A traveling “Buster Brown Show” drew a fine crowd in front of the Star Mercantile at a Chautauqua held at Alta Vista in August of 1912. Originally a cartoon created in 1902, the “Buster Brown” character was purchased by the Brown Shoe Company as a mascot in 1904. In the early 1900s, little people were hired to portray Buster Brown in traveling shows, promoting the show brand. The Star Mercantile was located in one half of the first floor of the Pearl Opera House.