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Photograph
J. P. Patches and Gertrude riding elephants in a parade, Seattle, circa 1975
Order an ImageIn this image popular children's television host J. P. Patches and his girlfriend Gertrude ride elephants in a parade.
J. P. Patches (Julius Pierpont Patches) was a clown portrayed by Seattle entertainer Chris John Wedes (1928-2012) in "The J.P. Patches Show" on KIRO-TV from 1958 to 1981. Only the second program ever broadcast by KIRO-TV, the live improv show was immensely popular in the Puget Sound area and southwestern British Columbia, despite rarely having more than two live actors on screen, Wedes as J. P. Patches, and Bob Newman (1932-) as Gertrude and virtually the entire supporting cast. In addition to the long-running TV show, J. P. Patches made frequent fundraising appearances for local charities, especially Children's Hospital. On August 17, 2008 a bronze statue of J. P. and Gertrude was unveiled on N 34th Street, in the Fremont neighborhood of Seattle.
Stamped on verso: Official Seattle Center Photograph
Caption information source: J.P. Patches, a treasure of Seattle childhood - Chris Wedes, 1928-2012, by Jack Broom, The Seattle Times, July 23, 2012, page A1.
J. P. Patches (Julius Pierpont Patches) was a clown portrayed by Seattle entertainer Chris John Wedes (1928-2012) in "The J.P. Patches Show" on KIRO-TV from 1958 to 1981. Only the second program ever broadcast by KIRO-TV, the live improv show was immensely popular in the Puget Sound area and southwestern British Columbia, despite rarely having more than two live actors on screen, Wedes as J. P. Patches, and Bob Newman (1932-) as Gertrude and virtually the entire supporting cast. In addition to the long-running TV show, J. P. Patches made frequent fundraising appearances for local charities, especially Children's Hospital. On August 17, 2008 a bronze statue of J. P. and Gertrude was unveiled on N 34th Street, in the Fremont neighborhood of Seattle.
Stamped on verso: Official Seattle Center Photograph
Caption information source: J.P. Patches, a treasure of Seattle childhood - Chris Wedes, 1928-2012, by Jack Broom, The Seattle Times, July 23, 2012, page A1.
ID Number: 2003.35.12.2
Date: Circa 1975
Creator(s):
Carver, Bob, Photographer
Physical Description: 1 photographic print : b&w ; 8 x 10 in.
Additional Information: Digital copy of this item available thanks to funding from a 2016 Institute for Museum and Library Services grant.
View the finding aid for this collection at https://archiveswest.orbiscascade.org/ark:80444/xv30108
View the finding aid for this collection at https://archiveswest.orbiscascade.org/ark:80444/xv30108
Credit: MOHAI, Chris Wedes Collection on J.P. Patches, 2003.35.12.2
Copyright: All Rights Reserved