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Zip the Monkey
by Rushton
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Read memories from others. |
More memories from:
2003-2005
This memory was added on: September 19, 2008
My monkey was a present from my "Paw" that raised me. She looked just like Zip - only Candy (as I named her) had on a white dress with colored polka dots and a hat to match. Her hat was more like a old style nurses cap.
Debra
This memory was added on: August 23, 2008
Well i am very lucky to still have my zip. We are still very close. He is my best friend, we have been together forever. I
was very small my when i got him. My grandma said my life was hard as a child and without him i would not be the person
i am today. He has been a life saver, i could not imagine my life without him. He is very special to me and i love him. Thanx
for always being my my friend zip, i love you.
Linda
This memory was added on: August 12, 2008
My son, Billy, was born in 1977. My brother and sister in law gave him a stuffed monkey named ZIP one year for christmas. He carried this little fellow around everywhere. They slept together every night and I remember checking on Billy at night and Zip was always in his arms.
Billy died in 1987 (9years old). He was tragically run over by a farm tractor. I didn't want him to be alone so I lay Zip in his arms in the casket and they are forever together.
Since then I have been looking for another Zip for me, but, I can't find one. I loved that monkey because he brought my son so much joy and love for 8 years.
Vernon W.
This memory was added on: July 6, 2008
Holy Monkeys! My brother had a bunch of these, but without the shirt. They were like the one on the album cover. He had "Old Monkey", "New Monkey" and then one Christmas he got "Big Monkey'. I don't know why but the night he got him I was trying to cut its hair and it got a huge bald spot. My brother bawled. He doesn't remember his childhood toys, maybe I traumatized him.
Dar
1964
This memory was added on: April 12, 2008
In 1985 when I was 2, I saw Zippy in a store and loved it, so my mom bought it for me. It was a larger one (the 1984 model) and so I would hold its hand and have it “walk” with me. I took it everywhere with me for years. However, when I was 8, my brother (2 years my senior) had some strange fears regarding various things in our house and he decided that my Zippy was “demon possessed”. My dad had always tried to alleviate these fears by getting rid of whatever he was afraid of. They told me that Zippy would have to go. I felt numb with pain. I rode with them to the city garbage dump and watched as they threw Zippy in and he was run over by a heavy machine. The tears flowed down my face. It was one of the most traumatic events of my childhood, next to the death of my grandfather when I was 11.
He also decided that he was afraid of my mom’s childhood doll which had 3 faces. A full body suit with a hard bonnet hid the other faces. A lever under the chin changed the faces, a happy one, a sad one and a sleeping one. My mom and I returned home one day to find that my dad and brother had burned it in the fire place! My mom had been from a very poor family. She had seen the doll and loved it. Her parents saved up and bought it for her. I would love to find that doll again. I don’t know why I never got smart and decided that I was “afraid” of some of his favorite things!
I recently found another, smaller Zippy at an antique shop when I was there with my second son, a 13 month old baby. He was immediately drawn to it and squeeled with delight when he hugged him. When I put the Zippy back, my baby cried, so we bought it for him for 20 bucks. He loves his Zippy, he carries him around like a baby on his shoulder with his head resting on it. He also hugs it while he is nursing. My older son, almost 3, also likes the zippy so I am now looking on Ebay for one for him. I love all things monkey, I have noticed that I gravitate toward monkeys on my kids clothes. If it has a monkey on it, I buy it! How I wish I still had my Zippy.
- Mercedes
This memory was added on: March 10, 2008
I'm 31 years old and had forgotten all about my Tippy monkey with her banana and squeaky arm until I saw a cartoon still of the 80's cartoon on someone's MySpace page. I instantly had a wave of memories of sitting on my bedroom floor playing with my Tippy, having her and my other stuffed animals talk. Especially with my other monkey, Kokomo, that my dad bought me at Long's Drug Store. Now that I realize Tippy and Zippy were 50's dolls, mine had to be a reproduction from the 70's. Which also means I must have received her for my baby shower, before I was even born; I know she was a gift from my paternal grandmother. I loved putting her thumb or her banana in her mouth and squeezing her arm to make it squeak-those were the best features of the doll to me, she was interactive! I played with her until I was at least 10.
I'm sad to say, I dont know where she went :( . I must've given her to Goodwill one Spring cleaning year. She stuck with me through my parents divorce, my mom and me moving in with my uncle Al; then we moved in with my aunt; finally living with my maternal grandma; and then our own homes twice. That's 5 different homes I lived in and I never lost my Tippy.
Now I want to find a 70's reproduction to give to my daughter so she can have years of enjoyment and friendship just like I did with my sweet, squeaky Tippy, whom I thought was from 'Planet of the Apes'.
Desiree
This memory was added on: March 10, 2008
My great grandmother had a stuffed monkey named 'Zip' that she kept at her home for all of us to tote around when we would visit. He wore a yellow shirt with red trim and a red 'ZIP' in the middle of the shirt, red pants with suspenders, and white shoes (the ones that looked like toddler shoes). We all toted him around, but for some reason he was my favorite! In fact, as a young teen, I often carried him around on my shoulders. All of my friends would just laugh, but Zip and I had a great time together; it truly was a simpler time. I would love to find one to add to my collection of stuffed animals. Thanks for allowing us to share our stories!
Susan
This memory was added on: February 14, 2008
Based upon all of the comments in this web site, the Zip cult is alive and thriving. My brother and I had a couple of Zips when we were growing up in the 1970s. Our parents gave them to us for Christmas when we were in grade school. Those Zips took quite a bit of abuse, but we loved them and still have fond memories of them as well as a few pictures. Up until a couple of days ago, I was not very familiar with the history of Zip, but after doing some research I came across this web site. I was amazed at how many people have been touched by the Zip magic at some point during their life. Zip brings back memories of a simpler time, before cable TV, video games, cell phones, and the Internet. The last Zip we had met an early demise when my younger brother decided to start him on fire and then toss him up in the garage attic. No damage was done t o the house, but the little fella didn't survive the incident. Our parents never bought us another Zip. We miss ya, little guy. No hard feelings (I hope).
