HISTORY OF THE OHIO DECOY COLLECTORS
AND CARVERS ASSOCIATION
By Tom Whitlock and Bob Lund
Bill Green began collecting decoys in 1963 when he was looking for a decoy as a mantel decoration. He answered an ad and purchased one of 300 decoys a man was selling and paid only $10 at that time for his first decoy.
In 1972 and 1973 Bill Green ran an ad in the Toller Trader asking anyone who collected decoys as hobby to contact him. Joe Smith was the only one who responded to the ad. Sometime in 1975, Bill saw an article about Vic Bradar’s decoy collecting and carving. Bill contacted him and Vic provided a list of hunters and decoy collectors for Bill to contact.
In the early summer of 1975 Bill contacted Tom Wistel, Dick Mader, Bill Feasel, Jim Kocher, Tom Gradel, Joe Smith and they gathered at the Old Hotel in Mount Vernon, Ohio. They met at 10 AM and broke for lunch at 12:30 PM. All were enthusiastic and encouraged Bill to form a decoy collectors’ club.
The planning committee of fourteen met at The Natural History Museum in Cleveland on Sunday, May 21, 1976 to officially formulate the Ohio Decoy Collector’s Association. Bill was elected as Chairman, Ann Taylor, Treasurer and Larry Taylor was named as Secretary. The fourteen charter members were Bill Green, Vic Bracker, Ralph Meinckie, Nelson Thomas, Joe Smith, Jim Lancer, Larry Taylor, Gene Kangas, Dave White, Jim Kocher, Allen Haid, Ellen Walters, Roy Ahlers, and Jack Atzinger.
The next get-together of the Association was at The Cleveland Museum of Natural History. Everyone was asked to bring a decoy for identification and charter members were asked to bring two decoys. First prize ribbons were given to those who brought decoys for identification. At this get-together Nelson and Phyllis Thomas discussed carving and the painting of a decoy.
The Ohio Decoy Collector’s Association 1st Annual Show was held at the Holiday Inn, in Strongsville, Ohio. This show was held after Bill Green wrote a letter to known collectors stating, “Anyone desiring to get-together to talk about decoys three times a year contact Bill Green”. Bill went on to write, “I am certain that there are enough people interested to get started and make it worthwhile, so I have arbitrarily set Saturday, August 20th as the date of the first show. The purpose of this get-together is to provide an opportunity to meet others who have the same interests, to share, to learn, and to have some fun.” Just to make it more interesting, Bill suggested that guests and participants bring a few decoys to swap or sell, share with us your experiences and even ask a few questions. The notice was sent out on June 22, 1977 to thirty nine people.
It is time to celebrate our 25th Silver Anniversary. In this issue of our newsletter we reflected on the founding of this organization, the events that have followed and the many people who have stepped forward to make this show a truly outstanding event for Collectors and Carvers of Waterfowl decoys. It was Bill Green's vision to have people gather together to talk and to share those decoys. Many people have shared in his vision and have carried on Bill’s mission. So, while you are at the show, stop and talk to the many volunteer’s and to the chair people and officers of this organization who help to make our show a fun and interesting event, it is these people who have carried the organization since the passing of Bill Green. Collectively there is over a hundred years of experience in the running of this show, and we believe it to be one of the best venues for collectors and carvers alike.
We all know the best place to find John Purvis is in his corner poolside room. John does a fine job in the coordination of the vintage dealers poolside, arranging the vintage seminars, and the Bill Green Exhibit, he also selects the categories for the vintage decoy contest.
Scott Wodrich, our Show Vice President, handles all room reservations and also makes sure the hotel is ready for show weekend. Scott will be found at front desk during the start of the weekend. He and his co-chair John Mercer will be running the Cocktail Bird contest.
Wayne Baldwin handles the dealer table sales in the ballroom and is chairman of the new Miniature boat contest. From Friday evening to Sunday afternoon Wayne can be found in the ballroom attending to the many questions and details of the show.
