"End of the Trail" by James Earle Fraser in Waupun, Wisconsin (ca 1964). Postcard 871386. Photo by E.F. Fletcher
"This is the original bronze cast of the End of the Trail, sculptured by James Fraser and presented to Waupun by Clarence Addison Shaler. It is located in Shaler Park. Chief John Big Tree posed for Mr. Fraser in 1913. At the age of 98, he again posed in front of the statue." [Text on the back of the postcard]
Chief John Big Tree had just turned 90 when he passed away in 1967. The photo was likely taken in July 1964 when the Chief was the honored guest at Waupun's 125th Jubilee. So, he would have been 87 at the time, not 98 as stated on the postcard.
Chief John Big Tree claimed to be one of three Native American chiefs whose profiles were composited to make the portrait featured on the obverse of the United States' Indian Head nickel, designed by sculptor James Earle Fraser. The other two chiefs were Iron Tail and Two Moons. Big Tree claimed that his profile was used to create that portion of the portrait from the top of the forehead to the upper lip.
Big Tree also claimed to be the sole model for Fraser's most recognized work, the doleful "End of the Trail". Both of these claims are broadly disputed, and Fraser identified other models [Source: Wikipedia]
"End of the Trail" by James Earle Fraser in Waupun, Wisconsin (ca 1964). Postcard 871386. Photo by E.F. Fletcher
"This is the original bronze cast of the End of the Trail, sculptured by James Fraser and presented to Waupun by Clarence Addison Shaler. It is located in Shaler Park. Chief John Big Tree posed for Mr. Fraser in 1913. At the age of 98, he again posed in front of the statue." [Text on the back of the postcard]
Chief John Big Tree had just turned 90 when he passed away in 1967. The photo was likely taken in July 1964 when the Chief was the honored guest at Waupun's 125th Jubilee. So, he would have been 87 at the time, not 98 as stated on the postcard.
Chief John Big Tree claimed to be one of three Native American chiefs whose profiles were composited to make the portrait featured on the obverse of the United States' Indian Head nickel, designed by sculptor James Earle Fraser. The other two chiefs were Iron Tail and Two Moons. Big Tree claimed that his profile was used to create that portion of the portrait from the top of the forehead to the upper lip.
Big Tree also claimed to be the sole model for Fraser's most recognized work, the doleful "End of the Trail". Both of these claims are broadly disputed, and Fraser identified other models [Source: Wikipedia]