just4decoys.com

My e-mail is just2decoys@yahoo.com

I always have loved to research and find information on the old decoys and their makers. Learning about these tools and the men who not only made them, but also used them, is a never ending labor of love. I could not have gained what little knowledge I have and listed the information on my web pages without help from those who are more knowledgeable then myself.

I will try to list a few of my helps below:

I have to give credit to my very good friend Jeff Pelayo. we have talked, debated and studied together for countless hours trying to figure out who carved what and why did they do it that way?  Jeff also has a website for decoy collectors at www.oldwoodenduckdecoys.com

Although Jeff knows this gentleman a little better than I do, I have had the privilege to meet and become friends with Henry Fleckenstein, one of the most knowledgeable and experienced decoy researchers in the world. I have learned much from Henry in the little time I have been able to sit and talk with him. Thank you Henry for all your research througout the years.

Just earlier this year I was priviledged to meet a wonderful couple that I had heard were among the most knowledgeable in regards to midwestern decoys. I met Donna and Joe Tonelli at the Henry Illinois decoy show in 2009 for the first time and I learned another lesson in what decoy collecting is all about. Joe not only had a Vorhees branded Stephen Lane decoy I wanted, but took the time to share the history. I Purchased a decoy from Donna at the Westlake, Ohio decoy show that I noticed had Daddy Holly (Havre de Grace, Md) attributes. After talking with Donna, I realized that this decoy had more of a connection with lake Koshkonong in Wisconsin, and to this day that decoy is still leading me to research and discover more about the lake Koshkonong/Chesapeake bay connection. Donna and Joe have a wonderful website at  www.edecoy.com  

Another site that has been very helpful and informative is Frank Fox decoys at his "Decoy Collecting Homepage" http://my.att.net/p/s/community.dll?ep=16&groupid=176331&ck=

For the finest in decoy restoration and carving contact Russ Allen at  drduk@comcast.net  Russ is a true artist as anyone who has seen his amazing decoy restoration work or carvings can testify. 

Two very special friends are Jim and Sue Augustus. Jim is ablsolutely one of the finest decoy carvers I have had the priviledge to meet.  His site not only displays his carvings, but displays some of the old decoys he has collected. A wonderful site at www.gunningtraditions.com

A few wonderful web sites that offer quality decoys for sale are as follows:

www.westcoast-decoys.com  Owner: Micah Brosnan

www.ravenswayantiques.com   Owner: Jim Twining

www.old-decoys.com    Owner: Gary Campbell

 

 

 

 

 

I have found that the study of fish decoys is still in it's early development. there are a few people I consider experts in this field. One of them I consider a very good friend and one of the most knowledgeable people in the field of Fish decoys is Tim Spreck. Tim has years of experience behind him and has a business selling and identifying these great tools of the water. he has appeared on "Antiques road show" in the past and has an impressive inventory of quality fish decoys for sale. his website is www.fishdecoy.net

 

 

Another great research site for fish decoys and carvers is found at www.fishdecoys.net  Owner: Larry Christy