George
1963
(Did not list my brother's name in order to protect him from possible blowback from Zip lovers across the globe)
Check it out: Zip on an old comedy album cover!
(Or is this a generic knockoff? Does anybody remember having this one?)
This memory was added on: January 11, 2008
I lost Zip a few years ago on New Years in El Paso, TX. He had been with me since childhood. I was bringing him to a sleep over and next thing I knew, he was gone. I was sad. I wish I could see him again. He had a banana in his hand too. I love you buddy, where ever you are at. Peace be with you.
Crystal
This memory was added on: December 1, 2007
Can Anyone tell me where I can once again find the joys of my early childhood?? His name was was "ZIP", and we were totally inseparable from the day of my adoption till the day we had a housefire 7 1/2 yrs.ago. Even my son loved to play with my ZIP when he came into my room and layed on my bed.
The man that bought me ZIP was a judge, and he remembers buying it at Sears. I got another years later because ZIP#1 was getting tattered from overuse. So when our house burned down I lost Zip in special box, and Zip from my bed.
Does anyone know where I can find a ZIP to purchase???
Feeling Like I Lost My Best Friend
someone,somewhere in OHIO
SOBERGIRL1985
This memory was added on: November 4, 2007
My sister Phyllis was given zip as a gift when she was a little girl, but sometime through the years it was lost.
I'm hoping to find her another for her 60th birthday which is in November.
Iyaya
This memory was added on: October 14, 2007
Zippy was my very first best friend!! My parents gave him & Tippy to me when I was 5 yrs.old. I loved them soo much-although I have to
admit, it was Zippy that really won my heart! We lived in Plains, Georgia at the time and one day we went to visit my grandparents
who lived a couple of hours away. Of course my Zippy went with me to visit them, as he went everywhere with me.
Well, that night, after we had drove back home and it was time for me to go to bed, I realized, OH NO!!, I had left my Zippy at my
grandparents house!!! There was no way in the world that I could ever even think about going to sleep without him in the bed beside
me!!!!! I remember just bawling and crying out for him over & over! My dad got on the phone and called his parents to make sure it
was there. And you know what my loving family did? My grandparents called the local Trailways bus station and found out when the next
bus left coming to Plains, well, actually Americus, the next town over. They took my Zippy up to the station and asked the bus driver
if he would please take their granddaughters favorite stuffed animal along on his trip.
I remember my dad leaving in the middle of the night to go to the bus station to wait for the bus to get there. And I'll never forget
my dad telling me that when that bus pulled up and opened its door, my beloved Zippy was sitting right there in the front seat!!!!!!
Unfortunately, 10 yrs. later, my mother sold him & Tippy in a yard sale. I was about 15 yrs. old at the time, and didn't want a bunch
of old stuffed animals and baby toys anymore!
About 10 years after she sold them, at 25 yrs. old, I realized how much I really loved them, how much I loved Zippy. I'd made such
a mistake letting her sell him, my bestest friend ever! And here I sit tonight, at 35 yrs.old, remembering how I realized 10 yrs. ago
that I'd made such a terrible mistake 10 yrs. before, getting rid of my best friend that I had received 10 yrs. before that. And now,
as I watch my 5 yr. old daughter sleep, I wish so much that I had my Zippy here, to be her best friend!
I'm going to go cry now!
Kellie
East Texas
This memory was added on: September 25, 2007
My Zip is called Monty. My parents gave him to me for Easter in 1976 when I was 2 - he was up in a tree.
He has green overalls, red/white striped shirt and black shoes. But his face / hands and banana are the
same. His overalls received an upgrade with superman transfers from a cereal box in the late seventies
and after coming off worse in a tug of war with the next door neighbour his legs were placed inside a pair
of my old red socks and re-sewn onto his body during surgery performed by my mum. His nails are chewed
(as I was a nail biter) and his face and clothes are now faded, and I have considered getting him repaired
professionally, but I don't think he would be the same if he looked brand new. I too was mocked for my
scary looking friend but never cared. I love my Monty and wouldn't part with him for a million dollars.
Belinda
Australia.
This memory was added on: May 18, 2007
DeAnna 39,I have collected zip the monkey through the years and now need to part with my collection...........I have about 20 of them some are in great shape and some I have bought with plans of restoring them. I also have other vintage monkeys available. Rememer Mr. Bim?I also have a few Tippy's available. I can send you some pictures of what I have available. My email is deannastech@yahoo.com
DeAnna
1968
deannastech@yahoo.com
This memory was added on: May 14,2007
I loved zip the monkey, my mom gave me a birthday party at the roller skating ring when I was 15 and zip the monkey was there and he was awsome he can roller skate better than any human I ever seen. you go zip!!!!!!!!!!!! your pal Eric
eric
1968
sciarabba1@aol.com
This memory was added on: May 13,2007
It's funny how you remember an old friend many years down the road of life. I got Zip for Christmas in the early 60's. I recieved many wonderful gifts over the years for Christmas and Birthdays, but Zip remained a constant in my life. He went for bike rides with me, read books with me and slept with me every night. When I grew older he sat on my bed through my teenage years. And then my nephew asked me about him and thinking I was done with him I gave him away. Now I wish I had told my Sister that when David was done with Zip I would like him back. But I didn't. I am 51 years old and still think of that happy faced little monkey. How I would love to have him back. I hope all children get a stuffed animal they they love as well as I did Zip.
Joyce Hines
1955
littlebearmom@aol.com
This memory was added on: May 10,2007
I was 2 years old when my Uncle gave me my zip monkey and until I was 9 he just sat on my shelf and I never played with him. When I turned 9 though, I decided I didn't like him as zip and I took off his origanl outfit and dressed him in my old baby clothes and changed his name from zip to Angela. Then in 2003 I found out that Angela could were build a bear clothes so I started buying outfits for her and to this day I can be seen carring around Angela with me every where I go and sometimes we are wereing similar outfits too.
