Evil Clown of Middletown facts for kids
| Evil Clown of Middletown | |
The Evil Clown of Middletown
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| Coordinates | 40°23′30″N 74°05′57″W / 40.3917°N 74.0991°W |
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| Location | Middletown, New Jersey |
| Designer | Leslie Worth Thomas |
| Type | Advertising sign |
| Material | Galvanized steel |
| Height | 22 feet (6.7 m) |
| Opening date | January 18, 1956 |
The Evil Clown of Middletown is a very tall outdoor sign in Middletown Township, New Jersey. It was first built to advertise a grocery store called Food Circus. This store later became the well-known Foodtown supermarket chain. Today, the clown acts like an advertisement for a nearby store called Spirits Liquors. Many people know the clown because of its scary-looking face, which seems to have a slightly amused, sideways frown.
Contents
History of the Clown Sign
How the Clown Started
The clown sign was put up in 1956. It was built by Joseph Azzolina to advertise his Food Circus grocery store. This store was the first version of what is now the Foodtown supermarket chain.
Moving and Standing Still
When it was first built, the clown used to spin around all the time. An electric motor made it turn. This was a popular advertising trick back then. But by the mid-1970s, this kind of moving sign became old-fashioned or too expensive. Now, the clown has been fixed in place and does not spin anymore.
Who Designed the Clown?
The giant clown was created by a painter named Leslie Worth Thomas. He worked for the Road Ad Sign Company. Leslie Worth Thomas also made another famous mural called Tillie. You can find Tillie at the Palace Amusements building in Asbury Park.
The "Evil Clown" Nickname
The clown has a sly, scary grin. Its index finger is painted blood-red. Because of these features, people started calling it the "Evil Clown of Middletown." This nickname became very popular. A local writer named Doug Kirby probably first used this name. He wrote Roadside America and grew up in the area. He remembered being amazed by the strange clown when he was young.
The Clown's Future
Plans for the Area
In 1993, the local government of Middletown started thinking about a big building project. This project would be in the area where the clown stands. They called it "Middletown Center". The plan included many new buildings. There would be lots of shops and offices. It also planned for thousands of parking spaces. There would even be new homes, like houses, townhouses, and apartments. Space was also set aside for a school.
Delays and Public Concerns
This big project has been delayed many times. This is because many people in the community were upset. They worried about more traffic in the area. They also worried about losing the only open land in the township.
Efforts to Save the Clown
In 2015, the project came up again. It seemed like it might finally happen. This was after a court decided not to hear more arguments against the project in 2009. Because of this, several groups started campaigns to save the roadside clown. People who want to save the sign have suggested ideas. They think the clown could be included in the new project. Or, it could be moved to a different location nearby.
