Monsters!

A Description of Terms

What is a Monster?

Champ

Since science seems unable, for now, to explain the Champ phenomenon, famed Vermont storyteller Joe Citro says there are some compelling metaphysical theories to consider. As one example, he suggests that portions of Lake Champlain may be unstuck in time, and that Champ sightings are really glimpses through a window onto the lake's distant past. And there are other tantalizing possibilities.

Ogopogo

Ogo Pogo, Cumberland Clark, Mark Strong. 
American Interpretation, as sung by Billy Murray, Paul Whiteman Orchestra, 1926.
[verse:]

One fine day in Hindustan, 
I met a funny little man.

With googly eyes and lantern jaws,
An old silk hat and hairy paws.

When I said to that quaint old chap: 
“Why do you carry that big steel trap,

That butterfly net and rusty gun?”
He replied “listen here my son:

[refrain:]

“I’m looking for the Ogopogo,
The funny little Ogopogo.

His mother was a pollywog,
His father was a whale. 
I’m going to put a little bit of salt on his tail.

I want to find the Ogopogo 
While he’s playing on his old banjo.

I just want to take him,
Back home where I’ll stake him,
And then I will make him the sensation of a Broadway show!

[original, English verse:]

The Lord Mayor of London, 
The Lord Mayor of London,

The Lord Mayor of London 
Wants to put him in the Lord Mayor’s Show.”

[verse:]

On his banjo night and day,
The Ogopogo loves to play.

He charms the snakes and chimpanzees,
The big baboons and the bumble bees.

Lions and tigers begin to roar:
“Play us that melody just once more!”

Did I hear the sound of an old banjo?
Pardon me, I shall have to go!

Some Specimens in the Collection

• Connecticut River Monster
• Furred Fish
• Hand of a Monkey
• The Basilesk
• Pod of the Lamb of Tartary