Welcome to Chester, Illinois, where we are standing before an iconic statue that represents a beloved comic character - the Statue of Wimpy! This incredible piece of art is situated right in the heart of this charming town.

Now, lets delve into its history. The Statue of Wimpy was erected to pay homage to Popeyes sidekick, J. Wellington Wimpy, who first appeared in the comic strip Thimble Theatre created by Elzie Crisler Segar on March 19, 1930. The character is a tall, thin, mustached man known for his insatiable appetite and penchant for hamburgers. Wimpys famous line, I will gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today, has become a popular catchphrase and is often attributed to the statue itself.

The idea of creating the Statue of Wimpy in Chester came from Bill Turner, a lifelong Chester resident and local historian, who shared his vision with fellow townspeople back in 1980. The community wholeheartedly supported the project, raising funds and organizing events to make it happen. It took about four years for the statue to be completed, and on June 23, 1984, it was unveiled to much fanfare, becoming a beloved fixture in Chesters town square ever since.

The Statue of Wimpy stands at an impressive height of 16 feet, making it hard to miss as you stroll through the town. The artist who created this remarkable piece of art is William Zimmerman, a renowned local sculptor whose other works can be seen around Chester and Southern Illinois.

One unique aspect of the statue is the inscription on its base, which reads, Ill gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today. This quote pays tribute to Wimpys love for hamburgers and his signature catchphrase, capturing the essence of the character in just a few words.

As we continue our tour, remember that this statue is more than just a monument; it represents a part of American pop culture history that has stood the test of time. So when youre enjoying your hamburger today, dont forget to give a nod to Wimpy and appreciate his enduring legacy!