Angie
1982
pinky444_82@yahoo.com
This memory was added on: April 14,2007
i am turning 60 this month and i still have my zip monkey who gave me alot of security at an early age and that is why he has been with me throughout my life. I just happen upon this web site and did not realize there were so many people who have the same feelings about this monkey and i don't know why i sending this thought but zip is telling me to speak out for him. Thanks
john
4/28/47
jmoscript@hotmail.com
This memory was added on: February 25,2007
I never knew! I've had Zippy since I was 1 year old (now 32). I didn't know the history of the character. He was always just my stuffed animal monkey
Jeff
1974
jking7425@hotmail.com
This memory was added on: February 16,2007
I am 55 years old and have had Zippy as long as I can remember.He is one of the earliest ones.I slept with Zippy until I was 10 or 11 years old and never went anywhere without him.Almost all of his fur is gone now, as is his shirt.The oddest memory I have of Zip is this: My sister was 2 years older than me, and she had a habit of biting her fingernails. Keep in mind this was over 50 years ago.My Mother put red pepper on her fingernails to stop her from biting them.So she bit Zippy's fingernails off since she couldn't bite her own.Another great memory I have of Zippy is 23 years ago, my daughter was born.When I called my mother to tell her to come to the hospital because the baby was on the way, she asked me if we needed anything. I said "Yeah, bring Zippy".I still have old Zip, displayed proudly in a curio cabinet, and I always make sure all visitors to my house see Zippy.I don't know if I will be buried or cremated but I plan for Zippy to go with me.
This memory was added on: February 11,2007
Ahh, man ... memories...... I got Zip when I was maybe 2-4 yrs old. I'm almost 44, now & I STILL have him! He went everywhere with me.... and I do mean everywhere. He has the scars to prove it. I remember a couple of times leaving him outside accidently and one of the neighborhood dogs got him. He had to be rescued and brought back to me; cause everyone knew Zip was mine! But, I renamed him Cheetah (I grew up watching Tarzan! hahaha) There isn't enough money in the world to buy him from me, even though I finally cleaned him up & officially retired him a few months ago......
Wanda
1963
starinelson@hotmail.com
This memory was added on: January 26,2007
I was just a little girl when I first got my Mr. Bim. I loved him but I put a dress on him and changed his name. I carried that monkey every where like it was my baby. I have a picture of me nad a friend of my mom and dads sitting on the couch with me talking on a play phone and making Jay babysit my monkey. I wish I could find another one like him. My mother gave me my first dress and shoes, I would dress him up again and set him in my little rocking chair and remember all my best childhood memories. Thanks for letting a 53 year old woman ramble on about a little girl and a stuffed monkey she called her friend.
Rhonda E.
3/23/53
ntimid8er@msn.com
This memory was added on: January 8,2007
I am a 38 year old male. I recieved Zip the monkey doll when I was 4 yrs. old. Zip was my favorite toy and companion growing up and I kept him for a long period of time. When my mother passed in the year of 2000 from a terrible cancer, it was then Zip was lost forever. Being in her posession for around 5yrs. in her attic, it was somehow lost when the attic was emptied and has never been found since. One of my greatest memories of having Zip was bringing him to the 1st day of kindergarten and kicking my teacher in the shin for not allowing me to have him in the classroom! Needless to say she gave in and I sat with Zip in the classroom for the rest of the year. I don't know what the attachment was, but I sure would like to find my long lost friend "Zip"! Tony A.
Tony
1968
tauffant@optonline.net
This memory was added on: January 2,2007
My Mom and little brother had just died in a house fire and I was really sad. My Dad brought me to Toys R' Us and said I could get whatever stuffed animal I wanted. He showed me Zip, but I didn't want him because he was small. I wanted the one way up on the top shelf. He pulled down what seemed like a really big white monkey, Tippy, with the bright smiling face and real looking sneakers. I fell in love instantly. I named him (I didn't realize it was a girl) John Monkey after my brother who had died. I was inseparable from him for 7 years, lovingly repairing his injuries until one day his head fell off and I knew it was the end. He was my best friend for my entire childhood. I don't know how I would have made it through without him.
Kiyo
1957
kiyogordon111@hotmail.com
This memory was added on: December 30,2006
Zip was my best friend... I took him everywhere. I was a thumb sucking kind of kid and when I was made to stop... I took up Zips! He didn't mind he succombed to the nightly ritual and never told a soul.
One day when I was nine, I was walking around the complex that I lived in with my Mother. She was not a very nice person; still isn't. She took my buddy, Zip, and tossed him into the garbage dumpster!
I was scared of her (not any longer)but I musterd up the courage to climb up to the dumpster an snatched my best friend from an untimely demise.
I put him under my bed wrapped up in some rags... I would take him out from under my bed and hug on him very tightly and fall fast to sleep.
Sadly, on day my mother was waiting for me when I came home from school... she found him! She beat my good. Then she told me that I would never see Zip again. She ripped him apart and tossed him into the dumpster. I couldn't save him... I missed him so much!
33314
1953
PeachyZ2@hotmail.com
This memory was added on: December 18,2006
hi i have been searching for a monkey that i remember my brother getting as a child.. we use to play with him all the time! after years of climbing trees and other adventures my brother's monkey which name was sammy...was in despereate need of sewing...well a friend sewed him up for my brother and needless to say he came back from the doll hospital purple...after that he just wasn't the same.. my brother didn't like him anymore...he was ruined..well anyways the monkey wasn't zip at least i don't think so...but i belive it is Mr. Bim... we loved this monkey and one day i recieved this catolg in the mail called betty's attic and low and behold I think it's Mr. Bim or something like him.. he has the bannana and the red suspenders and is very cheap so i odered it as a suprise for my brother..... not sure if this is the one... also in the catolg he is just called retro monkey...after reading this i looked up mr. bim and the one i saw mr. bim top was different.. this was another web site for toys from different era's ..Well i hope this can help all of u. i'll let u know if i got the right one...
