The Deep Roots of Storytelling

Chief Tomekin

Chief Tomekin was born as Leslie J. Ranco on the Penobscot Reservation on July 30th, 1907. He was the son of Emma Ranco and Joseph Ranco, who was a renowned Penobscot canoe maker. Like many Penobscots, they would summer on the Kennebunk River. Back then Joe Ranco would sell his canoes and guided canoe tours. Allowing them to profit off teaching their heritage and return to the reservation for the winter of money with a little extra comfort.

Little Deer

Valentine Lewis was born on February 17, 1912 a couple of months before the Titanic sank and Fenway Park opened in Boston. She was raised by her mother, Marie Morris and her Grandmother Lizzie. Her first language was Penobscot, and she grew up without running water or electricity. She was taught how to hunt, fish, and grow her own food, and always had stories of canoeing to school.

A Family of Their Own

Leslie and Valentine married in 1929 and their daughter June was born the next year. A few years later they welcomed a baby boy, Ronnie.

The young family moved to Springfield, MA in the 40’s to help with the effort in the war. Chief would work in the factory in the days and make moccasins for his coworkers at night. For years they worked saving their pennies,  and in 1948 they opened the Indian Moccasin Shop on Ogunquit Beach, Maine. After a couple years they would move the shop to Route 1 Wells, ME  where it has remained ever since.

For decades Val and Leslie ran the store and raised their family. Chief would make the moccasins and the war clubs. Valentine would do the bead work for the dolls and necklaces.

“I grew up playing around that shop. My grandfather was too old to make the moccasins by the time I can remember, but the giant machines were still there. The leather scraps still thrown about. I realize now how lucky I was to grow up with that, and with both of them. Its funny, now that I am older, I find so much of who they were in me. My grandfather’s stories, my grandmother’s resourcefulness. They were such special people. ”

-Johnny Gagnon Jr

After Chief and Little Deer passed, Their daughter and Johnny’s Grandmother, June Rain took over the store, and still oversees it today.

“Being raised around any family store that has survived for over 70 years teaches you a lot about business and how to maintain relationship with customers. But being around a business that is so deeply connected to a rich and unique heritage. My own heritage, has shown me how meaningful someone’s profession can be. It was that type of of passion and heart that I have been using to build Tomekin over this past decade.”

-Johnny Gagnon Jr.