It's been 50 years since the 'Wheedle on the Needle' was created
It was 50 years ago when one of Seattle’s most enduring literary characters – who also became the Sonics’ original big-head mascot – was born. On February 14, 1974, the book “Wheedle on the Needle” was published, and quickly became a Northwest favorite that’s still in print.
Source: mynorthwest.com