A lot of people in this town love J.P. Patches and rightfully so–the beloved local TV clown whose popular show for kids aired in Seattle  from 1958 to 1981, its 23 year run making it the longest running locally produced children’s program in the US.    Kids loved J.P. Patches for his silly antics and parents loved J.P. for his sly wit.  (My grandmother loved J.P. when she babysat my oldest brother when he was a kid because he could always be relied upon to behave when J.P. was on air.)  This summer will mark the 50th anniversary of his show’s debut.

Even though it’s been a while since his show was on TV, there are still many “Patches Pals” out there.  J.P. has long been a fixture at Children’s Hospital and charitable events all around the Sound, using his charm to help fundraise for local charities. 

J.P. will live on forever in the hearts of many people; now Patches and his girlfriend, Gertrude, will live on forever in the form of a statue at the corner of Fremont Ave N and N 34th St, about 50 feet west of the famous “Waiting for the Interurban”.  Many a Patches Pal helped get it built and now everyone will get a chance to see “Late for the Interurban” when the statue is unveiled on August 17th. 

I think the statue will be a great addition.  It’s wonderful that Patches is being honored this way and I expect that this will be one seriously entertaining unveiling.

(thanks to Josh and to Citizen Rain for the tip.)

Related posts:

1. This weekend: Patches revealed
2. J.P. Patches Statue Unveiled in Fremont
3. Closing the Drawers in Fremont
4. The End is Near!
5. Why go to the Fremont Fair?