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Lake Placid Unveils Latest Mural

KATHY WATERS/HIGHLANDS TODAY

Mary Hufty, president of Archbold Expeditions, gives a little background behind Richard Archbold during a walking tour of Lake Placid’s longest mural on Tuesday. The mural, created by artist Keith Goodson, was dedicated on Tuesday.

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By Bill Rettew Jr. | Highlands Today

Published: November 28, 2007

LAKE PLACID — The town's two newest murals were dedicated this week, but no firm plans are in place for when another mural — the 41st — might grace downtown streets.

Harriet Porter, who co-founded the Lake Placid Mural Society, spoke at Tuesday's dedication of the town's latest mural to honor Richard Archbold, founder of Archbold Biological Station, and the centennial of his birth.

The 184-foot long by 8-foot wide mural is painted on a wall of Miller's Central Air, at 19 Interlake Blvd.

The town's longest (but not biggest mural) was created in May and June of this year, by nine-time Lake Placid muralist Keith Goodson.

Lake Placid's most popular muralist also painted "Trail to Eagle Scout," located at 204 S. Main Ave. on the wall of Home and Office Essentials, which was dedicated Sunday and painted after the Archbold mural was completed.

"You never saw this wall before, but you sure see it now," said Porter. "This was a challenge for Keith."

Goodson sifted through 100 years of Archbold history and created seven panels depicted with vibrant colors, including long-term Glades Electric Cooperative Inc. employee and Richard Archbold's driver, Willie Chapple.

Chapple has been employed for 50 years with Glades, where Archbold was a board member and instrumental in bringing electricity to local rural areas.

Chapple is now the assistant general manager at Glades following 50 years as a lineman.

"It feels so good to find out that somebody recognized me and put me up there," said Chapple about the larger-than-life representation of him.

Tommy Todd, Glades general manager and CEO, talked about Chapple's longevity and now permanent place in Lake Placid history.

"It reaffirms my faith in something America lacks more than anything else – longevity," said Todd. "He is the epitome of community. Willie is Glades Electric."

Meanwhile, the subject of another mural has not been formally decided and "wall space is at a premium," Porter said.

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