The Merrill Historical Society and Blooming Wishes have again joined together to produce a historical contest, “Jack the Trolley Dog.”
The Merrill Railway & Lighting Company operated a street car system in Merrill from 1890 until the end of 1919. It was one of the earliest street railways in the state and was responsible for a number of innovations.
The March 12, 1901 issue of The Merrill Advocate carried a story of a dog named Jack who rode the street car to visit his girlfriend on the opposite side of town.
Blooming Wishes has commissioned the painting of a historical mural on the west wall of its building at 820 E. First St. The mural will feature a Merrill street car with a spot for the likeness of “Jack the Trolley Dog.” Jack’s likeness will be selected from contest entrants submitted by the general public.
You can nominate any dog, living or in memory, by submission of a photograph with a $10 donation between July 1-19. Voting with donations will begin on July 21 and end July 31 – the dog likeness with the most funds donated will be crowned the winner on Aug. 1. His likeness will be painted on the building mural, with all appropriate bragging rights going to the owner. Donations will help support the Merrill Historical Society and defray the costs of painting the mural.
For additional information and to enter, visit Blooming Wishes, 820 E. First St., Merrill.