KENNEBUNKPORT — With numerous events scheduled in October and a bit more room available with summer visitors departing the area, the Seashore Trolley Museum is sure to be a prime destination for York County residents in the month ahead.   

According to Sally Bates, the museum’s executive director, the Seashore Trolley Museum will host a groundbreaking ceremony at 11 a.m. Oct. 12 for its Fairview Carbarn Expansion Project at 195 Log Cabin Road in Kennebunkport.

“The year 2017 marks progress that many Seashore members and friends have awaited for decades — the addition of covered storage space for collection vehicles,” Bates said. “Expansion and redevelopment at the Fairview Carhouse, which currently has only two enclosed sides, will proceed in phases.”

She said that Phase 1 of the project, will be completed this year and will increase storage space by 560 linear feet, provide 14 new covered spaces for the museum’s priceless vehicle collection, and enclose the open left side of the building.

“The quality of storage for the 27 cars already inside the building will be greatly improved,” Bates said.

Phase 1 construction costs are being funded by donations from museum members, a $25,000 grant from the Davis Family Foundation, and a $75,000 challenge grant from the 20th Century Electric Railway Foundation.

Future phases of the Fairview Carhouse project will extend the front of the building add nine vehicles spaces, replace the roof on the original structure and add doors on each track across the front.

In 2016, the museum replaced the roof and supporting structure at its Town House Shop, recently renamed “The Donald G. Curry Town House Shop,” in honor of Donald’s unparalleled devotion and effort to develop the shop over the past seven decades.

Established in 1939, Seashore Trolley Museum, the operating entity of New England Electric Railway Historical Society, is the world’s oldest and largest electric railway and public transit museum.

Another special event for Seashore Trolley Museum fans will take place at the On the Marsh Bistro, 45 Western Ave., Lower Village in Kennebunk on Friday, Oct. 20.

On the Marsh Bistro is hosting a “MOTOWN “ evening with Matt Fogg and his band to benefit the Seashore Trolley Museum.

“The venue will be held under a heated tent on the meadow grounds, offering a fabulous On the Marsh buffet dinner sure to please everyone’s palate,” Bates said.

Dinner will be served from  6:30 to 7:30 p.m. with dancing until 11 p.m., cash bars, raffles and surprises. The event is open to the public.
 
Tickets are $65 per person. Because of a limited number of reservations being offered, guests are encouraged to purchase their tickets in advance.

For reservations, call 967-2299 at On the Marsh Bistro.
 
“Denise Rubin, Proprietress of On the Marsh Bistro, is known for her amazing fundraising parties. We are delighted and grateful that On the Marsh Bistro is reaching out and partnering to support the needs of the Museum,” Bates said.

For more information about Seashore Trolley Museum or any of its upcoming programs in October, call 967-2800 or visit www.trolleymuseum.org

— Executive Editor Ed Pierce can be reached at 282-1535 ext. 326 or by email at editor@journaltribune.com.

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