J.P. Patches & Gertrude Statue in Fremont
Every city has statues honoring its founders, heroes, and other special citizens of the city. In Seattle, one of those special citizens, and a hero to many, is Chris Wedes, known to most of us as J.P. Patches.
For those of us growing up in Seattle, especially during the 60’s, J.P. Patches was “The Man.” I remember watching him every afternoon! He lived in the city dump, and had crazy friends like best pal Gertrude and Ketchikan the Animal Man, Sheriff Shot Badly, and Boris S. Wort (the world’s second-meanest man). J.P. had an I-C-U-2 TV set, and wanted me to be a member of the Clean Plate Club. Everyone in my neighborhood wanted to be a Patches Pal.
The show (which aired from 1958-1981) was one of the first non-news shows to be non-scripted.
As I got older, I would see J.P. at special events – SeaFair activities, parades, and grand openings, as well as visiting area hospitals. I came to learn that their was a person behind that makeup. A person with a big heart who loved children.
Although the show has been off the air for over 25 years, J.P. and Gertrude have continued to make public appearances and raise money for children’s charities.
This past summer a statue was erected in Fremont to honor J.P. and Gertrude (Bob Newman) in Fremont. A fitting tribute for two special Seattle heroes.
Location: Solstice Plaza at North 34th, Fremont (map it)
Note: Who remembers what J.P. stood for?
Answer after the jump.
J.P. stood for Julius Pierpont.
Photo credit: Both from flick, statue; real life
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Tags: children's activities, family activities, Fremong, monumentsRelated Stories
POSTED IN: Attractions, Family Fun, Just a Bit Weird - Fun & Quirky Places, Lunch Hour Fun, People - Interesting Local People, Sound Like a Local - Local "speak"
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3 opinions for J.P. Patches & Gertrude Statue in Fremont
Melody Platz
Oct 6, 2008 at 5:56 pm
I love that statue. I wish I could have watched this show as a kid. It sounds like it was a lot of fun.
Here in Pittsburgh we’re celebrating the city’s 250th anniversary. One of the things we’re doing is erecting a memorial to Mister Rogers, who grew up and created his TV show in the heart of our town. I hope our statue turns out as nice as yours.
Carla
Oct 7, 2008 at 9:09 am
I have a very special place in my heart reserved for JP and for the “Seattle” that existed back then. I was at the unveiling of this statue along with hundreds of other 40 somethings who eagerly embraced this chance to become children once again, don red foam noses, and shout out hellos to Esmerelda. Chris Wedes deserves this homeage and so much more.
Mary Jo
Oct 7, 2008 at 11:28 am
It’s amazing how much of an impression those television personas made on those of us of a certain generation.
I wonder if that’ll be true for kids today.
When your Mr. Roger’s statue is finished, please send me a photo — I’d love to have a look at it.
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