The original London Jack wearing his donation boxes. Photo courtesy of The Railway News via The Newfoundland Club of America.
People today love to take their furry friends with them everywhere they go, something that has not changed in decades. All throughout the history of the rails you can find tales of dogs adopted by railway workers, often becoming railway workers of a sort themselves. Unfortunately, many of these stories end tragically for the dog. The railroad is an inherently dangerous place, especially back in the days of steam.
Wimbledon Nell wearing his donation box. Photo courtesy of The Railway News via The Newfoundland Club of America.
However, it was not all doom and gloom! Starting in Victorian Era London, England, there was a trend of dogs walking around the train stations with little donation box backpacks to raise funds. There were many beloved collection dogs over the years, including “Station Jim”, “Wimbledon Nell”, and “London Jack”, whose mantle was passed on to numerous dogs with the same name. The trend continued until after World War II.
London Jack V, restored and adorned with the many medals awarded for his collecting work. Photo provided by the Bluebell Railway Museum.
The fifth in the line of London Jacks was well known at the Waterloo station in London. During his eight years on duty, he raised over $5,000 for the Southern Railway Servants’ Orphanage in Woking, Surrey. That is the equivalent of almost $100,000 dollars today! He can now be found on display at the Bluebell Railway Museum in East Sussex, still collecting for the local orphanage, though funds were briefly repurposed for his own much needed care and restoration. From all the UV light he was exposed to while on display over the years, he had turned from a black retriever into a golden one!
A later London Jack receiving donations.
All of these dogs were owned and raised by the railway staff. Workers noticed that the public found dogs much more approachable than a person asking for money and seemed more inclined to part with a coin or two. Calm dogs could roam freely around the train stations, sometimes even hopping on a stationary train to move through the crowds of passengers. If they were not quite as laid back, the dogs were tied to a tether to keep them safe from accidentally stepping into the path of an oncoming train.
Dogs were often awarded small silver or gold medals by the railroad, which symbolized every $100 and $500 they raised. The funds were put towards local orphanage organizations created for children who lost family members to railroading accidents. These accidents were unfortunately common in the era. Today, other railroad dogs like London Jack have also been taxidermized and placed on display. Their contributions are written beneath their eternal resting place.
Tempting as it may be to bring your own pup along on the train, it will always be safer to leave them at home if they are not a working dog. Most pet dogs do not care much for the loud whistles or the clattering clanks and may bolt in a panic as the train rolls by. The railway cars that run here in the Snoqualmie Valley are historic Museum artifacts, and just like many people do not want dog hair on their antique furniture, the Museum would prefer the historic seat cushions remain dog hair and dander free. It is also important to consider the comfort of other passengers as some may have allergies to dander or even a fear of dogs.
For those who find themselves on an unplanned visit to the Museum on a Saturday, some businesses in downtown Snoqualmie offer doggie daycare services! Or, have a family member stay with the dog at the depot while the rest enjoy the ride. Downtown Snoqualmie is charming and offers great mountain views while you wait with your furry friend. It is always safer than leaving your pet alone in the car, especially on a sunny day.