Gino Barna is head of Security, he and his assistants can be found throughout the hotel keeping a watchful eye on everything. Gino can also be found in the ballroom. Stop by to see the Vintage Decoy Contest where you will find Ken Cole, Joan Hoeft and Allen Muhic coordinating this very important contest. Duane Ganser is our Webmaster and Co-chairman of the Decorative Decoy Contest he also makes all arrangements for the carving seminars. You will find Duane at one of the seminars or in the Decorative Decoy Room. Co-chairing the Decorative Decoy Contest is Scott Nemecek. Richard Kmetz, Chairman Decoy Awards, contacts all of the chair people for their ribbon orders, arranges the ordering and insures that all ribbons are received and distributed. He spends the weekend in the Decorative Decoy area assisting in the setup and judging process of the Decorative Decoy Contest. Lorrie Johns is the Secretary of the club and assists Curt Johns, Chairman of the Rest of Marsh contests. Lorrie and Curt also assist at the cocktail party by displaying the cocktail birds for auction and this year Curt will be the MC of the event. Pat Costilow, is our Membership Chairperson and can be found front and center in the hallway leading to the ballroom selling memberships, tee shirts and sweatshirts. Pat works year round on membership, keeping the official roster of the organization, sending renewals notices and new membership cards. Also found in the hallway is Jim Wilson, Chairman of the Raffle, he handles the advance ticket sales and show weekend sales of raffle tickets, an important moneymaker for our organization. This year he donated a drake Gadwall as one the prizes. Charlie Hall, Chairman of the Volunteers and the new Pairs Contest can also be found at the bidding table in the hallway. So stop by talk to Charlie and put in your bid. You can also help Charlie by volunteering an hour or two to work the doors of the show selling admissions to the public. Gary Luman, Chairman of the Flat Art and Birds in the Nest Contests will be found in the ballroom during weekend and also in the Decorative Decoy area with the Bird in the Nest Contest. He will also be assisting Adam Grimm in setting up the Federal Duck Stamp Display. Stop by both the Federal Duck Stamp display and Adam Grimm’s display for a visit with our special flatwork artist who helped bring the Federal Duck stamp winners, both adult and juniors to the show. Our thanks go to Adam for the proper display boards of the fine artworks. Make sure to stop and see Jon Bailey who has provided many great comments on making the Flat Art Contest into a great event. He has also done an outstanding job in the creation of our 25th Anniversary show pin. Jim Moore, Chairman of both the Painting and Head Whittling Contests can be found in the lobby Friday night, poolside Saturday morning and then back to the lobby on Saturday afternoon for the Head Whittling contest, when the contests are over Jim arranges’ for all the winners to be auctioned. He also places orders for all the decoys used in both painting contests. During the year he is active in publicizing the show. Johanna Moore, Show archiver can be found taking special interest pictures of the people who are an integral part of the show and the many visitors to the show. Gary Joe Bryan and Mark Costilow, are Co-chairmen of the Hunting Decoy and Gunning Shorebird Contests, contests that attract some of the top competitors in the country. This year the Gunning shorebird contest will have a purchase award for the best of show winner in the open class. These two gentlemen travel throughout the country and work very hard to bring a quality program for everyone. Ky Krause, Main Auction Chair works his magic bringing items to the Saturday evening auction held on third floor in the Audio Visual Room. Also working with Ky are auctioneer Bob and his wife Bonnie Kasper and our own Kathy Baldwin together they have many years’ of experience helping to make our auctions successful. Early on Sunday morning Cliff and Audrey Kastl can be found poolside preparing for the Wildfowler Decoy and Rig contests. This is a must see event for everyone in our very own private marsh. This event is talked about almost daily out on Duckstickers.com website.
Another hard working veteran of the organization is Dave Forrest, chairman of the Shorebird carving and painting contest.
When you are pool side stop by and say hi and thanks to the wise man of the organization, Dave White, Vice President, Collectors for all his hard work to preserve the traditions of the fourteen original founders of the organization.
