Local Statues Made into Replicas

By HARLAN BAKER

Admirers of Longfellow's statue in Longfellow Square, the gateway to Portland's West End, can now take home a model replica to place on their desk, coffee table or shelf.

Reggie Groff, a local filmmaker and avid toy soldier collector, has commissioned models of three famous Portland Landmark statues: The Our Lady of Victory Monument at Monument Square, the Maine Lobsterman at Temple and Middle Streets, and The Longfellow Statue.

Groff dreamed about the idea for years and searched for sculptors who could recreate the statues in minute detail. The Maine Historical Society was impressed with the accuracy of the work, and now offers the statues in their gift shop.

If successful, Groff will be commissioning more statues of other Portland and Maine landmarks. A John Ford statue replica could be in the works. The models can be viewed at FortheloveofPortland.com