Folk Dog. In 1903, most people were walking, riding bikes or horses and traveling by horse and buggy, trains or boats. There were no developed road systems, only trails, dirt and gravel roads, no maps nor service stations or places to stay. The newly invented automobile was deemed a toy for the rich and most people had never even seen one. Dr. H. Nelson Jackson, on a bet, decided to attempt a cross country trip from San Francisco to New York City. With a newly purchased "Winston" manufactured in Cleveland, proving the "horseless carriage" could accomplish this venture. With the addition of a mechanic, the long harrowing trip commenced. Hampered along the way by lack of parts, crossing rivers using train bridges and getting lost and having to retrace their way, they reached Idaho and encountered a stray bulldog which followed the car. The pair added him to the entourage and dubbed him with the name "Bud". Dr. Nelson fitted the animal with goggles to fend off irritating dust. Along the way, people crowded around to see their first auto and especially the goggled bulldog who was making the first cross country drive famous. Newspapers reported the event as it progressed. The trip which started in May, ended in July taking 63 days. Upon Dr. Jackson's return to his home in Burlington, Vermont, Bud became a member of the family. He was often seen riding around the town with his master until his death from old age. His goggles, pictures and stories are displayed today and can be viewed at the Smithsonian in Washington D.C.
Folk Dog. In 1903, most people were walking, riding bikes or horses and traveling by horse and buggy, trains or boats. There were no developed road systems, only trails, dirt and gravel roads, no maps nor service stations or places to stay. The newly invented automobile was deemed a toy for the rich and most people had never even seen one. Dr. H. Nelson Jackson, on a bet, decided to attempt a cross country trip from San Francisco to New York City. With a newly purchased "Winston" manufactured in Cleveland, proving the "horseless carriage" could accomplish this venture. With the addition of a mechanic, the long harrowing trip commenced. Hampered along the way by lack of parts, crossing rivers using train bridges and getting lost and having to retrace their way, they reached Idaho and encountered a stray bulldog which followed the car. The pair added him to the entourage and dubbed him with the name "Bud". Dr. Nelson fitted the animal with goggles to fend off irritating dust. Along the way, people crowded around to see their first auto and especially the goggled bulldog who was making the first cross country drive famous. Newspapers reported the event as it progressed. The trip which started in May, ended in July taking 63 days. Upon Dr. Jackson's return to his home in Burlington, Vermont, Bud became a member of the family. He was often seen riding around the town with his master until his death from old age. His goggles, pictures and stories are displayed today and can be viewed at the Smithsonian in Washington D.C.
Bio by: Donald Greyfield
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