Buster, the mascot of the Mary Powell steamboat, was loved by the crew and passengers as they sailed on the waters of the Hudson River.
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| Captain Anderson and Buster |
Buster, a brindle bulldog, was born in 1897. His owner was A. Eltinge Anderson, the Captain of the steamboat Mary Powell. Buster would go to work with his master, making many friends and becoming famous as an excellent swimmer and sailor.
When allowed, Buster would leap over the railing of the boat and play in the water. When it was time to come back aboard, one of the members of the crew would go out onto a float and lure the dog to the float by throwing him a stick. Buster would go after the stick and bring it back to the float in his mouth. The sailor would grab the stick and haul Buster up onto the float. Once on the float, another crew member would throw out a line to the man on the float to fasten around the dog's body. Buster would then dive back into the water and be pulled back into the boat.
One day, when the steamboat was being painted, one of the painters fell from the scaffolding into the river. Buster witnessed the accident and immediately leaped into the water and grabbed him by his collar. As soon as Buster realized the painter was a good swimmer and didn't need his assistance, he let go of the man and swam after his hat which was being carried off by the tide.
Buster had many tricks to entertain the crew and passengers. Sometimes the Captain would have the sailors of the boat form a line and make a loop of their arms so Buster could leap through the loops one by one without stopping. The talented dog was also taught to pray. Upon command, Buster would leap into a chair, place his forepaws over the back of the chair and bow his head until the Captain said Amen.
In 1908, at the age of 11, Buster passed away. According to the New York Times, "Of all the mascots which are supposed to bring good luck to the ships and boats which ply in the harbor of New York there is none more accomplished than Buster, the mascot of the Mary Powell."
