Owney needs no introduction to those who are familiar with Railway Mail Service history. Between his 1887 puppy-hood and June 11th, 1897, Owney touched the lives of many as he trotted his way into the hearts of Railway Mail Clerks.

Other articles (see here) generally describe his life and travels. This introspection focuses upon a momentary time and place preserved in this un-dated photograph.

Although Harry S. Heath added “OWNEY” to the image, the ribbons and tags as well as his Border Terrier appearance are sufficient identification. Evidently, a postal clerk brought Owney to the photographic studio to preserve the visit. Mr. Heath likely added “OWNEY” to the image so that duplicate copies of the cabinet card could be sold. Perhaps other identical cards will turn up in the future.

Where is Plymouth, Grafton County, New Hampshire? How did Owney travel there? The Railway Post Office route was the Lancaster & Boston, operating over the Boston & Maine Railroad.

The central portion of the LANCASTER & BOSTON route is depicted on a Boston & Maine Railroad undated map that appears to be circa 1890, during Owney’s travel era. Plymouth is approximately midway along this RPO line.

The train depot at Plymouth may have been constructed after Owney’s visit, since these views are said to be circa 1908 and 1912.

Getting off the Railway Post Office car in the town of Plymouth, Owney may have had this perspective of dirt streets and tidy buildings.

The question arises: why did Owney get off the train at Plymouth, New Hampshire, which was an intermediate stop along the Lancaster & Boston RPO route? This location is not a junction with another route, nor is it one of the endpoints of a run at which all crew members would enter or exit a RPO car. The most plausible reason is that one of the crew lived in Plymouth and wanted to memorialize the trip with Owney. During this era, the only practical means was to visit a professional photographer.

Who might have been the Railway Mail Clerk that walked Owney to the Harry S. Heath photography studio? While not all clerks appointed to the Lancaster & Boston RPO have been identified and the specific year is unknown, Edward G. Currier is one possibility. While it can never be proven, Owney may have accompanied Mr. Currier on the Lancaster & Boston Railway Post Office during a trip. Mr. Currier lived his entire life in Plymouth between 1867 and 1913. He is listed in the Official Register during 1895, earning $1,000 per annum.

Not much else is known about Mr. Currier. Whether it was in fact Mr. Currier or someone else who accompanied Owney at Plymouth one day during the 1890s, postal historians today are grateful that an uncommon photographic image was captured for the ages.

Dr. Frank R. Scheer – Copyright 2019

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