Laurance Rockefeller

Laurance Rockefeller
(1910- 2004)

I was blessed with the opportunity to meet Laurance Rockefeller and his personal assistant, Ruth Haupert, in the early stages of the development of National Heritage. Through Laurance's confidence in me, I was able to duplicate several of his bronze works of art. Over the years he was extremely generous in giving several of my works of art to his closest friends, Frank Sinatra and Zubin Mehta, as thank-yous. He personally had a deep appreciation for the Native American people and this sculpture, titled "Appeal to the Great Spirit" by Cyrus E. Dallin, best reflected that appreciation. I would say this may have been his all-time favorite bronze work of art.

Laurance Rockefeller personally gave a tremendous amount to the people of the United States. He funded the expansion of Grand Teton National Park and was instrumental in establishing and enlarging National parks in Wyoming, California, the Virgin Islands, Vermont, Maine and Hawaii. Much of the land of Yellowstone and Colter Bay and even his beloved Jenny Lake was given as a gift to all of us. His Native American Artifacts Collection, as exhibited at the Colter Bay Museum, is a National treasure. I will always be indebted to his confidence and kindness and Ruth's help, I feel that they were a great part of my success.

In respectful memory, your friend.
David L. Spellerberg

Bronze sculptures that were featured in the home of Laurance Rockefeller