Toonces was a recurring character based on Mr. Toonces, the beloved cat of Qwerty Dickinson, the daughter of Emmett Lee Dickinson (Emily Dickinson's third cousin, twice removed -- at her request). We agree that this oversight was inexcusable. More about Toonces the Driving Cat and the inspiration for the character, Mr. Toonces, can be found HERE.
A poem by Emmett Lee Dickinson entitled "Upon Concluded Shows" seemed to foretell this egregious blunder on the part of SNL. Back in the late 1800s, Qwerty Dickinson's beloved cat Mr. Toonces was supposed to appear and perform tricks at the finale of Washerst's Moss and Hornwort Jubilee, an annual celebration in the city celebrating moss and hornwort. However, when a cooking demonstration on the uses of hornwort and other bryophytes in every-day, family dinner recipes went long, Mr. Toonces closing act was cut. The crowd became angry, then disorderly, and ultimately violent. There were riots in the streets for several days following the Jubilee.
Dickinson's poem about the incident is below on the left. His poem inspired third cousin Emily to pen a poem entitled, "Upon Concluded Lives," shown on the right.
By Emmett Lee Dickinson: Upon Concluded Shows There’s nothing colder falls – Than One’s Elimination – The nixing Bells and Paws – Makes Lacerating Toonces – The Years of Driving Skits – ‘Tis Criminal – and so Final – Concluding – without his Bits – | By Emily Dickinson: Upon Concluded Lives There's nothing cooler falls – Than Life's sweet Calculations – The mixing Bells and Palls – Make Lacerating Tune – To Ears the Dying Side – 'Tis Coronal – and Funeral – Saluting – in the Road – |