Welcome to Chester, Illinois! We are the home of Popeye the Sailor Man!
Popeye was created by Elzie Crisler Segar. Segar was born in Chester on December 8, 1894.
From an early age, Segar wanted to make money, and he knew that cartoonists did just that. He began working at the age of 12 at the Chester Opera House in 1906. Silent motion pictures were shown at the Opera House. He changed the weekly movie posters around town and drew cartoons with colored chalk on the sidewalk to advertise the week’s movie. His job grew until he became the projectionist. As films he had seen multiple times would run, he would grow bored and spend time creating cartoons. His supervisor, William Schuchert, recognized his talent and paid for a correspondence course in cartooning for Elzie. This course led to his moving to Chicago for a career as a cartoonist.
Segar’s drawing and humor caught the eye of Arthur Brisbane, a great newspaper man with the Hearst organization. He offered Segar a job in New York with King Features Syndicate. In New York he was told to create a comic strip based upon the title “Thimble Theatre.” (1919). It featured the Oyl family – Cole; Nana; Olive; Castor; and Olive’s beau, Ham Gravy.
Popeye’s first cartoon exposure was in the “Thimble Theatre” strip on January 17, 1929, when two of the regular characters—Castor Oyl and Ham Gravy—were searching for a sailor to pilot their boat. They see Popeye who is dressed like a sailor on the dock and ask, “Are you a sailor?” Popeye answers, “Ja think I am a cowboy?” Audiences loved Popeye and soon Segar promoted him to the star of the strip as Olive’s beau and all-around good guy. That led to the strip’s name change to “Popeye.” The legend was born!
Elzie Segar died October 13, 1938 at age 43 in Santa Monica, California as a result of Leukemia and liver disease.
His Popeye cartoon is still a world favorite.
This statue was dedicated in 2012.
Alice the Goon made her debut in the Sunday, December 10th, 1933 Thimble Theatre strip, amid the “Plunder Island” storyline. As yet unnamed (and her gender unspecified), she was a minion of the sorceress, the Sea Hag. She had a frightening appearance. She was depicted as a bald Amazonian giantess with a large nose and extremely hairy forearms and legs. Her name and gender were given in the January 14, 1934 strip, after she had captured Wimpy. Popeye eventually discovers that Alice was an unwilling slave to the Sea Hag, and helps Alice gain her freedom. Swee’ Pea likes Alice, and she becomes his babysitter in later comics.
In later appearances, Alice wore a dress and flowered hat. Her tribe lives on Goon Island, and the Goons are indistinguishable from each other. When Alice spoke, her words would appear as a series of meaningless squiggles. Wimpy is the only one who can understand her language. The word “goon” entered the English language as a result of this character. Alice and her Goon child were added to the character trail in 2012.
This statue was dedicated in 2008.
Bluto, a character created in 1932 by Elzie Crisler Segar as a one-time villain, named “Bluto the Terrible,” in his Thimble Theatre comic strip, was erected here on the corner of West Holmes and Swanwick Streets in 2008. Bluto made his first comic appearance on September 12, 1932. Fleischer Studios adopted him the following year (1933) to be the recurring villain in their theatrical Popeye animated cartoons derived from the Segar strip.
Bluto is a large, bearded, muscle-bound fellow who serves as Popeye’s nemesis and arch-rival for the love of Olive Oyl. He generally uses his physical brawn to accomplish what he desires, but does at times display some ability for tactical planning. His voice is a very loud, harsh and deep one, with a bear-like growl between sentences or between words. The growling contains words that often cannot be comprehended.
After the theatrical Popeye cartoon series ceased production in 1957, Bluto’s name was changed to Brutus because it was incorrectly believed that Paramount Pictures, distributors of the Fleischer Studios cartoons, owned the rights to the name “Bluto”. King Features actually owned the name all along, as Bluto had been originally created for the comic strip. Due to a lack of thorough research, they failed to realize this and reinvented him as Brutus to avoid potential copyright problems.
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.
This statue was dedicated in 2011.
Cole Oyl was introduced in 1919 as Olive’s father. Cole is a member of the original Thimble Theater with Nana, Castor, Olive and Olive’s boyfriend, Ham Gravy. This statue was dedicated in 2011. The statue is placed here because Charles Briggs Cole, Chester’s well-known businessman and benefactor during Segar’s time, built the library as a gift to the City in 1928.
This statue was dedicated in 2021.
Harold Hamgravy is one of the four characters to be introduced in Elzie Segar’s first published Thimble Theatre cartoon on Dec. 19, 1919. He became the on-and-off-again boyfriend of Olive Oyl and was quickly written out of the script once Popeye arrived on the scene. Harold’s statue was erected in 2021 on the opposite street corner as his former girl, Olive, where she seems to have effectively kicked him to the curb. It is fitting that they both stand before the Randolph County Court House, for COURTing is as far as they ever made it as a couple.
This statue was dedicated in 2017.
