--the Riverdale in Archie Comics is actually Haverhill, MA, where creator Bob Montana grew up. Riverdale High= Haverhill High, complete with Thinker statue. Various people in the school inspired characters, etc. To this day, in the Eagle- Tribune of nearby Lawrence, MA, the strip is run as "Haverhill's Archie"
--Josie and the Pussycats was created by the late Dan DeCarlo, who met his wife Josephine during WW II. (He used to say that he landed on the roof of her house but that may be just a story.) He created a comic book called "She's Josie" which later led to Josie and the Pussycats. A friend of mine has a tribute site:
DeCarlo was guest of honor at the "furry" convention Anthrocon shortly before his death (a furry--I'm one-- is a fan of anthropomorphized cartoon animals). At one point in the dealer's room (where you can buy T-shirts, comic books, etc.), Dan and Josie were sitting at their table and a woman, Lisa Jennings,dressed as Josie the character, showed up and danced around as the "Josie" theme song was played--kind of a surprise tribute. The conventioneers were charmed by Dan and his wife. Several Anthrocon staffers attended Dan's funeral later, and Josie was invited to return to the convention in future years as their honored guest.
Dan with Lisa Jennings, as Josie, at the convention