The San Francisco call., 1908-03-01
"Old Spider" Carriage

II
the days Of '4s. The Old Spider
L carriage that used to make
transcontinentaI trips from Baltimore
to San Francisco, long years before
the rumble of the palatial Sunset linn
tied was heard in the Rockies. IS once
again at the carriage factory OF VIII
liam Bowers & Sons In Saratoga street,
opposite the Hotel Reppert.
''The fold Spider" was built in 1850
by William Bowers. who died three
years ago at the age of o. Now Mr..
Bowers son. also named William, and
his grandson. a third William. are
refurbishing the carriage while little
William Bowers. the fourth, takes in
terest in the work.
The vehicle was constructed for Louis
McIane, Baltimore capitalist. who
died about two years ago at the age
of nearly fourscore and ten. When a
young man Mr.. McLane became a naval
officer. and once his vessel landed on
the Pacific coast. just at the beginning
of the historic gold craze of 1S49. He
resigned from the navy and went into
the mining business. Then. like mod
ern Jack London he decided TO earn
money with his brains instead of MS
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. McIane he4
gan to pine for the civilization Of tho
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 pos
sible for the trip. Mr.. Bowers gave
special instructions TO his carpenters
and blacksmiths and "The Old Spider
was the result It's two seats were
made wide and comfortable, all the
iron work was hand fashioned and. to
shield the occupants from the sun. a
large obloRg umbrella" OF bun col
ored goods lined with purple material
was put up.
In this carriage McIaue returned 10
the Pacific coast. "Tbe Old Spider
did not seem TO mind the trip at all.
and so when he came back to Balti-
more again it was under the purple and
buff canopy. Six times did McLane go
to California and return to Baltimore
In ~The Old spider and tie vehicle
absolutely refused 70 break or show
weak spot.
Some time ago "The Old Spider was
bought by d. X. Este Fisher. who de-
cided to bring it out into the sunlight
once more and have it repaired" He
took It to the grandson OF the man
who built it and was considerably as
tonished when Mr.. Bowers showed MIN
that not bolt was needed and that
"The Old Spider was as sound as the
day il left the factory.
Not a spoke on tho original wheels
was missing or splintered. The tires
were found as strong as ever and even
the springs and joints were in eondi-
tion for more transcontinental trias-
The canopy showed not hols ~
tear the trimmings even being as good
as new. The goatskin lining OF the
seat showed few marks OF wear. and
the oilcloul in the bottom was not worn
through
Mr. Fisher decided. however, that
THE Old spider" should have new
coat Of paint q new canopy and new
seat lining. Tire catriage is new in
the hands Of the painters and when
it energies in o fresh coat OF black
and green it will be in condition to
roll 10 Charles street alongside the
most modern brougham-
Mr.. Bowers is taking great pride in
the resurrection Of The Old Spider"
and points to il as perhaps the most
remarkable specimen Of the thorough
Workmanship of his grandfather.-Bal-
timore SUM-