So, with King Features Syndicate's blessings, we published our first newsmagazine in the Fall of 1989. At the time, we really didn't have a clue if we would produce a second issue. We slowly began to grow, and by mid-2001, we have produced 47 magazines with a combined total of more than 1600 pages! We regularly mail our club magazine worldwide to hundreds of POPEYE fans around the globe!
The club was originally based in Tennessee. It was relocated to Chester, Illinois in August of 1994. Why? Because Chester is known as "The Home of Popeye". Why? Because his creator, Elzie Crisler Segar was born here. The Official POPEYE Fanclub is now headquartered in Chester's Opera House, (circa 1875). Segar worked at this establishment in 1906 as a projectionist during the silent picture era. His boss was Opera House Manager and WIMPY model, "Windy Bill" Schuchert.