Published by The History Press
Charleston, SC 29403
www.historypress.net
Copyright 2013 by Carol Lee Anderson
All rights reserved
All Montana images are copyright of the Montana family.
First published 2013
e-book edition 2013
ISBN 978.1.62584.023.3
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Anderson, Carol Lee, 1962-
The New England Life of Cartoonist Bob Montana : Beyond the Archie Comic Strip / Carol Lee Anderson ; [foreword by] Bruce Heald.
pages cm
Summary: A chronicle of the life and career of famous cartoonist and New Englander Bob Montana from birth to death (1920-1975), with a particular focus on his life in Meredith, New Hampshire--Provided by publisher.
print edition ISBN 978-1-60949-786-6 (pbk.)
1. Montana, Bob. 2. Cartoonists--United States--Biography. 3. Meredith (N.H.)--Biography. I. Title.
PN6727.M664Z55 2013
741.5973--dc23
[B]
2013036536
Notice: The information in this book is true and complete to the best of our knowledge. It is offered without guarantee on the part of the author or The History Press. The author and The History Press disclaim all liability in connection with the use of this book.
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form whatsoever without prior written permission from the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.
This book is dedicated to my son, Dean, who is not only a cartoonist in the making but also the best son a mother could have.
Contents
Map of the town of Meredith, 1968. Courtesy of Meredith Historical Society.
Foreword
Bob Montanaa friend and a neighbor. We settled, lived and celebrated life in Meredith, New Hampshire. We had similar dreams, desires and goals, and we orchestrated our desires to entertain. Bob gave us his creativity. There are few men who could embrace life with such humor.
Bobs conviction to achieve and make a difference through his creative accomplishments was a focus in his giving. He inspired many to perform their art regardless of its media. He gave me the inspiration to share my talents through music, theater and writing. He embraced his creativity with humora romance via his life. He showed this love through his family, community and friends.
Bob saw humor in natural occurrences in school with his characters Archie, Veronica, Betty and Jughead. What we feel is natural, and he made it his humor.
Professionally, to remember Bobs affection of the school programs would be through his artistic contribution. For hours, he would masterfully design stage sets and program covers. His participation in fundraising projects and theater presentations made the activity enjoyable by his unselfish artistic donations.
The Montana family embraced their school and community through the arts and their lives. A highlight came from his boys, who created a thirty-two-foot mural celebrating the music of the Beatles that was displayed in the music room for many years.
Bob was highly respected by his peers. My fond memories of the Montanas cannot be expressed by words alone. However, Carol Anderson has captured the essence of Bob Montanas life through his celebration of family and friends. To read his biography is to be inspired and embraced by his love for life. This book is a must!
BRUCE HEALD, PHD
Adjunct Professor of History
Plymouth State University
Acknowledgements
I will be forever grateful for the opportunity to write a book about the New England life of cartoonist Bob Montana. During the course of researching and writing this book, I gained many new insights into life. More importantly, it gave me a friendship with Bob Montanas daughter, Lynn Montana, which has been a blessing not only to me but to my family as well. Lynn is the perfect blend of her mothers elegance and her fathers wit and creativity. Without her friendship, conversations, generosity and encouragement, I could not have written a book that would be anywhere near a fitting tribute to her father. I am deeply thankful to her for never wavering from the belief that I could overcome the intimidation I felt about putting the story of her fathers life into words. I also wish to thank Bobs childrenLynn, Paige, Ray and Donfor granting me permission to use some of their amazing family photos within the pages of this book.
I first met Dr. Bruce Heald when we were both signing our respective books during an author event. Little did I know at the time how connected he was to Bob Montana. As I researched Bobs life, I smiled when I learned that the two men not only knew each other but were also close friends. I am honored to have his foreword grace this book, and I am equally honored to call Bruce my friend.
Paul Miller, along with Bob Montana and other artists, created an artists colony in Meredith that could never be duplicated. The talent of these artists knew no boundaries, and they were steadfast friends. I fully appreciate and will never forget Pauls willingness to share some of his thoughtful memories despite having to deal with an extremely busy schedule. His thoughts and recollections filled in many of the gaps in my research, which would have remained were it not for him.
Steve Hulse could not have been more articulate when I asked him to put his favorite memories of his friend Bob Montana down on paper. He took the time to think through what he wanted to share, and his words will give the readers of this book some wonderful insights into how the cartoonist viewed the world. I wholeheartedly thank Steve for telling me in each and every one of his emails that he had no doubts that I could write a great book about Bob, his life and his contributions.
When I asked Marie Jose Malarge to write about the time she spent living with the Montana family, she graciously offered many of her heartwarming memories on several occasions. I thank her for her candidness and lovely words, all of which she has allowed me to place within the following chapters.
Bill Allen and his wife, Lynn, were such delightful hosts when I interviewed them at their home. We discussed Bob Montana, the Allen Barber Shop, life in general and all things in between. Their thoughts and memories kept me inspired and, at the same time, provided me with critical information. Bill is a dedicated historian just as his father was before him, and I sincerely thank both Bill and Lynn for their stories of Bob Montana and growing up in Meredith.
I thank Meredith Library Director Erin Apostolos and her friendly staff, especially Christopher Leland, for the patience and assistance they offered when I was conducting research at their library. After having spent months there poring over past editions of the Meredith News, I wasnt surprised when Erin said that she was beginning to consider my son and me part of the librarys staff. We completely enjoyed the time we spent there, quietly giggling over Archie comic strips and just being part of life in Meredith.
Thank you to everyone at the Meredith Historical Societyespecially President George Jewellfor allowing me to scan their collection of pertinent images and also for granting me permission to use them. Their work to preserve Merediths history is impressive and provides a vital service to both the town and historians alike.
