Chris Wedes Collection on J.P. Patches, 1958-2003

Overview of the Collection

Creator
Wedes, Chris, 1928-2012
Title
Chris Wedes Collection on J.P. Patches
Dates
1958-2003 (inclusive)
Quantity
3 boxes , (1.3 linear feet)
Collection Number
2003.35
Summary
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.
Repository
Museum of History & Industry, Sophie Frye Bass Library

P.O. Box 80816
Seattle, WA
98108
Telephone: 2063241126 x102
library@mohai.org
Access Restrictions

This collection is open to the public by appointment.

Languages
English.
Sponsor
Funding for encoding this finding aid was provided through a grant awarded by the National Endowment for the Humanities.

Biographical NoteReturn to Top

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 DescriptionReturn to Top

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.

Use of the CollectionReturn to Top

Alternative Forms Available

View selections from the collection in digital format by clicking on the camera icons in the inventory below.

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

Administrative InformationReturn to Top

Location of Collection

15a.1.5, 10

Acquisition Information

The collection was donated by Chris Wedes in 2003.

Processing Note

Processed by Helice Koffler in 2003.

15 photographs, 1 drawing, 2 certificates and 1 item of ephemera were added to the collection in 2009.

Separated Materials

The donation inculdes a number of artifacts which are cataloged and stored separately by MOHAI's Collections Department.

Detailed Description of the CollectionReturn to Top

Container(s) Description Dates
Box Folder
1 1 Certificates 1960-2003
1 2 Clippings 1966-2002
1 3 Correspondence (see also box 2) 1958-1998
1 3a Question of the Day 1980
1 4 Ephemera (see also box 3) 1958-1998
1 5 Flyers 1958-2003
1 6 Interviews, reports 1973-1994
1 7 Newsletters 1963-1964
1 8 Photographs: Autographed to J.P. Patches undated
1 9 Photographs: Contact sheets (see also box 3) undated
1 10 Photographs: Patches Pals, then and now 1976-2002
1 11 Photographs: Personal appearances -- children's parties 1967-2003
1 12 J. P. Patches and Gertrude entertaining the crowd outside KIRO-TV, Seattle, circa 1975
J. P. Patches and Gertrude riding elephants in a parade, Seattle, circa 1975
1969-circa 1978
1 13 Photographs: Personal appearances -- fairs, parades, and other events circa 1982-2002
1 14 Photographs: Personal appearances -- store openings or events circa 1960-1969
1 15 J. P. Patches and Gertrude pose with child, Lacey, Washington, August 30, 1980
J. P. Patches and Gertrude pose in a department store, circa 1980
1972-2003
1 16 Photographs: Portraits (see also box 3) undated
1 17 Photographs: Portraits -- fans 1959-circa 1997
1 18 Photographs: Television studio -- reunion show filming circa 1990
1 19 Photographs: Television studio -- visitors to set 1966-circa 1985
1 20 Photographs: Miscellaneous circa 1985-1998
1 21 Photographs: Negatives undated
1 22 Press releases undated
1 23 Programs 1979-1992
1 24 Songs undated
1 25 Stationery undated
1 26 Television scripts 1963-1992
2 1 Fan letters 1960-1969
2 2 Fan letters 1970-1971
2 3 Fan letters 1972-1973
2 4 Fan letters 1974-1976
2 5 Fan letters 1977-1978
2 6 Fan letters 1978
2 7 Fan letters 1980
2 8 Fan letters 1981
2 9 Fan letters 1982-1988
2 10 Fan letters 1992-2003
2 11 Fan letters undated
2 12 Fan letters: Class visit 1969
2 13 Fan letters: Dear Santa letters 1980
2 14 Fan letters: E-mails 1997-1999
3 1 Printing plates undated
3 2 Photographs -- contact sheets undated
3 3 Photographs -- portraits undated
3 4 Photograph--KIRO crew on 20th anniversary circa 1978
3 5 Clippings 1993-2003
3 6 Programs 1994
3 7 Ephemera undated
3 8 Posters undated
3 9 Posters - autographed undated
3 10 Drawing of Gertrude undated

Names and SubjectsReturn to Top

Subject Terms

  • Clowns -- Washington (State) -- Seattle
  • Fan mail

Corporate Names

  • KIRO, Inc. (Seattle, Wash.)

Form or Genre Terms

  • Photographs