Overview of the Collection
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Repository Name:
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Museum of History &
Industry
Sophie Frye Bass
Library
2700 24th Avenue East
Seattle, WA 98112
Phone: 206-324-1126
URL: http://www.seattlehistory.org
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Collection Number:
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2003.35
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Creator:
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Wedes,
Chris, 1928-
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Title:
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Chris Wedes
Collection on J.P. Patches
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Dates:
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1958-2003 (inclusive)
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Quantity:
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3 boxes
1.3 linear feet
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Languages:
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Collection materials are in
English.
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Summary:
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Photographs, fan mail, and other
materials relating to the work of Chris Wedes as J.P. Patches, a clown who
hosted a KIRO-TV children's program for 23 years.
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Location of Collection:
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15a.4.4-5
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Biographical Note
Julius Pierpont (J. P.) Patches, portrayed by Chris Wedes, was a clown
on a long-running children's television program on KIRO in Seattle. Wedes grew
up in St. Paul, Minnesota. At Macalester College, he performed in various
theatre productions and started a campus radio station. He served in the Army
in Korea; upon his return he started work as a director at WMIN-TV in
Minneapolis. He began to portray several characters on the air, including J.P.
Patches, a role originated by another actor. When KIRO-TV began broadcasting in
Seattle, Wedes was hired to host the station's first live program, which
debuted on February 10, 1958.
The J.P. Patches Show featured Wedes as the eponymous clown, who was
mayor of the city dump and was forever pursued by Gertrude, played by Bob
Newman. Viewers -- who numbered 100,000 at the show's peak -- were encouraged
to become "Patches Pals" by doing things like minding their parents, sharing
their toys, and brushing their teeth. The show ran for 23 years until its
cancellation in 1981. Wedes and Newman continued to make appearances and
support local charities, most notably Seattle's Children's Hospital.
Content Description
This collection contains materials relating to the work of Chris Wedes
as J.P. Patches, including photographs, posters, newsletters, and scripts.
Photographs include professional shots as well as snapshots sent in by fans.
Also included is a significant amount of fan mail from children. An interview
with Wedes provides background information about his childhood and career.
Administrative Information
Acquisition Information The collection was donated by Chris Wedes in 2003.
Processing Note Processed by Helice Koffler in 2003.
Separated Materials An ice cream carton that was part of this donation is cataloged and
stored separately by MOHAI's Collections Department.
Use of the Collection
Restrictions on Access This collection is open to the public by appointment.
Restrictions on Use The Museum of History & Industry is the owner of the materials in
the Sophie Frye Bass Library and makes available reproductions for research,
publication, and other uses. Written permission must be obtained from MOHAI
before any reproduction use. The museum does not necessarily hold copyright to
all of the materials in the collections. In some cases, permission for use may
require seeking additional authorization from the copyright owners.
Preferred Citation Chris Wedes Collection on J.P. Patches, Museum of History &
Industry, Seattle
Subjects
| KIRO, Inc.
(Seattle, Wash.) |
| Photographs |
| Clowns -- Washington
(State) -- Seattle |
| Fan mail |
Detailed Description of the Collection
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Container(s)
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Description
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Certificates
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Correspondence (see also box 2)
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Ephemera (see also box 3)
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Photographs: Autographed to J.P.
Patches
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Photographs: Contact sheets (see
also box 3)
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Photographs: Patches Pals, then and
now
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Photographs: Personal appearances
-- children's parties
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Photographs: Personal appearances
-- fairs, parades, and other events
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Photographs: Personal appearances
-- fairs, parades, and other events
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Photographs: Personal appearances
-- store openings or events
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Photographs: Personal appearances
-- store openings or events
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Photographs: Portraits (see also
box 3)
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Photographs: Portraits -- fans
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Photographs: Television studio --
reunion show filming
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Photographs: Television studio --
visitors to set
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Photographs: Miscellaneous
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Fan letters: Dear Santa letters
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Photographs -- contact sheets
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