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Ever notice how more and more people today dream of walking around in a heavy, metallic, half-monkey suit? Well, would it interest you to know that at one time they actually did? That's right. In 1902 retired railroad engineer Marcus Broome, sensing a growing need, introduced his revolutionary ride the Fabulous Steam Half-Monkey Walk to an eager public that at the New Jersey State Fair. It created an immediate sensation and no one who took the ride was ever to forget it. People of all kinds flocked to give it a try: the stuffy Wall Street stockbroker could delight in this steam simian half-suit right beside the haughty Bowery tart. Young, old, rich, poor, all races, all religions—everyone reveled in the half-monkey walk. Perhaps that was part of the appeal. Not knowing who your fellow walkers were. No one recognized the front half of the heavy, metallic, steam monkey beside them. Only a back view revealed some characteristics of the wearer: it was the great equalizer. And let's face it--a heavy, metallic steam half-simian really doesn't have to answer to anyone. Maybe people today will wake up. Maybe technology, which has "advanced so far", will finally realize the social (and recreational!) benefits of strolling the half-monkey for a spell, and revive this lost and forgotten carnival gem. E-card written and drawn by Larry Blamire, copyright © 2007 by Bali Hai Entertainment

All contents copyright © 2007 by Larry Blamire.