Photo & Text Copyright 2008 Seattle Daily Photo. All rights reserved, including reproduction or republishing.
I spotted this new action figure at Archie McPhee's novelty shop, right up there with Moses' and Einstein's. Who in the world is J.P. Patches, you ask? There are few people in Seattle as beloved as this clown. 50 years ago he began broadcasting live children's programming on local TV. The program went off the air in 1981, yet J.P. (Chris Wedes) since then until now at age 80 continues to delight his Patches Pals with regular personal appearances at Children's Hospital, fairs, community events, and parties. I understand that Wedes has been undergoing treatment for blood cancer while still cheering on hospitalized children facing their own challenges. Tomorrow in Fremont from 1-3 PM, his many Patches Pals, including Governor Chris Gregoire, will gather to honor him on the plaza near the landmark interactive sculpture, "Waiting for the Interurban." There artist Kevin Pettelle will unveil his brand new fun sculpture, "Late for the Interurban," depicting J.P. Patches and his sidekick Gertrude in a slapstick run for the streetcar. Read more here and here to see the many reasons Seattle loves J.P. Patches. Oh, and I saw a J.P. bobble head at Archie McPhee's too ;^). Better get there before they run out!
13 comments:
Thank you so much for visiting my website. I stayed in Seattle for vacation when I was 9 years old. I totally love that city! I still remember the delicious seafood soup and the market. I had a great time in your city.
I actually took that picture while driving so I couldn't get a better look at the art.
Thanks for explaining who J.P.Patches is. Sounds like a fabulous guy who has always done more than his bit for his fellow humans. I hope he recovers from his blood cancer.
You asked about my camera on Monte Carlo DP. thanks for comment, Kim. it's a Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ 18. It's that long zoom that enables me to photograph people without their being aware of it. It's my little paparazzi camera! I'm sure you have a proper camera and proper separate lenses. I do like my camera tho - it's easy to use. Currently learning night photography and trying to understand white balance.
We had a family, Captain Windy (the wife) and Uncle Al (the husband) who entertained children for a long time. All our kids watched them and the finally they went off the air. It was a kind of sad day here when that happened.
I admire J.P. Patches and can imagine what he has done for the children and people of Seattle.
I wasn't in Seattle when Patches was around, or else wasn't aware of him, but I do know Archie McPhee's. One of my favorite places and a must when there....
Great shot, Kim.
Ahh, good ole JP. I think we all grew up with him as did our kids. I have pictures of him with my children. His jokes hit all levels. A grand clown. I wish him well. MB
Wow. I had no idea he had an action figure!
I remember March 4th was Mr. Music Man's Day and JP and company marched around the studio. That was my daughter's birthday, a great day to march forth.
I appreciate all of the good work and years of entertainment J.P. Patches has provided.
But, I've always avoided clowns. They scared me as a kid and just plain creep me out as an adult (this also includes mimes).
Ironically, as a Freemason, the Shriners keep trying to get me to join their ranks. :)
Archie is my favorite shop in the whole wide world. Only Uncle Fun in Chicago comes close. I still have my Real Babies Should Never Smoke doll in my desk drawer (why don't I leave it out?). It's particularly impressive that this doll comes with its own cream pie. I must go by when I'm in town soon.
BTW, my friend in Wallingford called me yesterday and we were talking about restaurants. She recommended Tilth in Wallingford, The Drunken Goat somewhere in the North End and Sunset in West Seattle. Your opinion?
How many things we learn here!!! Thanks Kim!
Greetings
What a hoot! I used to get the Archie McPhee catalog back in the late 80s, and in 1990 when I was there trying to decide whether to move to Seattle (I ended up moving to Minneapolis), I HAD to make a pilgrimage to Archie McPhee. I got so much stuff; I wanted everything! Thanks for the reminder that I need to go to their website and order up some stuff!
Great photo and information about J. P. Patches.
Mumbai Weekend Breakfast Special
Colorful Raksha Bandhan Festival
Please get pictures of the statue from all possible angles before it is defaced like the Hendrix statue on Broadway.
Post a Comment