:

Nancy Weeks, of West Gardiner has served as a Hunter Education Instructor for over 40 years. Nancy attended the recent training in Auburn, where she received a signed commissioner's print as a token of our appreciation. She has been very active with the West Gardiner Rod and Gun Club and she has led thousands of students in hunter education throughout four decades. Like many of our instructors, Nancy is very humble and takes great pride in the work that she does. Maine has greatly benefited from her selfless dedication to this program and we look forward to many more years of Nancy's leadership.

Thank you Nancy for your many years of service!

6

Volunteers / Special Work Report: Sunday December 18, 2022

« on: December 18, 2022, 07:44:35 PM »

The first train of Christmas had left for the farm.
Sheepscot was quiet, no sounds from track or barn.
Families were riding in red and green chairs
Expecting St. Nicholas would be greeting them there.

The children were nestled on each parent’s lap,
While the narrow gauge train cried “clickety clack”.
And I back at Sheepscot, was left nearly alone,
As echoes of whistles traversed new-fallen snow.

When my phone went a buzz, creating a clatter!
I slid it right open to see what was the matter.
“Santa has Covid” the message exclaimed!
Now we had a crisis more dire than trains.

We must find a helper, my mission was clear.
But Santa’s quite busy this time of the year.
Who can help Santa? It couldn’t be me.
Or Brendan, or Stewart, but maybe JB!

JB was at Sheepscot just moments ago.
But somehow he’s missing! Where? Nobody knows.
“Why don’t you just call him?” young Cody exclaimed.
(You know that kid’s smart, and uses his brains.)

“Can you be our Santa? We’re quite in a bind!”
“I’ll be there at once! I really don’t mind.
But who will fire the afternoon trains?”
“I’ll figure that out”, (a rather bold claim).

No Jason, No Roger, No Dan (dressed too dapper).
No visitor either (though one kindly offered).
Bryce! He should be here, he told me last night.
But calls went unanswered - giving me fright.

Would we be stuck running ol' 52?
A DIESEL for CHRISTMAS? That simply won’t do.
“I just got the message - from you and from Dan.
I’m on my way”, Bryce - Fireman!

With crisis averted I went back to my work.
Greeting each passenger in jokes with my quirks.
Those back from SeaLyon, fresh off the train,
“What a wonderful Santa”, each family exclaimed.

JB saved Christmas! (and Bryce did so too.)
Both of them filling some rather big shoes.
And I heard them exclaim as sun set over Alna,
“Merry Christmas to all! (But Ed, too much drama!”)

7

Whimsical Weirdness and Foolery / New WW&F Song...

« on: December 16, 2022, 02:13:13 PM »

I'm working on a Christmas song that describes the present day WW&F to the early museum founders.

It's titled Harry, Did You Know?

8

Volunteers / MOVED: Safety: Avoiding tripping hazards, and consideration for the next team

« on: November 29, 2022, 12:43:56 PM »

A discussion regarding security and safety procedures has been moved to Museum Discussion - MEMBERS ONLY.

If you are a WW&F Museum member and need access, please contact ed.lecuyer@wwfry.org

https://forum.wwfry.org/index.php?topic=4354.0

9

Museum Discussion / MOVED: Collections Assessment for Preservation Report

« on: November 15, 2022, 04:52:04 PM »

The "Collections Assessment for Preservation Report" topic has been moved to Museum Discussion - MEMBERS ONLY.

https://forum.wwfry.org/index.php?topic=4347.0

You must be a WW&F Museum Member to participate in this discussion. If you are a member, and can not access that section of the Discussion Forum, please email ed.lecuyer@wwfry.org.

If you are not a WW&F Member, and you are reading this, then JOIN! Sign up at: https://giftshop.wwfry.org/product/museum-membership/151?cs=true

10

Museum Discussion / HOn30 Kit of SR&RL 6 (WW&F 9)

« on: November 07, 2022, 04:48:28 PM »

See:
https://tomamw2.com/products/1141?variant=41522223513772
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063451286568

Photo of completed kit (prototype by manufacturer.)

11

Whimsical Weirdness and Foolery / New WW&F Event

« on: September 26, 2022, 04:16:18 PM »

I accidentally put an upcoming Dentist appointment into the wrong calendar on my phone - transmitting it as an official WW&F event.

All aboard the Molar Express!

12

Museum Discussion / wwfry.org email server is DOWN!

« on: September 18, 2022, 12:39:41 PM »

Hi all,

An unfortunate side effect of our new website is that (despite assurances to the contrary) it has impacted all @wwfry.org email addresses.

We are (painfully) aware of the issue and are optimistic that it will be promptly corrected by our new web host as soon as possible on Monday 9/19.

Thanks,

-Ed

13

Volunteers / PHONE LEFT AT PERCIVAL HOUSE - 8/6/22

« on: August 06, 2022, 08:10:57 PM »

An Android (I think) phone was found and left at the sign-in log at the Percival House as of 7:30pm tonight. None of the folks present knew whose it was.

14

Museum Discussion / Photo Album from Jeff Terry

« on: June 23, 2022, 06:46:13 PM »

Railroad historian, preservationist, and author Jeff Terry visited the WW&F on 6/11/22.
He has shared this album of photos:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/jterry618/albums/72177720300037091

15

General Discussion / American Freedom Train Presentation (by 14y/o enthusiast) in Ellsworth

« on: June 12, 2022, 06:59:23 PM »

This email was received in the general email box for the museum. It would be nice if we could support this young man in his endeavors.

Dear Volunteers of Wiscasset, Waterville, Farmington Railroad,

As a mother of a train enthusiast reaching out to other train and history enthusiasts, I am writing to invite you to a live presentation about the American Freedom Train in Ellsworth, ME in June 27 at 6 pm at Constitutional Hall—225 High Street Suite 2 (Maine Coast Mall).

There is also a live stream event of it on “Jack’s Train Talk”.  Jack is a 14 year old who is interested in getting the American Freedom Train running again. Please join us either live or online for the video presentation and the discussion afterwards.

Kathy Dunn