The Sandisfield Times
What Happened to "The Mini?"
But First, What Was the Mini?
by Ron Bernard
Published December 1, 2024.
image of the mini Montville Church being towed by a pickup truck.

The Mini was one of the coolest things to come out of the early days of the Arts Center in the late-1990s.

At that time, Arts Center president Dr. Ron Myers and teams of volunteers were working madly to transform the former Montville Church/Synagogue into an Arts Center. The teams cleared the lots, making urgent repairs to the building, and sprucing up the interior so that the programs could be scheduled.

A miniature model of the church building, it was built in 1999 by Sandisfield Center resident Richard Migot.

Liana Toscanini recalled that period and the reason for the miniature replica. She told The Times, "It was a marketing idea because we couldn't always put people in the building, especially during renovations. It was a way to raise public awareness about the restoration and the continuing need for financial support from the community.

Photographs of the church and grounds when it was under repair include views of the Mini. The model was also featured in parades in towns in south county, particularly during Sandisfield's Memorial Day events.

image of the mini Montville Church being towed by a pickup truck.
Ron Myers and unidentified assistants display the Mini in area parades, 1999.
(Photos: Arts Center files)

Roberta Myers remembered, "We worked hard for months to make the grounds and building presentable. Looking back, it wasn't always pleasant, but everyone was motivated, and we made sure to have fun. The model was a symbol of the commitment and the future, and we were proud to show it off."

Curiously, there are no written accounts of the Mini. As to its whereabouts now, no one we contacted remembers what happened to it.

If you know anything about the Mini and if it still exists, please let me know as soon as possible. Contact me at Ronbernard@aol.com.

image of Montville Church with the Mini out front.
The former Montville Church with the Mini out front.
(Photo by Richard Migot, 1999)

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Published December 1, 2024