I had no idea how many “interesting” museums are out there. Earlier we did a post about the Salt & Pepper Shaker Museum in Gaitlin, TN, and today we discovered the Spinach Can Collectibles & Popeye Museum in Chester, IL. You will find lots of Popeye and friends memorabilia in this museum and things relating to Popeye creator Elzie C. Segar.
Most of remember Popeye today but did you know the Popeye comic strip was created in the late 1920s early 1930s and featured Popeye squeezing open cans of spinach that he would eat to become strong and he had his friends Olive Oil, hamburger-eating Wimpy and how he always would say I’ll gladly pay you Tuesday for a hamburger today” and then mean old Brutus. I can remember watching Popeye cartoons with my twin sister on Saturday mornings back in the late 1980s… I know, I am dating myself here! Popeye and friends collectibles and memorabilia remain popular and the market is active with individuals seeking to add to their collections.
Here are a couple of the latest trends on eBay right now and what Popeye collectibles are going for at auction at the time of this writing.
A 1932 CHEIN POPEYE HEAVY HITTER WIND-UP $3,750.00
1950s LINEMAR POPEYE BASKETBALL PLAYER W/ BOX ORIGINAL $2,495.00
HUBLEY CAST IRON OLIVE OIL, WIMPY AND POPEYE FIGURINES $900.00
Jointed toys average $500-$1,000.00!
If you are a Popeye fan or looking for something “different” perhaps a bit “odd” and “unique” to do this summer then perhaps a visit to Spinach Can & Popeye Museum are in your future. We’d love to hear from those of you that have already visited this museum so please contact us!
Spinach Can & Popeye Museum
1001 State Street
Chester, IL 62233
Days and Hours of Operation:
Monday – Friday 9:30 – 4:30
Saturday 10:00 – 3:00