This week’s blog post ties into a beloved Disney film classic with songs by Disney Legends Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman.
Next time you visit us, take a closer look at the Emporium on Main Street, U.S.A., one of the original Magic Kingdom Park merchandise landmarks. Like its neighboring shops, it’s themed to an idyllic small town setting of the early 20th century.
If you look closely at the windows alongside the southwest corner Emporium entrance, you’ll see the words, “Osh Popham” named as the proprietor of the happy, bustling shop – which, of course, offers Disney Parks treasures from key chains and plush characters.
But who is Osh? He’s actually a character played by Oscar-winning actor/singer Burl Ives in the charming 1963 Walt Disney feature film, “Summer Magic,” co-starring Hayley Mills.
In the film, Osh was a shopkeeper, postmaster and good-natured meddler. He helped the struggling Carey family find a new home in the little town of Beulah, Maine. For the character of Osh Popham, the Sherman brothers wrote two of their most memorable tunes: “Ugly Bug Ball” and “On the Front Porch,” which is Robert’s personal favorite Sherman Brothers song.
“Ugly Bug Ball” became an international success, with several cover version by other artists and years of airplay on British radio. It also became the title song of a nice little show in “a bug’s land” at Disney California Adventure park.
B’gosh, Osh! You may have even noticed hearing “Summer Magic” songs during your leisurely strolls down Main Street, U.S.A., as part of the instrumental background music!
Comments
Ossium Popham is one of my very favorite Disney characters, from my favorite Disney movie (right beside Mary Poppins). I watched this move till the tape broke. I’m 34 and blessed that my father is very nostalgic and shared movies he liked from his day or I just might have missed it! Ugly Bug Ball is often sung in my house and my little boy likes to sing along. Thank you Disney for this nod to “Ole Osh”, the Careys would be mighty proud!
“Summer Magic” is one of my favorite movies!
These little fun facts are wonderful. Please keep them coming!
Didn’t Hayley Mills’ character from Summer Magic have her name on the hat shop across the street from the Emporium? And if so, is it still there?
That’s a really good question, so I went to the hat shop the next day and could not find the specific names of Nancy Carey or Julia. However, there is a vintage framed print of two ladies with the caption, “Les Journal de Printemps” that might be a reference. I’m still checking.
By the way, between the hat and candy shops, take a look at the wonderful “rabbit hole” window display. I loved it — filled with details like shelves and chairs out of nowhere, hands holding cups, and even a tray with the rabbit’s watch and gloves — plus plenty of that spiffy Wonderland Tea. NEVER noticed this window before. That’s why it’s so much fun to explore Disney Parks!
Osh is Burl Ives’ character on “Summer Magic”!
Just popping onto Greg’s comment area to say that I love “Ugly Bug Ball.” That song’s hilarious!
It’s sad that anyone wouldn’t know that. Summer Magic is delightful and a severely under-rated movie.
It also has a screenplay by Sally Benson, who also scripted the MGM classic “Meet Me in St. Louis.” And there’s even a reference to it in another Disney film — in “The Barefoot Executive,” the first TV show the chimp picks for high ratings is called “Mother Carey’s Chickens,” which is the book from which “Summer Magic” was adapted.
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