Marie Valiere of the Lions Club presents a check to Greater Meredith Program Design Committee co-chairman Chris Williams (center) and Archie statue subcommittee chairman Jim McFarlin in front of a model of the bench that will be built. (Courtesy photograph)
There’s no doubt the fictional town of Riverdale is Haverhill, Mass., but creator Bob Montana means just as much to residents of the town of Meredith, N.H.
In 1967, the comic strip artist purchased the former Esso station on Main Street in Meredith, converting it into a studio and gallery. His intention was to assume a quiet daily work routine, but his star rose much too quickly. In the end, Montana retreated to his family’s farm in Meredith and his property was turned into a frame shop.
Montana’s adult daughter, Lynn, still lives in the area—a town of 6,200 about 90 minutes from Haverhill—and was among those residents in support of a statue honoring her dad.
Backed by the Greater Meredith Program, a subcommittee led by Jim McFarlin raised $58,880 and commissioned sculptor Valery Mahuchy to design the life-size bronze replica of Archie sitting on a park bench. Monica Philbin, the executive director of the Greater Meredith Program, told WHAV the money raised covers both the installation and upkeep of the sculpture, to be placed in Main Street’s Community Park.
The park is across from Montana’s former studio.
A public unveiling is planned for Aug. 9 and Montana’s four adult children are expected to attend, Philbin said.
As the sculpture takes shape, Lynn Montana is serving as a design consultant to ensure the sculpture does her father justice.
In addition to the unveiling of the Archie statue, the town of Meredith celebrates their 250th anniversary in August. A parade and other events are planned, including a concert featuring music by Montana’s sons Donald and Raymond.