Former Resident
Tsatsume Dupea, 111, Visits Indian Fair at Bishop

Tsatsume Dupea, born in the Alabama Hills almost 112 years ago, returned to the Owens Valley after 
many years absence, to be present at the Bishop Paiute Indian Fair during the past weekend.

Tsatsume, whose name means "Beautiful Star" lived in Lone Pine for many years and was a resident 
there during the earthquake of 1872, which killed so many Indians.  She married Ezek Dupea and 
spent 25 years in Death Valley and then moved to Los Angeles where she spent 36 years as a 
practical nurse at the Littlee Hospital.  

For many years now she has been playing character parts in motion pictures and made the trip to 
Tibet for the picture "Lost Horizons" with Ronald Coleman.  At the present time Tsatsume is 
appearing in an all Indian motion picture "Indian Trails" which, it is estimated, will take three 
years to complete.

At present, Tsatsume lives with her son in Los Angeles.  She also has one daughter who is still 
living.  At the present time, in additions to her picture work, she is writing the story of her 
people the Paiutes.  She also teaches basketry and beadwork at schools in Los Angeles.

Tsatsume made the costume, which she wore at the Indian Fair and it was a beautiful beaded outfit 
with thousands of beads on it.  The costume is insured for $1,000.  About one month ago whe made 
her first flight in a helicopter and pictures of the event were published all over the country.

Tsatsume made appearances Saturday night at the fairgrounds and then again Sunday at Bulpitt Park 
for the Indian dances and barbecue.

She was accompanied to Bishop by Mrs. Kelly of Los Angeles and they stayed with the Bethel family 
who are old friends of Mrs. Kelly.

Tsatsume Dupea, who will be 112 years old in July.

The Inyo Register
Bishop, Inyo County, California
Thursday, June 29, 1961 

Transcribed by Pat Houser for Inyo County GenWeb, September 13, 2004


County GenWeb, September 13, 2004