It's strange that there is not more info on the net about this. I was beginning to think I was the only person who had the problem but the bag had been stored for many years until a friend gave it to me.
The Goo Gone really did it. A bit messy with the black junk so use rubber gloves. I used the kind in the spray bottle. I was amazed that it worked. SashaNicole had a good idea.
My thanks to her.
Good luck.
I am the second owner on my amazone - it is dated 1991. The small inner pocket has the black and it is mostly dried out. Thanks for the tip on which goo gone to get and to wear gloves. I know this will be a messy job, but at least I will be able to use the pocket. May I ask what is underneath all the black stuff? Is it leather?