King Blozo first appeared in the Thimble Theatre comic strip in 1931 in the story line titled, “The Great Rough-House War.” He is the ruler of Nazalia and counts on Popeye as an adviser. King Blozo is constantly consumed with worry over issues afflicting his kingdom such as disasters and war. No matter what problem arises, with Popeye’s help, order is restored to Nazalia. The King Blozo character appeared in comic books from 1948-1984 and from 2012 to present. His statue was erected in 2017.
This statue was dedicated in 2018.
Nana, likely short for Banana, Oyl is the matriarch of the Oyl family. She is the wife of Cole Oyl and the mother of Olive and Castor Oyl. She was one of the original characters from Segar’s original 1919 Thimble Theatre comic strip. Nana was featured mainly in the newspaper comic strip, however in 1934 she also had a cameo appearance in one of the Max Fleischer theatrical cartoons entitled “Man On The Flying Trapeze.” She also appeared in the 1980 Robert Altman film “Popeye,” starring Robin Williams and Shelley Duvall where she was portrayed by actress Roberta Maxwell.
This statue was dedicated in 2007.
Olive Oyl first debuted in 1919. She is Popeye’s lanky love who is easily smitten with her sailorman. She is impressed by anyone with “edumacation and ettiket”. She was modeled after Dora Paskel, a lean local storekeeper, who tended to a store located on the corner where the statue now stands.
Swee’ Pea first appeared in 1933. There are a number of questions about who he is and from where he came. He is NOT the offspring of Popeye and Olive Oyl. Segar contributed to this confusion by giving Swee’ Pea two backgrounds. He was first sent to Popeye by express for safe keeping by the Demonian Secret Service. Later, he was left on Popeye’s doorstep because his father had been killed and he had been made the Crown Prince of Demonia. A mean old uncle wants to eliminate the royal baby and take control of the country, so Swee’ Pea is left with Popeye for protection. He soon became Popeye’s “adoptid infink” who could talk and fight but didn’t walk!
In fact, the nickname “Swee’Pea” was originally a term of affection used by Popeye. Before the baby came along in the cartoons, Popeye once addressed Olive Oyl that way in the short film “We Aim to Please.”
Jeep: Eugene the Jeep is a mysterious animal with magical abilities. The Jeep first appeared in March 16, 1936 with only his tail showing. The Jeep made his full appearance on April 1, 1936. In the August 9, 1936 strip (entitled “Wha’s a Jeep?”), Popeye asks Professor Brainstine what exactly a Jeep is. He gets the following response:
“A Jeep is an animal living in a three-dimensional world-in this case our world- but really belonging to a fourth dimensional world. Here’s what happened. A number of Jeep life cells were somehow forced through the dimensional barrier into our world. They combined at a favorable time with free life cells of the African Hooey Hound. The electrical vibrations of the Hooey Hound cell and the foreign cell were the same. They were kindred cells. In fact, all things are to some extent relative, whether they be of this or some other world, now you see. The extremely favorable conditions of germination in Africa caused a fusion of these life cells. So the uniting of kindred cells caused a transmutation. The result, a mysterious strange animal.”
The word “jeep” entered the English language as a result of its use in the Popeye comic strip. It has been theorized that the Jeep vehicle was named after this character. Soldiers in World War II may have nicknamed the machine after the popular character because both shared an ability to “go anywhere”.
This statue was dedicated in 2022.
Oscar, created by Elzie C. Segar in 1931, was a recurring character who provided extra gags for the Popeye comic strips. He was a none-too-bright “sometimes” friend of Popeye who helped the one-eyed sailor on a few adventures. Oscar’s first of MANY careers was assistant to King Blozo of Spinachovia/Nazilia). Following Segar’s death, Oscar was used by several later artists in a variety of other comic strip roles. He made several silver-screen appearances, and was included in the cast of the 1980 live-action musical, POPEYE.
This statue was dedicated in 2013.
Poopdeck Pappy, first appearing in 1936, was Popeye’s father. He is between the ages of 85 and 99. He is rough, ornery, and dishonest. He lacks respect for the law and is constantly scheming.
In one plot summary, Poopdeck Pappy – age 99 – wants to go out at night. Popeye wants him to sleep. Popeye tries leg irons, but Pappy manages to put them on Popeye and sneak out to a sleazy bar. Pappy dances with other men’s girlfriends, bumps into everyone, and throws his dancing partner into the band. Soon, the whole bar is lining up to get a piece of Pappy just as Popeye arrives. It takes a little help from some spinach, but Popeye gets everything sorted out, and he escorts Pappy back to the ship where Popeye hogties Pappy into his hammock. This is to no avail. As soon as the light’s out, Popeye discovers Pappy’s snuck off again and tied a net around Popeye’s bed. This statue made its appearance in 2013.
This statue was dedicated in 1977.
Popeye – Near the Chester Welcome Center is a 6-foot, 900-pound bronze statue of Popeye the Sailor Man. It stands in the Elzie C. Segar Memorial Park, which honors Popeye’s creator. This statue was dedicated in June of 1977 after a massive fund-raising campaign. The park is located next to the Chester Bridge.
