On August 1948 the Shmoo made their first appearance in the Li’L Abner comic strip. While we don’t know what the Shmoo are, what kind of animal, we do know that this Sunday, August 31, they will be turning 60 years-old.

Li’l Abner discovered the Shmoo when he found the Valley of the Shmoon. Excited about his discover, he tells Ol’ Man Mose. Unfortunately, Ol’ Man Mose doesn’t like these Shmoos and tells Li’l Abner that they are dangerous.

But, this information proves wrong, since the Shmoo delight in being helpful and useful. As it turns out, the Shmoo can be used for a lot of things that humans need. They can be eaten, tasting like anything you want them to from chicken to steak to oysters, and they lay eggs and produce milk. Along with that, their eyes can be used for buttons, whiskers for toothpicks, their hide works as fine leather or thick enough to use as lumber.

Shmoo merchandise became very popular in the 1940s and ‘50s appearing on wallpaper, buttons, ashtrays, t-shirts, even fishing lures. Some popular items from the round shaped creatures can still be found in auctions. This weekend celebrate the still exuberant Shmoo as they turn 60, and look forward to another 60 years of helping, and entertaining humankind.