Mixed-up Memories

The Stevens Manufacturing Co. (Hong Kong) put them out in 1972, so that gives them some historical context. We got the Mixed-up Zoo Animals from a display box on the toy wall in Baenziger’s. I felt even then how low-security the arrangement seemed. It was a different age. Bizarre, whimsical mixes of different animals, whose names echoed their combos: Liolope, Rabbagator, Kangaboar, Catagator, Ostriphant, Sealag, Chickow, Dachsdeer, Giraphant. They went for 15 cents, which is equal to $1.16 in today’s money. We had them all, except Chickow (now that’s just silly!). My favorite was the Dachsdeer; he looked noble, almost heraldic. But I never cared for the Liolope; too unbalanced on his skinny legs. We had two Kangaboars. I suppose most (if not all) of them reside in the “little animal” toy chest over at John’s house.

Stuff&Junk: Old Novelties

Most of these have long vanished now. Nanny had the Dracula Bank, and we would watch with dread and fascination as the hand slowly emerged and snatched the coin away (I truly believe it was a way Nanny had of getting money off of us). I will always associated the Glow Glob (a sort of phosphorescent Play-Doh) with an accident at Omi's house involving the toilet. Our parents kept the 'novelty sensation' Out-House high up in the cabinet over the stove; you opened the little door and he 'peed' on you (naughty! hilarious!)*. We had two versions of that hippo, one rather like that and one pale purple that came off a toy carousel. It had little pegs on the bottom of its feet that we were always trying to gnaw off so it would stand up right. I wish I could figure out the name of that line of comic animals; we had several (lion, tiger, gorilla, as well as hippo and elephant). They had a little zookeeper.

*John informs me that he has the Out-house in his possession, and that it is still in pretty good shape. So not as gone as I had feared.

Kenny's Old Desire