sheila
1973
princeessa@aol.com
This memory was added on: December 18,2006
My brother had one of these and he just loved it, took it everywhere with him. we went on vacation and left it at home, he cried for 2 weeks, honest!
bailey
1967
baileykay30@yahoo.com
This memory was added on: December 14,2006
I got my monkey when I was around 4, in 1964. I named him Micheal Monkey and he was my best friend. My sister Betty made him talk and we went everywhere together well into high school. Betty saved him from the trash many times and saved him with restuffing surgery on her top bunk. I chewed off his hand and she gave him a masking tape cast. In the seventies I drew Dark Shadows vampire marks on his neck with permanent marker. In the first grade I wrote left on his right foot and right on his left foot also permanent marker. I still have him on my bed today and I am 46. Micheal will always be my first friend.Micheal has survived many washing machine loads because of pinworms!!
marilyn corliss
1960
marilyn.corliss@verizon.net
This memory was added on: December 7,2006
My poor Zippy, he had pen marks all around his eyes and face to make them stand out. His shoes were so dirty, that I tried to to wash them. He got swung around by his ears, arms and legs, but he was my best friend. Then when I out grew him, my brother got him. HA! He'd disappear for days at a time. (I secretly knew that Zippy didn't love him as much as he loved me!) Well one time Zippy disappeared, and never came back. AND I got blamed.... to this day 40 years later, that I did him in, SO.....on E-bay I went and found a Zippy, he may not be as colorful as the old Zippy, but maybe my brother will have forgetten my art work, (just like the time I dropped him out the window), and he will be happy Zippy is back in his arms!
Ruthannie
1954
ruthannpenna@aol.com
This memory was added on: December 3,2006
I just bought a Zippy doll on eBay for my wife. Her story of Zippy resembles many others listed on this site. She named him "Jimmy" and didn't know how to go about finding the doll she'd lost when she was 9 and cried for over a year about. She never forgotten her Jimmy and many times mentioned him to me. Jokingly I'd ask her how much she would pay for Jimmy and she would say $3000 w/out hesitation. Luckily, I found him for a fraction of that. My wife is a bit of a clean freak, hence her nickname "Monk", however when she saw her Jimmy she hugged him like it was yesterday. It was PRICELESS. I guess Zippy, or Jimmy has left a lasting impression on lots of folks over the years. My wife is one of many.
Mari
1967
zerep36@h
This memory was added on: December 2,2006
My mom has told me her story, and my Grandmother has confirmed it. This Christmas, my mother was 8, and it was 1957. My Mother was smitten with Zip the Monkey. Everyday, she walked by the Woolworths, were Zip the Monkey sat in the window display, at the affordable price of 9.99$. Every school day, my mother would stare and admire the little monkey, from his white coveralls, down to his little white tennis shoes. My mom told my Grandmother about the monkey, hoping she might buy it for Christmas. My Grandmother was a busy woman for those days. Raising 3 daughters, by herself without support was and still is a difficult situation. My Grandmother did find a monkey for sale. She believed that the monkey looked very real, having real fur and looking almost alive. This was not the monkey my mom wanted, but a more expensive monkey which sold for 30.00$ My Grandmother thought she was getting the best gift ever for my mom. Come Christmas day, my mom recieves the monkey and has a breakdown. She cried and cried on Christmas morning, and her older Sister and Younger sister taunted her with her. She ended up crying all night, because the real fur and its look terrified her. My Grandmother who had spent 30.00$ on a monkey that was not wanted was furious and took the monkey away from my Mom. She ended up selling it to her Sister, and no more was ever said about the monkey. Every now and then she tells us this story, and today it made me laugh out loud, my Grandmother as well. I decided to see if I could find the monkey today, and I think im getting closer. Merry Christmas all.
Richard Melgar
10-21-1972
foad@charter.net
This memory was added on: November 27,2006
I actually don't have any memories of Mr. Bim or Zippy, but my fiance had a chimp doll similar to both. I believe it is a Mr. Bim from the descriptions I have seen, but this one has no suspenders and it has a rubber hat on its head that looks like some type of circus or band member's hat. Anyone know what monkey this would be? It did have a banana and the vinyl/rubber face, hands, and ears. It looks like a Mr. Bim, but the hat is really throwing me. Can't find anything like it on the Internet. (Oh yeah, it's tag says "Elka toys"
Tiffany Mettlin
1975
wiffertjoe@cfu.net
This memory was added on: November 18,2006
My sisters and I played with Zippy when we were young. We used to love him so much and would often fight over who was going to hold and carry him when we went to his house. His house was our grandmothers house. My mother used to play with zippy when she was little also. Mom is 60 years old, I am 39. My grandmother held onto Zippy forever and after my sisters and I became too old to really care so much about playing with Zippy, grandma put him away. I asked grandma about him in my early 20's and she fished him out for me. Zippy just hung around again,his favorite spot seemingly the back of grandmas sofa. As time went by, Zippy acquired many new outfits. I dont remember the original I've seen on different web sites. Two years ago, grandma passed away and now Zippy lives with me and sits on my nightstand beside my bed. I cant say Zippy is fragile. He's a tough old guy for sure. There have been small tears here and there that I've repaired but my own kids enjoy picking him up and playing with him. I would love to purchase another Zippy and even his girlfriend, Tippy? He's such a terrific monkey that I cant imagine being without him. He's a wonderful memory of times long passed and a wonderful of grandma who always took such great care of him. He still is in amazing shape, by the way. I'd like to pass him down to my grandkids someday but only if they share my love of Zippy.
Stephanie
1967
stefxo04@aol.com
This memory was added on: November 13,2006
When I was little I got got my first Zip monkey. My sister got one at the same time. I hear stories about everyone getting them in the 50s and 60s, but we got ours in the 80s. I remember carrying it around everywhere. I loved it! We moved arround a lot and it got lost. I wish I still had it. Now my son's favorite animal is a monkey. He has quite a collection of stuffed monkeys.Including one from my husbands old toys. It would be nice for him to have mine.
