Blaster - Burro or Mule? by Daniel S. Witkowsky '66 One of the most dynamic student groups on campus of the Colorado School of Mines is the Mining Engineering Department's Student Chapter of the Society of Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration (SME). This group of future mining professionals has been very visible on campus for many years. Most notably, they've always been the ones responsible for the historic mining competitions at Engineers' Days that we all remember. They also are active in outreach to teachers and students on the role of mining in society. One of the student chapter's most ambitious projects during 1996 was the development of an educational activity book for children to supplement the tours given at CSM's Edgar Experimental Mine in Idaho Springs. The activity book includes illustrations, a crossword puzzle, a word search, word associations and mineral identification fundamentals. Designed for third and fourth grade reading levels, the "coloring book" can also serve younger children with the help of their parents. Dayan Anderson, a CSM mining engineering senior, authored the book. During development, she decided that "Blaster," the official mascot of the Colorado School of Mines, would be a central character used to familiarize children with mining and the Edgar operation. The question soon arose, however, as to whether Blaster was a burro or really a mule. The burro is always a prominent image in mining, most often being recognized as the "best friend" of bearded prospectors in the American West. The mule has been frequently associated with mining, with the most notable image being the "20 mule team" trademark of U.S. Borax. Blaster is indeed a burro, and her history is an important part of the traditions associated with Mines. According to F.A. "Heinie" Foss, friend of Mines, and Jim Mulryan '54, the original Blaster was a burro that Foss kept as a pet for his children. She was small and affectionate, but "too lazy to have ever pulled an ore cart," according to Foss. Blaster has a place in Mines history, especially in the history of Blue Key. Blue Key, of which Foss is an honorary member, made a special point to take Blaster, whenever possible, to football games. At first, Blaster was walked to and from games from the Foss ranch on the north side of Golden by Blue Key members. Walking a burro from north Golden to Brooks Field took considerable time, most especially on the return to the ranch. With Mines' students time having always been at a premium, Foss agreed to loan a family truck and trailer to a driver, sworn to abstinence, to take Blaster to games, both in Golden and away. Blaster's most memorable trip was on the last football train to Colorado College (CC) in Colorado Springs. The train had room for luggage, kegs of Coors and, of course, Blaster. Blue Key always took care of her and shared beer with her, which she truly enjoyed. When the train arrived in the Springs, there was no unloading dock to get Blaster from the train. Blue Key was unfazed by the dilemma and decided to unload her themselves, since ". . . she only weighted about 400 pounds," according to Foss. He added, "the receiving team, the unloading team and Blaster, all a bit mellow, fell in a heap beside the box car, Blaster on top. No one was hurt, not even scratched! With proper ceremony, they proceeded to the football game."     I Blaster died at the Foss ranch around the age of 33. She was never replaced, although Foss searched for many years for ". . . a good, small riding burro that looked like Blaster (upon which) a Blue Key member or a cheerleader could ride around Brooks Field after touchdowns." He never found a replacement. Mines Magazine January/February 1997