Description
Hello everyone and welcome to another episode with Snapshots from History, taking us on a photographic journey into the past. This photo taken in 1940, depicts a sailor who strikingly resembles Popeye the Sailor, the famous cartoon character created by Elzie Segar from Chester, Illinois. The photo is often used to show that Popeye was a real person. But reading further on internet, it seems that there was actually someone else, a real person born in 1868, that inspired Segar to create this interesting and beloved character who gains a boost in strength by eating spinach. Word of mouth in the city Chester, holds that the character of Popeye was inspired by town resident Frank "Rocky" Fiegel, pictured here. In his younger days he performed amazing feats of strength. His hardened physique made him affectionately known as “Rocky.” His reputation for fighting led to his iconic popped out eye, hence ("Pop-eye"). His angular jaw and familiar corn-cob pipe apparently impressed Elzie Segar. There was additional hometown resident of Chester who also served as inspiration for other Segar character, Olive Oyl. Her name was Dora Paskel, an uncommonly tall, angular lady who ran a general store in town. She even donned a hair bun close to her neckline. If you found that interesting, come with us as we move on with some more snapshots from history. Enjoy!
