The Topeka state journal., 1908-04-18
THE GOLDEN" DAYS
A Carriage, Built in 1880. That Made
Six Trips to Pacific Coast.

Like FURNISHED nugget from the
days of '49. 1.-The Old Spider" car
riage that used to make transcouti-
mental trips from Baltimore to San
Francisco, long years before the rumble
Of the palatial Sunset Limited was
heard in the Rockies, is once again at
the carriage factory of William Bowers
& Son, in Saratoga street, opposite the
Hotel Rennert.
1.-THE Old Spider was built in 1850 by
William Bowers, who died three years
ago at the age of ninety-two. Now
Mr.. Bowers son, also named william.
and his grandson, third William, are
refurnishing the carriage, while little
William Bowers III takes interest in the
work.
The vehicle was constructed for Louis
McLane, a Baltimore capitalist, who
died about two years ago, at the age OF
nearly fourscore and ten. When ayoung
man Mr.. McLane became naval offt-
cer and once his vessel landed on the
Pacific coast, just at the beginning OF
the historic gold craze of 1910. He re-
signed from the navy, and went into
the mining business. Then, like modern
Jack London, he decided to earn money
with his brains instead Of his hands,
and became treasurer of the Wells
Fargo Express company. He made an
immense fortune, and was a figure IN
the financial world until his death.
But. despite his success, Mr.. McLane
began to pine for the civilization of the
east. and one day he got into wagon
and started for Baltimore, arriving here
several months after starting.
Once home, and knowing he would
soon have to go west again, he went to
Mr.. Bowers and told him to make the
strongest and incest carriage possible
| for the trip. Mr.. Bowers gave special
instructions to his carpenters and black
smiths. and "The Old Spider" was the
| result. It's two seats were made wide
| and comfortable, all the iron work was
| Ihand-fashioned, and to shield the occu-
pants from the sun q large oblong "um-
| brella" of buff-colored goods lined with
| purple material was put up
In this carriage Mr.. McLane returned
| to the Pacific coast. THE Old Spider"
did not seem to mind the trip at all
and so when he came back to Baltimore
again it was under the purple and bun
1 canopy. Six times did Mr.. McL6ne go
to California and return to Baltimore
4 In "The Old Spider" and the vehicle
absolutely refused to break or show :
4 weak spot.
some time ago 1.-The Old Spider" was
| bought by D. K. Estes Fisher, who de-
| cfded to bring 1t out into the sunlight
once more and have 1t repaired ne
took it to the grandson Of the man who
built it, and was considerably astonisn-
ed when Mr. Bowers showed him tnat
4 not a bolt was needed, and that The
Old Spider" was as sound as the day II
left the factory.
Not a spoke on the original wheels
was missing or splintered. The tires
were found as strong as ever. and even
the spring and joints were In conoition
for more transcontinenfal trips. The
canopy showed not a hole or tear. the
trimmings even being as good as new:
. The goatskin lining Of the seat showed
few marks Of wear, and the oilclotn
lin the bottom was not worn through.
| Mr.. Fisher decided, however, thai
"The Old Spider should have new
| coat Of paint, new canopy and new
; seat lining. The carriage is now In tnt
hands of the painters. and when
emerges in fresh coat of black and
| green it win be in condition to roll uf
Charles street alongside the most mod
ern brougham. :.
Mr.. Bowers is taking great pride u
: the resurrection Of THE Old Spider
) and points to 1t as perhaps the mos
: remarkable specimen Of tho thorougl
] workmanship Of his grandfasher.-Bn1
j, i timore Sun