Few People Know The Famous Newspaper Comic Dennis The Menace Was Set In Wichita Kansas
By Clarisa|Published January 11, 2021
×
Clarisa
Author
Born and raised Kansan, Clarisa has lived in both tiny towns and cities during their time here in the Sunflower State. As a busy mother of one crazy kid, two cats, and two geckos, they write whenever there is spare time.
There are a few things about Kansas not everyone knows. Some of us might not know about ICEE, others might have missed the memo on White Castle’s origins. However, did you know that a beloved comic strip, Dennis the Menace, was set in Wichita, Kansas? Let’s take a look at history!
He's an easily recognizable character, but what many readers missed along the years is where Dennis the Menace is based on. As it turns out, this little boy is much closer to home than some of us thought.
The comic is set on a fictional Pine street in Wichita, Kansas, and Dennis's two-story house is a main scene in the story. We're proud to be the home of this worldwide comic strip! Even if the street is fictional, it feels like a lot of the neighborhoods in Wichita we're familiar with.
For those who have forgotten or who maybe weren't a fan of the funnies, Dennis is a five and a half year old, who bothers plenty of his neighbors with silly quips and trouble making. We all know someone like that, I think!
Since the franchise started, there have been all sorts of merchandise, spinoffs, and television adaptations. We've seen all sorts of little boys play the troublemaker over the last few decades.
Kids and adults of all ages read this comic over the years, and even if they don't today, the legacy of this little boy will carry on for a while, we think. There's just too much to relate to!
It's exciting to think that such a large story started off in Wichita, Kansas in the 50s. What a cool fact! Everywhere you look, there's a little piece of Kansas making people smile.