Popeye, the Sailor Man, and other wonders

Chester's Claims to Fame

Popeye

Elzie Segar almost accidentally created Popeye and was amazed at his popularity.  His characters were drawn from the folks he knew in his hometown of Chester, where he was apparently regarded with affection.

In Chester, pop. 8,500, they celebrate Popeye for all they're worth, and no matter which road you take to go into town, you'll encounter one of these signs.



At the Illinois end of the bridge across the Mississippi on Rt. 51, the town's created a sort of Popeye Center.  All that's really there is the stone (above) and a statue of Popeye.

the sailor man himself

Just beyond the center is a highway directional sign that looks like an allegory:
















Chester has a Popeye trail through town, along which are more statues of the various Popeye characters.  I passed Bluto as I was leaving town, and I managed to get this photo of Swee'Pea (below).  Apparently, they're all there, but I didn't have time to drive around looking for them.

County Seat

Randolph County Courthouse

Swee'Pea is just across the street from the Randolph County Courthouse, Chester being the county seat.




Mississippi River crossing

Also at the Popeye Center is an exhibit about the section of the Mississippi that passes along there.

Chester Bridge across the Mississippi

The Chester Bridge was originally built in the late '30s, but the Flood of 1938 wiped it out.  It was rebuilt in 1946 and, except for the Flood of 1993 (see below), has been open ever since.  Since it's the only bridge between St. Louis and Cape Girardeau, being without it is a serious inconvenience.

facts about the Flood of 1993

Mark Twain knew the River

miscellaneous Mississippi River facts

These signs were at an angle that made them hard for me (a short person) to read, and even harder to take a photo, especially one without sun glare.  If you expand them you should be able to read them okay.