NEW ROCHELLE, NY (July 23, 2025) — The New Rochelle Public Library, in partnership with The Walnut Times, will host “An Afternoon of Nostalgia with Larry Mathews” on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at 12 p.m. Mathews, known for playing Ritchie Petrie on “The Dick Van Dyke Show” from 1961 to 1966, will share memories of the classic sitcom and celebrate its star, Dick Van Dyke, who turns 100 in December.
The event, held in New Rochelle, the fictional home of the Petrie family, will feature Mathews recounting personal stories of working with Dick Van Dyke, Mary Tyler Moore, Rose Marie, Morey Amsterdam, and others. Attendees will enjoy a screening of the “Never Name A Duck” episode with live commentary from Mathews, view never-before-seen behind-the-scenes color home movies and personal photos, and participate in an audience Q&A with chances to win autographed memorabilia.
A reception will follow, offering opportunities to meet Mathews, take selfies for $20, and purchase autographed photos for $40, with cash-only transactions. A display of rare memorabilia and prop replicas from “The Dick Van Dyke Show” will also be showcased.
David Van Deusen, publisher of The Walnut Times and a noted “Dick Van Dyke Show” expert, will host the event. Known as “the other DVD” by show creator Carl Reiner, Van Deusen has published The Walnut Times for 20 years, authored a book about his experiences with the cast, moderates the “Celebrating The Dick Van Dyke Show” Facebook group, and cohosts the podcast “Tripping Over The Ottoman.” He also served as executive producer of the 2021 documentary “The Dick Van Dyke Show – Celebrating the 60th Anniversary.”
The event is free and open to the public, but registration is required here or here.
This article was drafted with the aid of Grok, an AI tool by xAI, under the direction and editing of Robert Cox to ensure accuracy and adherence to journalistic standards.