A photograph dated 1910 shows a 15-year-old Montauk Indian boy, identified as Norris Herbert Fowler, seated at the wheel of an automobile. The image is part of the Rare Eastern Indian Photo Series, Set 2, and is attributed to Red Thunder Cloud (Cromwell Ashbie Hawkins West).
According to a description written on the reverse of the photograph, Fowler—also known as “Sid” in East Hampton—was one of several members of the Fowler family, along with siblings George, William, John (“Red Man”), and Marguerite. He later lived in Freetown, a settlement historically associated with Montauk families, including the Fowlers, Butlers, and Pharoahs.
The reverse text notes that in 1942, ten Montauk individuals remained in Freetown, with that number later declining to four. Fowler and his nephew Alexander were identified as continuing the Fowler family name as of 1968. He resided in the Fowler homestead on Springs Road in East Hampton and had one son, Norris Jr., who lived in New York.
Photo: Norris Herbert Fowler, age 15, seated at the wheel of an automobile, Montauk, 1910. Courtesy of Red Thunder Cloud (Cromwell Ashbie Hawkins West), Rare Eastern Indian Photo Series, Set 2. No known copyright restrictions.