Melissa
1980
lissacj@yahoo.com
This memory was added on: November 10,2006
My Zippy the chimp was my best friend in the whole world from the time I was 5 years old in 1955(purchased from Sears and Robuck catalog) until I was 23 (pathetic huh?)and moved down to Maryland from New York. He had been sewn so many times, he was literally falling apart. I took him into a doll hospital in New York and asked if they could fix him up for me. They told me no. What a shame! I finally threw him away since he appeared to be a health hazard. I am 56 years old and I still remember the day I received him for Christmas with his white buckskin looking shoes and cute little outfit, and sitting him on my lap. My dad once had to turn back 100 miles to a relative's house because I left him there and didn't want to be without him. I am now trying to obtain one on ebay. Hope it's possible!
Carmela
1950
Rosequartz54@yahoo.com
This memory was added on: October 6,2006
My twin sister an I shared our Zippy, who was a hand-me-down from cousins. One night I got him, one night she did. We ate off his ears, made some headway at eating his fingertips, and rubbed his fur off. When I was in my early teens, I re-built Zippy's body, now his torso, arms and legs are black with horseshoes....and even that tore because he was a REAL monkey until we were way to old to be going to sleep with a stuffed animal. We knitted and crochted sweaters, jumpsuits, and hats for him/her. He was always on the top of the list of things to grab if ever there was a fire. Now Zippy is on my dresser next to an original Zippy and his blond girlfriend which my sister bought me for some holiday on eBay. I'm lucky I got to keep Zippy, all the kids in the next generation thought he was scary. What do they know! If we ever had a fire, Zippy is the posession I'd go for first.
Jessei
08
This memory was added on: September 9,2006
Zip and I were inseparable when I was a child. I wasn't a Howdy Doody fan, but for some reason I was drawn to the stuffed animal. I took him everywhere, on vacation, shopping, out to eat, the beach, you name it-he went with me. I used to keep him by my bed as a kid so he would protect me at night. My wife and I had a baby girl two months ago, and guess who is sitting on her dresser! Zips presence is a bit of a friendly quandary in our house these days as my wife thinks he's a bit creepy looking:)
Kurt Heinlein
1969
kurtheinlein@hotmail.com
This memory was added on: September 8,2006
I still have my Zippy doll. I don't remember a time when I didn't have him. My mother gave him to me when I was a baby. I have friends who make fun of him, but I don't care. He has leather ears that my dad made for him after our dog Timmy chewed the first ones off. His stuffing is coming out of one foot. His squeaker stopped working when I was little. He has a little hole in his neck, and I am afraid to wash him because he's so old and torn. But I love him and I always will, and my fiance says "he's OK" although he doesn't like him in bed with us.
ilovezip
1972
This memory was added on: August 9,2006
We were watching old movies this weekend while visiting my parents, and my son commented on the "creepy monkey" that I carried around. My brother thought that was funny, but I did NOT! Tonight I brought my Zippy out of my closet, and was devastated to discover his left arm squeaker has dried up, and now goes "crunch" instead of making that endearing monkey noise. I am thrilled to find out there are many other Zippy monkey fans!!
Barbie
1967
MrsNitmar@aol.com
This memory was added on: August 2,2006
My Zip was handed down to me from my older sister. She probably received him in the late '60s, I was born in '73 and loved Zip my whole life. I still have him today, he has no clothes and all of his fur has been rubbed off. My family still laughs about the "ugly" monkey I used to carry everywhere! He was my best friend. I had no idea there were people out there that felt the same way about their Zips.
Linda
1973
This memory was added on: July 24,2006
I was born in 1967 and got my first Zip when I was about 4 years old. I got him on Christmas day. My older brother told me his name was "Zip" because he could actually read what was on the t-shirt. I showed my mother what Santa had brought me. She asked me what I would name him and I had to tell her that he already had a name: Zip! Zip got put through the ringer and went everywhere with me. Whenever he'd get torn, he'd go home with our family friend and house keeper to the "monkey hospital". I'd miss him for days until he finally returned all fixed up! Over the years, I only had fond memories of Zip until my wife, as a wedding present, reunited me with him (via eBay) in 2003! Now he has a place of honor in my bedroom.
F.B.
1967
This memory was added on: July 24,2006
I was born is 74 and I had one also .. BUt now i have to spend at least $100 to get one again.. Is this healthy???? He went to JAWS with me at US and I was so scared I was squeezing him so tight... I want my kids to enjoy him also. For now Im buying one and seeing what great deals I can get on other ones in the near future
brandie
1974
brandiemmof4@yahoo.com
This memory was added on: July 23,2006
I had no idea that Zip meant as much to others as he did to me. I called him "Zippy" and he and I were pretty much inseperable after I got him for my 2nd birthday in 1975. He sits in my closet next to my husband's "brown monkey" that was his childhood friend. I still remember the night Zippy lost his squeak...My parents were out and we had a babysitter. I was in bed and Zippy stopped squeaking. I was devastated, and the sitter had no idea why I was so upset. I lost him once and for several weeks couldn't find him anywhere. One day I opened the milk box on the front porch which had not been used in months, and there he was. I never let him out of my sight again. My other stuffed animals have been long since thrown out or given away, but Zippy is a permanent childhood memory that I will never part with.
Jenny
1973
This memory was added on: July 14,2006
My Zip was given to me by my big brother when I was born....Apparently I chewed off his ears at some point and I loved him untill his body fell apart! My grandmother bought a monkey and sewed on Zip's hands, shoes, and face. I still sleep w/ him and all though everyone that sees him makes fun of him and his strange body I LOVE him and I tell me fiance all the time that he is just going to have to get used to the "other" love in my life! Zip Rocks!
Beth Roberson
1982
brobersontn@yahoo.com
This memory was added on: July 10,2006
I still have my Zippy. He was my favorite now my daughter plays with him. My zippy looks just like the picture he is missing his hat. If my memory serves me mine had a white hat. I had no Idea he was such a popular Item. I was born in 74', none of my friends ever had on. I never new he was this special.
