Dudley Do-Right Emporium facts for kids
The Dudley Do-Right Emporium was a special gift shop in West Hollywood, California. It was named after Dudley Do-Right, a funny Canadian Mountie cartoon character. This shop was a treasure trove for fans of classic cartoons!
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Discovering the Dudley Do-Right Emporium
The Dudley Do-Right Emporium was a unique store. It celebrated the amazing cartoon characters created by Jay Ward. Imagine a place filled with all your favorite cartoon heroes!
Who Was Jay Ward?
Jay Ward was a very talented cartoonist. He created many beloved animated TV shows. His most famous show was The Rocky and Bullwinkle Show. This show aired from 1959 to 1963. Jay Ward also brought to life many other funny characters.
Where Was the Shop Located?
The gift shop was at 8200 Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood. This famous street is called the Sunset Strip. The shop was very close to where Jay Ward's cartoons were made. His studio, Jay Ward Productions, was just a few steps away.
When Did the Emporium Open and Close?
The Dudley Do-Right Emporium first opened its doors in 1971. It was a popular spot for many years. Sadly, the shop closed down in April 2005.
What Could You Find Inside?
The shop was packed with cool items. You could find toys, stuffed animals, and fun souvenirs. There were hats, t-shirts, and even wristwatches. Everything had pictures of Jay Ward's cartoon stars.
Meet the Cartoon Stars
Some of the famous characters featured included:
- Dudley Do-Right
- Rocky & Bullwinkle
- Peabody and Sherman
- Hoppity Hooper
- George of the Jungle
- Tom Slick
- Super Chicken
- Boris & Natasha
- Snidely Whiplash
These characters brought joy to many people. The shop was a way to keep their stories alive.
The Famous Bullwinkle Statue
In front of Jay Ward Productions, there was a huge statue. It showed Bullwinkle J. Moose holding Rocky the Flying Squirrel. This statue was about 15 feet (4.6 meters) tall!
Unveiling the Statue
The statue was first shown to the public on September 20, 1961. This was a big party to celebrate "The Bullwinkle Show" joining the NBC television network. The statue was designed to spin around. It was like a famous Las Vegas showgirl sign across the street.
A Journey of Restoration
Over time, the statue started to look a bit worn out. In July 2013, it was taken to DreamWorks Animation. There, it was carefully restored and made to look new again. After its restoration, it was briefly shown at the Paley Center in Beverly Hills.
Where Is Bullwinkle Now?
In January 2015, the restored statue was put on display. It was placed at the West Hollywood City Hall. Then, in August 2019, the West Hollywood city council made a decision. They decided to give the statue a permanent home. Now, you can find Bullwinkle and Rocky on a traffic island. It is located at the intersection of Sunset and Holloway.
