Great Horny Toads! It's the Passing Scene – July 3, 1965

I haven't posted one of Gene Patrick's The Passing Scene comics in a while, so here's one from sixty years ago this week. Above is the strip that ran in the Journal on July 3, 1965.

Normally, I just post the comic without delving into the news stories being referenced. But not this time, you lucky reader.

The third panel with the horned toad story interested me. (My only familiarity with them up to this point was hearing Yosemite Sam mention them in one of his outbursts).

But as noted in the comic, the appearance of a strange looking horned 'monster' in South Lorain caused a stir. Here's Doug Warren's story from the June 24, 1965 Journal.

The reporter was somewhat bummed to find out that the 'monster' was just a horned toad. But at least the article helped identify the critter as the missing pet of a six-year-old boy.

Article from June 29, 1965 Journal

As you can see, "Horny" (the pet's name) almost ended up living at Mill Hollow. But the story of a boy and his horned toad had a heartwarming ending.

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And in case you're interested, here's the miniature submarine story.

From July 1, 1965 Journal