“Josie” & Sam

Sam & Josie 1951

Of all the non-pony animals at Tiny Town, the most memorable, for me, would be Josie. Maybe someone can tell us what type of monkey she was.  Her owner, “Sam, the organ grinder man” had a one-legged crank organ which played mostly Italian chestnuts.  His job was to continuously “grind” the crank while guiding and instructing Josie, at the end of a lead.  Josie would work the crowd with her hand out, grabbing coins and stuffing them in the little pockets of her red corduroy vest.  After hours, I enjoyed hanging out with Josie.  I remember the feel of her exquisite little fingers when she grasped my hand and the strength of her tail, coiling my ankle.  For sure, one thing you’d never want to do, was extend an empty, out-stretched hand to Josie.  She could slap your hand with surprising swiftness and might!