The statues were erected on June 15, 1978, and dedicated on June 17 during the
Fremont Fair. Concerns over damage to the statues from weather and automobiles led to the installation of a
pergola by artist Pete Larsen in 1979. Power, which provided lighting to the pergola, was not installed until almost ten years later. Sculptor Richard Beyer was selected in 1975 by the Fremont Arts Council to create
Waiting for the Interurban, in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of Fremont's founding. The piece cost $18,210 and was financed mainly through private donations and the city's art fund. Beyer initially went uncompensated for his work, until private fundraisers raised enough revenue to cover the $6,000 he was owed. In January 1980, the
Seattle City Council formally accepted the sculpture as a donation to the city. During the repairs of the
Fremont Bridge that began in February 2006, the sculpture was moved about east of its original location to
History House, at the corner of N. 34th Street and Troll Avenue N., which runs up a hill to the
Fremont Troll. History House also has exhibits showing some of the most imaginative displays by people who have decorated the statues over the years. The sculpture was returned to its original site following the completion of bridge repairs in May 2007. On August 17, 2008, another sculpture was dedicated a block away on N. 34th Street, known as
Late for the Interurban. The statue, sculpted by Kevin Pettelle of
Sultan, Washington, portrays the 1970s Seattle TV clown
J. P. Patches and his sidekick Gertrude. ==Reception==