Resurrecting the Teepees takes time

When fire damaged the Twin Teepees on June 1, word was that the funky 1930s-era restaurant on Aurora Avenue North would reopen "within two weeks."

Two months later, and the restaurant is still closed.

What's the story?

Rob Pierides, landlord and former owner, is quoted in the Jet City Maven, a community paper, as saying the new target date for reopening is Sept. 1. He said the problem has been trying to bring the unusual structure up to code.

The Twin Teepees opened in 1937, one of a dozen Seattle restaurants owned by the late Walter Clark. Like other roadside curiosities such as the Hat and Boots service station, it was designed to appeal to families out for a drive.

Legend has it that restaurateur Clark hired an old Army buddy, Col. Harland Sanders, as a cook at the Twin Teepees. While working there, Col. Sanders supposedly perfected a fried-chicken recipe - the one used by the colonel's chain (now known as KFC).

At least, that's the way old-timers tell the story.

Team spirit: Mama Blue (a k a Patti Hammond) is famous for her support of the Seattle Seahawks. She attends games wearing glittery makeup and apparel and a blue-and-green wig with small white lights.

Last Saturday's game, however, was played outdoors, at Husky Stadium instead of in the air-conditioned Kingdome.

Mama's comments: "Wearing this wig in 80-degree heat is too much for a 70-year-old broad. I'm dedicated to the Seahawks, but dying is out of the question."

Mama harbors other worries. She says, "What if it rains? The white lights may need to go. I don't want to be electrocuted."

Mistaken identity: During a hair-doctoring session, Karen Marchioro, Democratic candidate for a 48th District state House seat, was listening to a confession from her stylist.

Said the stylist, "I was at the Gay Pride Parade and a woman stuck out her hand and said, `I'm running for Senate.' I said, `Oh, you must be that cool friend of Karen's who rides a motorcycle.' "

Turns out the Senate candidate was former U.S. Rep. Maria Cantwell, not her Democratic Party rival, motorcycling state Insurance Commissioner Deborah Senn.

But Cantwell kept cool. The stylist reports, "She simply said `No, that's my opponent.' "

Thelma's back: Tacked to a post near Wallingford's Honey Bear Bakery was a "lost bird" poster. Description of the parrot: "Thelma lives with her sister Louise. She will get on your right hand but is afraid of left hands. She may come if you call `Silly Bird' or `Pasta.' She may come for her favorite foods: cheddar cheese, raw pasta or sunflower seeds."

There's a happy ending to the story. Scrawled across the top of the poster this week was a note: "Thelma is home. Thank you every one."

Another Dubya: Republican gubernatorial candidate John Carlson recently received a $20 check made out to "John Carlson for Governor." The donor: Gary Locke.

Ah, but it's not Gary Locke, the governor. Carlson's supporter is a Bellingham resident, Gary W. Locke.

Jean Godden appears Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Phone: 206-464-8300. E-mail: jgodden@seattletimes.com.