Danielle
1974
preschlthcr123@aol.com
This memory was added on: July 10,2006
My mom took me to have my picture taken when I was about 3, and it still hangs on her "picture wall"...I was holding Zip, my favorite toy in the whole world. I still have him, although he doesn't have any clothes, and his mouth is split wide open so that if I'm not careful, all of his stuffing is going to be pulling out by my children! I've been working up to buying another one on Ebay; I'm really surprised at how often they are listed! I probably should get one now...who knows how much longer they will be available. I love my Zip!
Cindy Schafer
1970
abc2ktommy@yahoo.com
This memory was added on: July 10,2006
Zippy was my favorite friend. I got him when I was 2 years old. I slept with him up until the day I got married. I still have him stored in my closet. His red cords are torn, I lost his yellow t-shirt and cap. His arm hasn't beeped since I was 7 years old. He has very little fur on his head because whenever my brother went to get a "crew-cut" I gave Zippy one too. Only problem--Zippy's fur didn't grow back! In 1975, I bought my daughter a Zippy prior to her birth. She still has her Zippy too. Her Zippy is in much better condition because he wasn't played to death with. Her favorite friend was Kermit the Frog.
Kathy
1951
This memory was added on: June 29,2006
i had a zippy and i loved him dearly.But soon he became something with a little wear and tear and his head was coming off I DIDN'T CARE so when i came home from first grade i went to throw away a ripped paper and OH MY GOSH there zippy was right at the top of the trash can.I went running and crying to my mom i told her why did you throw away zippy:( she said now he is a piece of trash .I stopped crying and said can i at least keep his head so she said ok .To this day i still have zippys head in my living room.
jaden
1950
stxrider@charter.net
This memory was added on: June 28,2006
I FIRST GOT MY ZIP MONKEY WHEN I WAS 8, IT WAS MY FAVORITE TOY, SOME HOW HE GOT LOST AND 4 YEARS AGO MY BEST FRIEND FOUND ONE AT A FLEA MAKET IN PERFECT CONDITION AND GIVE IT TO ME. I CRIED FOR HOURS, THIS MONKEY WILL GO TO THE GRAVE WITH ME, I HAD SO MANY GREAT MEMORIES OF ZIP WHEN I WAS A CHILD.I AM NOW 57 YEARS OLD AND HAVE ZIP IN A GLASS CASE IN MY LIVING ROOM.
DONA KIRK
FEB.8 1949
DKIRK214@AOL.COM
This memory was added on: June 25,2006
I still have my Zip, Tip, Skip and Tippy. My Zip is well worn - and doesn't squeek anymore (my older sister stuck pins in him because he would squeek at night!). He and Tip have had various plastic surgeries over the years, and my poor mother had to make new red overalls several times! I wouldn't part with the family for anything. I gave my great niece a Tip I had stored away for several years - and at two years old she is in love with her new friend - so glad a new generation is keeping the monkey love going!
Louise
1968
luweezg@hotmail.com
This memory was added on: June 24,2006
My sister and I always use to fight over my monkey zippy he was our favorite we still talk about him till this day
Jennifer
1983
newcreation@hellokitty.com
This memory was added on: June 20,2006
I am 41 yrs old and I still miss my Zip monkey! When I was little I had a Zip and I accidently left it out in the rain and my mom made me throw him in the trash barrel and burned him. I have been looking for zip ever since.
Dana Corneles
1964
Callapiller40@aol.com
This memory was added on: June 10,2006
I'm sitting here looking at my Zip and feeling so fortunate to still have him. My father (who is now passed) gave me my Zippy for X-mas when I was obviously at a destructive age because he is currently missing a finger tip and his boots are falling off. I love this monkey. I never went anywhere with out him and dressed him up constantly currently he is wearing boy briefs and an infant t-shirt that was mine as a baby. I want to restore him but I don't want to lose the memories I have as a child of trying to be so careful because he was falling apart. Until today I thought I had named him Zip LOL. I thought I was so creative. I plan to pass him on to my nephew and buy a new one for my other nephew. They already love monkeys at the age 3 and 4 so I hope they will love their Zips as much as all of us have. It's great to read the stories and are so touching. My best to all the Zip lovers out there. Best regards, Marla
Marla
12/28/71
marla_markey@hotmail.com
This memory was added on: June 7,2006
I had a Zip when I was about 4 years old. I carried him everywhere. His arms were falling off, stuffing coming out, but I didn't care. One day while I was at school (kindergarten, I guess) my mom threw him out. I was devastated to come home and find my Zip gone. Many many years later, like when I was 30 or something, my mom bought me a new Zip. Uh... not the same. I couldn't keep it. I think I sold it on Ebay. (Parents, do not throw away any of your child's dear possessions... it causes severe trauma that goes into adulthood!)
Gina
1967
This memory was added on: June 4,2006
Hi this willian I an 44 years old and I still have my zippy,s. My first one was set on fire by my older brother when I was about 4. alls I had left was one ear which I carried until it came up missing.well since then I have managed to collect a good amount of Zippy,s. I have four old sock monkeys, 15 zippy,s 9 monkeys holding bannanas,I also have 19 antique monkeys with felt and mohair, and glass eyes.my favorite one is an animated one from about the early 1910,s. I also have 2 railroad monkeys and three of the little blond girl zips. also I have 6 that are verry unusual,by there like facial expressions of being goofy or drunk. I have one zippy that comes to my waste, and im 5-9.SO as you can tell im a big zippy fan.
william
08-04-1961
jcksrnd@aol.com
This memory was added on: May 29,2006
I still have my Zippy. He and Pooh Bear were my best stuffed friends growing up. I had to go to a children's hospital when I was in the third grade for a week so they could do a lot of testing on my heart. I did not pack Zippy and Pooh thinking I was too "grown up". When I arrived at the hospital I must have looked extremely worried. My mom reached down and asked me if I wanted my dad to go get anything from home. I asked if he could please bring my Zippy and Pooh Bear. He did. I will never forget that. I have fond memories everytime a look upon the plastic face of this friendly monkey. P.S. I also have Tippy the girl monkey. Use to have Skippy the littlest one. Don't remember what happend to him.
