A John and Gaye Patton Charitable Foundation 2019 Grant of $2000 has been awarded to The John Updike Society in support of the society’s efforts to restore The John Updike Childhood Home and turn it into a museum.

“We are pleased to continue our support of the Updike Society because John Updike was and continues to be such an inspiration to us, and his works represent a significant physical presence in our literary collections,” wrote John M. Patton, M.D.

The Pattons said that they hope to be able to attend the 2020 Updike conference in Shillington to visit with society members and see the progress of the house at 117 Philadelphia Ave.  The John and Gaye Patton Charitable Foundation is based in Santa Rosa Beach, Fl.