Elzie Segar, the creator of Popeye, is said to have modeled Popeye after a local character named Rocky Fiegel. He was a thin, wiry man and was employed part-time cleaning a local saloon. He was known for never having lost a fight. On one occasion it is said, three roughnecks lured Rocky into the woods where they planned to rob him. A short time later, he strolled back into town and took his seat in front of the saloon. Meanwhile, the three would-be muggers sought medical aid for the injuries incurred in their robbery attempt. Sure sounds like Popeye!
Chester holds a Popeye Picnic and parade each year the weekend after Labor Day. Popeye fans travel from all over the United States and the world to partake in the weekend activities. Most of the events and entertainment are free and family friendly.
This statue was dedicated in 2019.
Snits was introduced in 1920 in the Thimble Theatre comic series. He has a presence with Popeye and Olive Oyl throughout Elzie Segar’s life. Fido was Olive’s faithful companion who, like a cat, appeared to have nine lives and was featured in the comic throughout the 1920’s. Chester was introduced by Popeye cartoonist Hy Eisman in 1996 as a tribute to Segar’s hometown.
This statue was dedicated in 2016.
Popeye’s Nephews – Pipeye, Peepeye, Poopeye and Pupeye, are apparently quadruplets. They first appeared on the Fleisher Studios’ style sheets in 1939 when the feature films were still being released under the posthumous sanction of Segar. In an episode entitled “Wimmin is a Myskery,” Poopeye is replaced by Pepeye in a dream sequence featuring the four as Popeye’s children. Their first appearance as Popeye’s nephews occurs in a 1942 cartoon that names them. Their existence suggests Popeye had a sibling. Some cartoons such as “Big Bad Sindbad” and “Patriotic Popeye” feature only two or three of the nephews with no explanation as to the others’ absence. Popeye’s nephews also joined in the “All New Popeye Hour” where they would often appear in short, morality lesson segments between longer cartoons. This statue was dedicated in 2016.
This statue was dedicated in 2014.
Prof. Wotasnozzle is a short, bearded, be-speckled man who wears a cap and gown. He is a brilliant scientist and a mad inventor, exercising Mr. Segar’s love of science fiction and amateur engineering. He made his debut May 8, 1932. Prof. Wotasnozzle traveled to space and split atoms “as easily as walnuts.” His statue was dedicated in 2014.
The Professor always meant to improve the quality of life with his creations (and make some money in the process), but his creations generally resulted in disaster, usually with his friend and landlord, John Sappo, on the receiving end of the disaster!
This statue was dedicated in 2015.
Rough House is a hard-working chef who owns and operates the best eating place in town, the Rough House Cafe. The café’s specialty is hamburgers, and citizens go there to socialize. J. Wellington Wimpy frequents Rough House’s place in his constant search for a free meal and his constant effort to make Rough House the target of many of his schemes. His first appearance in the comic strip was on June 14, 1931, and his statue was added in 2015.
This statue was dedicated in 2010.
Sea Hag first appeared in 1929 and is not only one of the central enemies of Popeye, she is the oldest of his adversaries. She is the last witch on earth, and a pirate who sails the Seven Seas in her boat “The Black Barnacle”. She also has a deep knowledge of magic artifacts and has used many of them to great effect over the years. She is able to practice Voodoo magic and is powerful enough to capture the equally magical Eugene the Jeep—and on one occasion, Santa Claus! She can alter her appearance to that of her alter ego Rose of the Sea.
She had several pet vultures, but her chief vulture was named Bernard. She also commanded an army of Goons. The most famous of the Goons was Alice. This statue was dedicated in 2010.
Bernard the chief vulture, appeared in the comic in the 1930’s and is Sea Hag’s helper. Sea Hag’s magic flute prompts Bernard to perform her evil deeds.
This statue was dedicated in 2020.
Toar, a 20,000-year-old cave man, debuted in the comic strip on February 7, 1935. Toar had apparently survived all those years by drinking from the “Pool of Youth.” In his first appearance, Toar was introduced as the henchman for Sea Hag’s evil sister, and was ordered to do away with Popeye and his friends. Toar was used to doing battle and winning, but the fight with Popeye was different. Popeye won. After that, Toar became good friends with Popeye, and Popeye entrusted him with babysitting Swee’ Pea.
This statue was dedicated in 2006.
Wimpy, appearing in 1931, is located in Gazebo Park. The statue was dedicated in 2006. Many believe that a number of the cartoon characters were modeled after folks Elzie knew in Chester. Elzie’s boss William Schuchert was good-natured and always had a tale to tell and became known as “Windy Bill.” He had a love for hamburgers, purchased mainly from the Wiebusch Tavern next door to the opera house—where the gazebo park is now. He would become the model for Wimpy in Popeye cartoons and is the reason the Wimpy statue is in gazebo park.
Spinach Can Collectibles
– Located in the old Opera House where creator of Popeye, Elzie Segar, worked.
– Currently the international headquarters for the Popeye Fan Club and store for all Popeye characters’ paraphernalia.
– Houses a small museum of Popeye character antiques and collectibles.
– Opera house built in 1875 by John Schuchert was located on second floor with a double stairway entrance in rear of building.