Sandi
1967
This memory was added on: May 21,2006
Zip is so cute! My Dad and I ask Zip questions every night . zipS arms are almost falling off so we are taking him to the doll shop to get fixed.
Eva Amantea
1996
skip36@cox.net
This memory was added on: May 15,2006
I was at my 85 yr old mother's house this past weekend, readying her for a move from my childhood home. Years before, I tried to find my pal Zippy in the attic, where everything from my childhood that hadn't been given away or thrown out was put. I/ve spent countless hours searching for Zippy with no luck. I was convinced that he had met the same fate as my lionel trains and other cherished toys - the garbage. Well, last weekend we were cleaning out a drawer and there, wrapped in cloth was my Zippy. Mine looks pretty much like the picture,but without a hat. His feet aren't white anymore and his fur is alot thinner. His corduroy pants need stitching but, all in all, he looks as handsome as I remembered. He was the only doll (if you can call him that) I ever cared about. I know now why I'm so partial to monkeys. Thank goodness we found him.
Lorraine A. Hart
1951
Lorraine@HartPatterson.com
This memory was added on: May 10,2006
My Zippy was my best friend . My brothers were a few yrs. older than me so he was my one n only playmate . I took him everywhere I went . I thought he was hungry so I poped a hole in his mouth n feed him pnuts .LOL ! Then mom would sew it shut n id just feed him again. He was the best thing n best childhood mem. I think I have . I kept him with me all through my teen yrs. and when I had a child , she was given Zippy. She ,like me took him everywhere we went. One time on the way back to visit my mom , Zippy must have fallen out of the car when we stoped for a potty break , I drove back up the road trying to find my daughters n my dear ol friend . We never did find him , n to this day I moarn his loss , Aint it funny how one yellow n black monkey with plastic hands, face n feet have such a impact on a preson so many yrs. latter . I would love to find another one like him , if you know where I can locate one , you would make my day !! I have just been on the net looking at sights trying to find him when I found this sight n just had to add my lil story . 52 yrs. old n still miss Zippy , lol aint it a shame ?
Maxine Hartman
1954
pigsngiggles@verizon.net
This memory was added on: May 10,2006
I just had to write this lil footnote , My Zippy didnt have a banana or hat either . He had a Yellow upper body , with black arms n legs , rubber face , hands n sneekers ( white ) . I have been sitting here reading what some of you have written , I am crying so I can hardly read the stories , oh my gosh !! what really got me was the one where she got one for christmas at age 40 something n how she cried like a little girl , lol so did I when I read the story . Thank you all for a wounderful trip down memery lane , my heart has been truly touched , please email if you know where I could find Zippy . Thanks so much , Blessings to all
Maxine Hartman
1954
pigsngiggles@verizon.net
This memory was added on: April 30,2006
Hi there, I'm so happy to have found this site. I had a childhood monkey that sounds alot like some of the descriptions posted. My Mr. Monkey was about 16" in height, yellow upper body, black lower. He had a plastic face,hands,banana, and white tennis shoes. He was the greatest. Any information on Mr. Monkey will be greatly appreciated. I don't know his real name. I always called him Mr. Monkey. My parents bought him for me in 1972 when I had my tonsils removed. We became best friends instantly. Thanks and God Bless.
Laurel
1967
radar29@rangebroadband.com
This memory was added on: April 6,2006
I grew up with ZIP. I had a couple other stuffed animals, but my favorite was ZIP. We played together and slept together. As I grew up I tucked him away and for many years never saw him. I moved away and started my family. my folks one summer came 1500 miles to visit the grandkids and also brought along a-bunch of my stuff left behind in my room back home. When I opened my trunk and saw ZIP on top the world stopped. Years of memories flooded through my mind. I picked him up and held him for a very long time before looking at the other things they brought me. He's still all in one piece. He never had a hat as far back as I could remember. His fingertips on this left hand are slightly melted. {confused} I asked my Mom and sisters, but they could not help jog a memory of how that happened. He safely resides in my dresser drawer and I see him every few days. He brings back many very wonderful memories. Every child should have a "friend" so special.
Dennis
1961
densherier@cox.net
This memory was added on: April 4,2006
My grandfather had given me a Zip Monkey back in the late 1950's to early 1960's. My parents made me give all my stuffed animals to my cousins since we were moving from Colorado to California and room was an issue. Several years later we visited those cousins and I saw all my precious stuffed animals, including Zip, destroyed in their basement. I WAS DEVASTATED! About 20 years later they found and gave me another Zip Monkey, which I still have and treasure almost as much as my first!!
Jan
1952
Tiaskids@aol.com
This memory was added on: April 3,2006
I am looking for a "MR.BIM" stuffed Monkey that has the peeled banana in his hand. I have a little Sister...who is 45 yrs old & when she was like 2-3 yrs old she got a "Mr. Bim" for Christmas. She had it for 7-8 yrs and it was pretty well worn out but remained her "Security Blanket" type toy. It was stolen along with alot of other things when she was 11 yrs old and she still talks about "Mr. Bim". She is such a "Special" person in my life and I would so much LOVE to find her a "Mr. Bim" to give to her as either a Birthday, Christmas , Mother's Day present -or- a Present just to show her how much she means to me & I know that would mean the world to her...to have "Mr. Bim" back in her life again. PLEASE..."Help" me find a Mr.Bim and doesn't have to be in the best shape.
