The Citizens’ Voice in Wilkes Barre, Penn. (interesting to note, that Wilkes Barre is one of the few remaining medium markets with two daily newspapers) is reporting on the
“Joe Palooka” was created by Wilkes Barre-resident Ham Fisher and debuted in 1930. Its client high-mark was more than 900 newspapers. Palooka spawned more than 12 feature films, a syndicated TV show and lots of associated merchandise.
From the piece:
In 1976, local men Sam Greenberg, David DeCosmo, Fred Ney and the late John Cicero, launched a fund raising drive to replace the monument which was successful. Last year, the Home Builders Association undertook the task of repairing the monument and improving the site.