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"In the Beginning" by Fred Olds. From postcard from the Oklahoma Territorial Museum.

Model for Nose on Indian Nickel Gets in Trouble

Betty June Starr Whelan Cherokee Collection, MS-188
MS188-03-03: Indians III: · Page 5.4
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Physical location
Betty June Starr Whelan Cherokee Collection, MS-188
MS188-03-03: Indians III:
Page 5.4
Material type
Newspaper Clippings (Newspaper / Clipping)
Description
In Syracuse, New York the nose that is on the Indian Nickle got into trouble. Onondaga Indian Chief John Big Tree was arrested for driving under the influence. Chief Big Tree's nose was the model for the Indian on the U.S. nickel. The Indian Head was composed after Indian models were selected from leading tribes throughout the nations. Big Tree is also modeled for the head that appears on Pontiac automobiles and has appeared in several motion pictures.
Subjects and names
Indian Cheif, John Big Tree, model, arrested, driving under the influence, Indian nickle, Indian Nickle.

For collection-level context and related materials, view the complete MS-188 finding aid in ArchivesSpace.