Pat Ringer
1952
pringer@charter.net
This memory was added on: March 30,2006
i got zip for christmas when i was a child,then when i had a little girl she played with him, we had a flood in our basement and my husband threw him out in clean-up(if i would of known ,i would of kept him and tried to dry him and clean him)many years later still wishing i had my zip doll, i ended up finding one on e-bay and paid 70 dollars for him,he is missing a hat.some might think that silly of me but he brings back lots of childhood memories.
deb corbin
1965
debbie.corbin@mchsi.com
This memory was added on: March 27,2006
My sister Nicole had had a zip monkey. Nicole used to feed it real food. There would be dried food stuck in zip's mouth for months. Nicole took baths with it and ruined the sqweak in the arm. Zip's ears were peirced with buttons. I drew a mustache on him with permanent marker when I was ten. My sister not to mention my parents were upset with me. Nicole is now 30 with a child of her own. Zip is still with her. The mustache is finally faded. Thank goodness.
ALEX SLATER
1971
cislater@yahoo.com
This memory was added on: March 22,2006
I had a Zip monkey when I was 4 years old. He was my favorite toy. One day my grandma thought she would wash him because he had gotten so dirty due to me dragging him around everywhere. Well I came home from daycare looking for my friend Zippy. He was no where to be found. I told my grandma I could not find him. She then told me she washed him and all his stuffing came out and I would have to get another one. I was hysterical I cried and cried telling to her over and over "You Killed my Zippy", It was over 30 years ago, but I remember it like it just happened. I still feel that sadness when I think about it. At the time Zippy was my best friend. I hope to one day find another Zip.
Yolanda
1969
yocee@comcast.net
This memory was added on: March 10,2006
Zippy and Clancy were the best rushton dolls i have ever known! He's so cute!!!
jaden walker
1950
stxrider@charter.net
This memory was added on: February 11,2006
I still have my precious Zip, just like the picture posted in this thread. I got him for Christmas when I was around 4 years old, down on my grandparent's farm in Ohio. I loved him so much that I babied him. Carefully played with him so that he would not get "hurt". I loved all my stuffed animals as if they were real, and had feelings, and could get hurt. I would never allow him to be in danger of getting hurt, so my Zip is still in perfect condition...clothes, hat, and the squeaker in his arm still works. No hangtag though. Perhaps my parents removed the tag before giving it to me. I saw them for sale on ebay as well, for over $160 now. That's alot for a stuffed animal, but I still don't know if I could ever part with Zip. He sits in the guest bedroom with the other stuffed animals, where he is safe.
Janell
1967
janell6267@yahoo.com
This memory was added on: February 8,2006
Zip!! Oh my Gosh! Were on our 3rd generation of family having Zip! I had one in the 50's and then my two daughters and now 2 grandchildren and one on the way! We all just love them. I have one ready to go for our new grandchild but am missing a hat! If anyone would like to sell on I would be interested. They are the BEST!!
Chris
1953
ckott@fishinghotspots.com
This memory was added on: January 24,2006
Oh my God! I still have my Zip. I got it in 1974 when I was 2 years old. I still have it in my closet. But poor thing his clothes are all gone lol. I will never give him away he is a treasure. My uncle still has his I believe He got his in the 1950s. And my brother got one too. Although he never got attached to it like I did.
Shane
1972
allstarguy80@aol.com
This memory was added on: January 23,2006
I was first introduced to Zip at my Great Aunt's house. Her kids had a zip and when they grew up she still had it for grandkids and nieces and nephews to play with. This one was the really tall one. I used to drag it everwhere and always wanted to take it home with me. She would never let me and said it had to stay there so I could play with it when I came to visit. Finally in 1971 when I was 8 years old I got my very own Zip. It was the smaller one and looked like the picture on your website. Except mind did not have a hat. I still have my Zip and now I am 42 yrs old. I will never let him go!
Sara
1963
This memory was added on: January 23,2006
I've had my Zippy since I was 3, and I am now 53, he's a bit worn from being my best pal for many years which included bike riding, tree climbing and what ever else I dragged him through. He has a few scars, not much fuzz, but he's still smiling. My Nana hated the rubber smell so she threw him in the washing machine a few times and tried to throw him out once, but I always rescued him.
Lynette
1952
This memory was added on: January 10,2006
I got my zippy for chrisymas in 1972, he was my best friend. I had zippy until I was 23 yrs. old, when one frightful day as returning from work I discovered that my dog, a spiteful rat terrier tore zippy into a hundred pieces. I will never forget that day and am in desperate search to find a zippy exactly like him. He was approx. 18" heigh, had black fur on his head and arms, He had vinyl face, ears and hands. He wore reds pants, a black and white checked shirt and had black plastic shoes.It would be very nice to see him agian.
ann
1964
This memory was added on: January 10,2006
I had a Zip monkey since I was too young to remember. I took him every where I went. He was my constant companion and slept with me every night. When I was 4, however, he decided to spend the night in the yard instead. The next morning, my grandmother brought in the ragged remains of my beloved friend and threw him at my feet. She said, "That's what you get for leaving him in the yard." It was as if someone had thrown my childs lifeless body in front of me. I was devasted and cried for days. About a year later, I was blessed on my birthday with Zip 2. I was so happy. We returned again to the joyful life we once shared together. We, as before, were inseperable. I continued to sleep with him up until I was 13 years old. As the years went by he traveled with me into adulthood. When I was 20, I moved across the country and put my things in storage. Upon my return, I was infromed that the storage had been burgled and my precious Zip 2 had been kidnapped. I search high and low to find my friend but he was never found. Fastforward to Christams of 2005. I am 40 years old now. We were at my sisters. We all opened our Chritmas gifts and there was one she wouldn't let me open until last. It was a big Christmas tin with big bows attatched and everyone in the room turned to watch. Not knowing what to think, I carfully pulled open the lid and there on the top of something wrapped in red tissue paper was a note. It read "Where have you been? I have been looking for you." I knoew almost imediately that my long lost friend had come back to me. I was over joyed when I pulled him from the tin. I wept like a little girl. I can't describe the flood of memories that came rushing back to me. I returned again to warm summer days, cool popsicles on the porch, hide and seek, games of tag, mud pies, and the friend who shared it all with me.
Lydia
1965
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