This Indian bust was purchased early in the history of the Watchung Optimists Club. According to charter member, Bill Ripley, a large contingent of Watchung Optimists were attending the New Jersey District Convention, in Cape May. Coincidentally, Watchung Mayor Ken Schmidt was vacationing at a nearby hotel. Mayor Schmidt saw the Indian for sale in the hotel's gift shop and told Bill Ripley's wife, Betsy. The conventioning club members decided to chip in and purchase the Indian for the club.
Each new president's name is inscribed on one of the feathers of the headdress, and the Indian resides with the club president during his term of office