Celebrating the 50th anniversary of J.P. Patches’ first show

OLYMPIA — If you were a child between the years of 1958-1981 chances are you watched the comical show of J.P. Patches. On Feb. 8, 2008 Washington celebrates the fiftieth anniversary of the first J.P. Patches show.

Julius Pierpont Patches (J.P. to his "Pals") helped raise a generation of Northwest children when he started airing his daily children’s shows for KIRO. This show was the first to do live show broadcast and would later be the first local program broadcast in full color.

The person behind the makeup, Chris Wedes, used a broad, slapstick and energetic style that was a welcome shock to the children of the Seattle area. “I am touched by your love of Patches Pals,” said Chris Wedes.

Sen. Joe McDermott, D-Seattle, who grew up watching J.P. Patches, is introducing a resolution honoring the joy Chris Wedes has brought to our area for fifty years. The resolution will be adopted Friday, Feb. 8th, at approximately 10 a.m. after the opening ceremonies in the Senate Gallery. Chris Wede and friends will be present.

“J.P. Patches not only entertained kids, but engaged us and taught good citizenship,” McDermott observed. “I am proud to be a Patches Pal and be able to honor J.P. on this occasion.”

J.P. dominated local children programming for 23 years, twice a day for 13 years (plus Saturdays), 8 years mornings only, 2 years Saturday morning only. That's approximately 10,000 hours of clowning around.

Minutes before air time of the show, the crew would get into a huddle and decide what they were going to do that day. No script, no rehearsals, no second takes.

J. P. Patches not only entertained through television, he remains a common sight at Children’s Hospital and other hospitals in the area, visiting sick children and promoting the work of the hospital.

Photo courtesy of Kevin Lyngholm

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