1950: Squirrel Goes Places On His Owner's Hat

Feb. 2, 1950

An El Pasoan has a real squirrel on his hat. The little critter is a flying squirrel and is owned by Clayton M. Garrett of 711 North Stan ton street, assistant manager of the Yandell Theater.

"I call him Oscar," Mr. Garret said. "He'll stay almost wherever he's perched. I sometimes put him on my shoulder and walk through one of the downtown stores, and you should hear the women am girls squeal.

The squirrel is about five inches in length and has reached full growth at the age of one year. His natural habitat is Washington state.

When he flies he spreads his four feet, unfolding two layers of fur. Generally, he glides for short distances like "a flying blanket." Mr. Garrett says he's seen Oscar fly about six feet.

He first read about Oscar's breed in the National Geographic Magazine about a year ago, made inquiries and eventually sent for one. He feeds the little brown and animal an assortment of white nuts.

He thinks of Oscar as just a silent partner and likes to have him around.