I appreciate the Sept. 11 Morning Sentinel article about the restoration of the famed Indian sculpture by Bernard Langlais, who once attended Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture.

I write this in honor of the Skowhegan Hospitality Association, which was conceived by my father, Henry Valliere, Somerset Motor Lodge owner Joe Cayouette and other notable business people in Skowhegan who dedicated their efforts to assuring Skowhegan’s tribute to Native Americans for whom Skowhegan was named and welcoming visitors to our central Maine area.

The Skowhegan Tourist Hospitality Association’s intent was to provide a Tourist Welcoming Center (now Skowhegan Chamber of Commerce office) and another attraction — the Indian — to welcome people to Skowhegan.

The article puts to rest the concerns of many who have contributed toward funding the Indian’s restoration and preservation process has, at last, been given a magnificent and safe plan for the Indian’s approach by the many who, even since its dedication on June 5, 1969, are eager for photos of this magnificent “tribute in art.”

Thanks, too, for the Sentinel’s depiction of an attractive park that will greet people as they visit Somerset Grist Mill and the renovated historic Grange Hall.

Katie Valliere-Denis Ouilette

East Madison


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