Discover How to Obtain the Mayor’s Most Valuable Treasure in Stardew Valley (Hint: It’s Not His Shorts)

In the vibrant world of Stardew Valley, one of the standout characters is Mayor Lewis, the charming yet occasionally embarrassing leader of Pelican Town. Known for his infamous quest to retrieve his vivid purple shorts from Marnie’s bedroom, players may be surprised to discover that there is another item associated with him that can evoke a similarly humorous reaction. Much like the shorts, this item will also prompt a unique response from Mayor Lewis when placed in a public setting.

Unlocking the Mayor’s Hidden Golden Statue

A Golden Idol for the Mayor

The second unique treasure tied to Mayor Lewis is his self-aggrandizing life-sized solid gold statue. To obtain this extravagant idol, players must embark on a secret note quest that becomes available during Winter of Year One. This quest is part of a content update, which introduced secret notes to the game in version 1.3.27, approximately two years post-launch.

Deciphering the Secret Note

Players need to locate Secret Note 19, which contains a puzzling clue leading to the mayor’s golden statue. The note features a depiction of 1 Willow Lane—home to Sam, Jodi, Vincent, and Kent—along with directional arrows (up, down, left, or right). To solve the puzzle, players must stand before the blue house and move according to the directions until they reach an impasse.

For instance, the first direction may prompt players to go left until they can’t move any further. Following all specified directions will ultimately guide players to the area located behind Mayor Lewis’s house, where they can interact with the ground to uncover the coveted golden statue.

Public Placement of the Statue: An Unexpected Outcome

Bribery in the Valley

This gleaming statue is not just a trophy but a piece replete with secrets. Once acquired, players have a choice: keep the statue on their farm or place it prominently in Pelican Town for all to admire. However, if the statue is publicly displayed, it will mysteriously disappear by the next day. In lieu of the statue, players will receive a rotten plant and a letter containing 750g in the mail—similar to the bribe offered to players after displaying his shorts at the Stardew Valley Fair.

The letter reads: “In the future, I’d appreciate it very much if you refrained from placing my PRIVATE belongings in town for all to see! I’m very displeased! Take this money and never speak of my ‘project’ to anyone.” After the statue vanishes, players can typically find it either in the mayor’s bedroom or, humorously, in Marnie’s bedroom. This leads to amusement, as it suggests the statue could be an affectionate tribute from a townsfolk rather than a product of the mayor himself, despite the description confirming it as his secret endeavor.

Patch 1.6: Easing Access to the Statue

The Relevance of Patch 1.6

The fear of losing the mayor’s precious statue becomes less daunting with the updates in patch 1.6.9, released in November 2024. This patch alleviates the stakes associated with placing the statue, allowing players greater freedom to celebrate Mayor Lewis’s contribution to their in-game lives without concern for its permanent loss.

While the potential cost of the statue may seem high, the unique connection and fondness for Mayor Lewis it fosters on your farm is undoubtedly invaluable.

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