Tiny Plastic Monkeys

Submitted by Planet Joan July 27th, 2010
Certifikitsch Winner

These are the type of animals that used to top an ice cream creation called “The Zoo” served at an ice cream parlor in Sunnyvale California (where I grew up) called Farrells Ice Cream Parlor.If you dared order this ice cream item (A large bowl with several different scoops of ice cream with the works-then decorated with tiny plastic mermaids and animals), when it was ready, two waiters wearing thier uniform of a red and white striped vest and styrofom straw hat, would run your “Zoo” around the place on a stretcher to the sound of a siren, before arriving at your table (usually for a birthday). I don’t remember if I acquired these by saving them from my childhood or buying them because they remind me of Ferrells, but I had them hanging around my car, and house.

5 Responses to “Tiny Plastic Monkeys”

  1. Allee Willis

    We had Farrells Ice Cream Parlors out here in LA too. Not sure if they’re still here.

    I remember these monkeys from hanging on the sides of drinks. I still have a bunch of them. They still make them but you can always spot the vintage ones from the repros.

    Hanging off the side of any dish or glass the monkeys guarantee better taste!

    (The AWMOK Jungle Animal Petting Zoo is a scenic attraction whose cages are currently being filled to coincide with the release of the upcoming Pomplamoose with Allee Willis “Jungle Animal” VideoSong and online music game and contest. Jungle tamer, AWMOK creator, curator and charming hostess, Allee Willis, me, will be steadily leading jungle animals to their cages over the next 1-2 months or so as you bring them here until the song is released. If ever there ever was a category that was primed to be kitschified it’s that of “Jungle Animal” as all the stripes, spots and fur have been inspiration for designers since the beginning of time. I thank you all in advance for placing your jungle pets in such an illustrious cage as The Allee Willis Museum of Kitsch. Keep them coming!)

  2. Michael Ely

    I have a collection of these little guys too (as well as the mermaids). I use them decorate my tiki mug collection.

  3. Mark Blackwell

    i have a ton of these as well, mostly latter day repros i suppose but a few from back in the day – several dozen glued around an archway in my living room and a number more stuck to my refrigerator. nice!!!