You’re probably wondering why I made a whole separate blog on a dog named “Boomer Jack”. When we visited Mendocino Model Train Historical Society (MMTHS) back in the day, i.e. pre-pandemic, I just found the story of this smart and independent dog so very interesting.
Also weirdly enough, through Boomer Jack’s story, the stories of the men who were working in the logging industry and the railroads at the time were brought to life. Not only that, his story also very clearly illustrated the interconnectedness of the various towns along the coast.
I typed up the flyer with Boomer Jack's story that I picked up at the MMTHS, in case you're interested. But really, you should go visit MMTHS in Fort Bragg and go look for the miniature dog sitting on a pile of lumber on one of the model train cars (or carriage for you Britons) circulating in the building.
"What set Boomer Jack apart was his sense of independence and freedom. These were the characteristics that the men of the NWP, who fed and cared for him, admired. Jack, unlike other railroad dogs of legend, belonged to no one man. He would ride the rails to a particular town, stay for a day or two and then be on his way, never overstaying his welcome.
He would even, on occasion, ride passenger trains. He ranged far and wide even staying in a San Francisco hotel after being smuggled in by one of his railroad buddies. Discovered, he was kicked out. He returned to the establishment to lift his leg to leave his mark.
At one point he vanished. Some thought he disappeared forever. Then the NWP home office received a telegram from some trainmen in South Carolina asking about a dog with a NWP badge on his collar. Boomer Jack had somehow made a cross-country train journey. Relieved that their mascot was still among the living they wired instructions for his safe return to theWest Coast. He was watched her by linemen on the way back and arrived safely to start riding his home line again.
His tenacious instinct for travel even continued following a fall from a train resulting in a severe leg injury. His accident elicited sympathy up and down the line. A fund was established to pay his medical bills. So much was raised that a bank account was opened in his name in Eureka. His lame leg slowed him down a bit and as he aged he often needed help getting up into a cab.
Jack died in 1926 in front of the Willits station. He was found lying peacefully on the ground. The workers of the NWP made a small redwood coffin and he was buried in the Willits switchyard. He was mourned up and down the line."
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