Uncovering the Adventures of Owney the Postal Dog in St. Louis

Owney’s Beginnings

In 1888, a stray dog named Owney, originally from Albany, New York, wandered into a post office and found a quirky new calling. Drawn by the scent and unique textures of the canvas mailbags, Owney soon became a beloved companion to the Railway Mail Service clerks as he hopped aboard mail wagons and train cars. With each journey across the country, he collected metal tags on his collar, a collection that would burgeon to over 400 tags, as documented by the Smithsonian Institution’s National Postal Museum.

Owney’s Interaction with St. Louis

Owney’s escapades captured the attention of local newspapers, particularly in St. Louis, which transformed into a crucial railroad hub after the completion of the Eads Bridge in 1874. The dog frequently passed through, visiting local post offices to add to his growing collection of tags.

On March 24, 1894, he was gifted a Columbian half-dollar coin by St. Louis postmaster J.B. Harlow. This coin was one of the first commemorative issue coins minted for the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893. The St. Louis Globe-Democrat noted on March 27, 1893, about his overnight stay in the city as he traveled to New Orleans, showcasing his growing fame.

The Notable Tags

• March 24, 1894: Columbian half-dollar coin from J.B. Harlow
• August 9, 1894: Owney arrived in St. Louis attached with approximately 50 tags courtesy of the Louisville & Nashville Railroad.
• August 19, 1895: The famous dog was planned to embark on a grand journey to Hong Kong.

Owney wasn’t merely a traveling companion; he was also believed to bring good luck, with none of the trains he journeyed on ever experiencing an accident. Unfortunately, his fortunes took a turn during his final journey to Toledo, Ohio, where he met a tragic end.

Commemorating Owney at the World’s Fair

In 1904, St. Louis hosted the world at the World’s Fair, and Owney was among the prestigious attractions. As reported by the Cleveland Leader, his presence at the fair was significant, drawing attention from postal workers and visitors alike. The exhibit featured artifacts from the postal department, including Owney himself, showcasing his harness decorated with medals.

Visitors had a chance to take a piece of Owney home, as commemorative items like souvenir spoons were crafted to mark his participation at the fair. One spoon featured a train car design on the bowl, with Owney proudly displayed on the handle.

Owney’s Legacy Today

Today, Owney resides at the National Postal Museum, protected in a casing alongside a replica mail car, forever poised as a testament to his remarkable journey. Following a 2011 conservation treatment, Owney was further immortalized with the release of a commemorative first-class Forever stamp.

The legacy of Owney transcends through children’s books and literature reflecting on the travels of this adventurous canine. Owney’s story serves as a reminder of how even unassuming companions can become iconic figures through the kindness and camaraderie experienced along their journeys.

Celebrating the Memory of Owney

The St. Louis Globe-Democrat poignantly encapsulated Owney’s impact, stating that while he lacked conventional beauty, he had a way of making friends wherever he roamed and returned home adorned with checks and medals from his travels.

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