‘Dick Van Dyke Show’ Star Larry Mathews Returns to New Rochelle to Celebrate TV History (Photos)
Beloved child star Larry Mathews, who portrayed Ritchie Petrie on The Dick Van Dyke Show (1961-66), greeted fans and answered questions as he returned to New Rochelle, New York, the setting of the beloved sitcom, on Saturday, September 13, 2025, for an afternoon of nostalgia. The exclusive event was hosted by Dick Van Dyke Show historian David Van Deusen, who is also the editor of The Walnut Times, the newsletter for the show’s fan club.
The event, “An Afternoon of Nostalgia With Larry Mathews,” was held fittingly at The New Rochelle Public Library, and was coordinated to honor The Dick Van Dyke Show, ahead of Dick Van Dyke’s 100th birthday, which will be celebrated later this year on December 13. It was a day of infamy, as well, for the mayor of the city set forth a proclamation declaring September 13th as Larry Mathews Day in New Rochelle!
“Larry entered the stage wearing a pith helmet and sunglasses — as a tip of the hat to the woodpecker episode and the audience loved it!,” shared Van Deusen. “He led the audience in a recitation of the Crummy Buttons oath, as well as the singing of The Dick Van Dyke Show theme.”
Credit: New Rochelle Public Library/Geraldo Rodriguez
Throughout the program, David Van Deusen and Larry (pictured above) gave away autographed memorabilia to audience members, which included a signed pith helmet, signed crummy buttons box, signed bowling pin, signed dressing room star, and a signed Carpetna painting. Larry and David have been friends for decades!
New Rochelle Library/Geraldo Rodriguez
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