This statue was dedicated in 2009.
Castor Oyl, the brother of Olive Oyl, first appeared in 1919 and became a statue in 2009. He predated Popeye in the Sunday Funnies by almost a decade. It was Castor who introduced Popeye into the Thimble Theatre comic strip, only to find his own role subsequently diminished and ultimately eliminated. He wanted to promote Popeye as a “sprise-fighter” in the early Thimble Theatre cartoons. Castor needed a sailor for his ship in order to get himself, Ham Gravy, and the lucky Whiffle Hen to Dice Island to gamble. This began Popeye’s ocean-going adventures. Castor Oyl and Popeye established a “Detecktif Agensky” with all the money they acquired, and Segar continued to promote Sherlock Holmes-type themes in the comic storylines and art until his passing. The statue’s location in front of Memorial Hospital is appropriate as recognition of the early cure-all medicinal use of castor oil (one of Chester’s first major industries), and of the investigative work accomplished by both the detectives in the comic strip and by the hospital’s medical staff as they make diagnoses.
Bernice the Whiffle Hen is a curious bird who brings good luck to its owner. First appearing in 1928, you could get a piece of the unbeatable good luck by rubbing her head. Bernice saved Popeye’s life—he had been shot multiple times—at the end of his first appearance in Segar’s comic strip. This aptitude for healing is also a reason the Castor and Bernice statue stands in front of Chester Memorial Hospital.
Popeye Character Trail Map
Map link for Castor Oyl & Bernice the Whiffle Hen Statue
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