Another important person who works very quietly in the background of the organization is Darlene Vitt. She helps write and edit the rules brochure and our show postcard. If you happen to see her cruising the show, stop and thank this outstanding person.
Finally we thank Carole Kmetz, Treasurer, promoter, advertiser, editor of the newsletter and our financial sole of the organization. You will see her everywhere.
We thank each and every one of you for the fine job you have done and will continue to do. The word thanks has many meanings to many people but in this case it’s not just a word it’s the feeling of a job well done, the joy of seeing the winners in each contest. The joy of knowing you helped make the show a success.
We would also like to mention several new people who will be working with us at this years show, Christi Simmons will be taking over the Kids Coloring Contest. Vicky and Steve Secord will be providing a big assist in the hallway to Charlie Hall. There are also the many volunteers’ who will be helping to put this show together, to them we give kudos and coffee mugs too!!!. We also want to thank Frank Peeters, Bud Shell, Jim Wilson and Tom Whitlock for providing some really outstanding prizes for this years’ raffle. Thanks goes to Wildfowl Carving for their support in sponsoring the Peoples Choice Award.
Coming from California will be Bobby Sutton to chair the IWCA Novice Floating Decorative contest. Bob will be supported by Gary Joe Bryan and Duane Ganser. This is a wonderful addition to our show this year.
Volunteers, are really needed, but please don't wait till the day of the show, volunteer now, give Charlie Hall a call. If you prefer email, send a note to www.ODCCA.org. but don’t forget to visit the rest of our website and see what an outstanding job Duane has done for the past two years.
And so it is time to rendezvous at the 25th Annual Show and Sale to renew the friendships of those we have not seen for the past year and to share in those memories of the decoys past and present.
We hope you will enjoy the 25th Annual Show and Sale and please let us know what we can do to make the show better. You will see Bob & I at most of the venues.
Happy Decoying
Tom Whitlock, President
Bob Lund, Executive Board Chairman
by Carole Kmetz
Since Bob & Tom wrote the letter “From the desk of:” it would be inappropriate for them to blow their own horns, so I will take a few lines to do it for them. Both Bob & Tom have worked tirelessly over the years for the ODCCA as presidents and venue chairmen.
Tom has been instrumental in providing the purchase awards for several of the contests as well as raffle prizes. Tom created the story boards that are hung on the balcony wall at the show. Stop by and see the history of the show in all its pictorial splendor. Tom has been president of the organization at two different times.
Bob has a finger on most aspects of the production of the show, without him and his leadership we might not have made it to celebrate our 25th. Bob has been president of this organization and is now chairman of the board.
When you see either of these fine gentlemen at the show this year please stop them and shake their hands and say thanks for their years of hard work and dedication.
The new IWCA rules for 2002 are being printed. Please let me know if you would like a copy of the new rules. Please call me at (740) 453-3940 and I will send them to you.
Good Carving,
Gary Joe Bryan
by Gary Joe Bryan
The shorebird contest for 2002 will have a new division for Gunning Shorebirds which will include Novice and Intermediate Carvers in the Amateur Division. The Amateur Division will be not be
sanctioned by the IWCA, but IWCA rules will apply.
The Open Division will have a purchase award of $500 which is also new for this year.
by Pat Castilow
Membership dues for 2002 are now due and payable by February 28. When you receive your renewal statement return it promptly to be entered in the FREE THREE YEAR membership drawing. Gary Luman from Bowling Green, OH was the lucky winner last year. Check the membership table at the show to see who won this year.
I will be selling special 25th Anniversary sweatshirts and t-shirts with Flat Art winner Jeffery Klinefelter's painting of a pair of woodducks on the front and back, please stop by the membership table and support your club by purchasing one of these items.
Dues are $15 or one year or $40 for three years for a family or individual membership. This entitles you, your spouse and children under 18 FREE admission to the show and sale the entire week-end, plus our informative newsletter throughout the year. With your help and support the O.D.C.C.A. will continue to grow. Remember to keep your membership cards and use them until the expiration date. Hope to see you there.
Make your checks payable to O.D.C.C.A. and send to the following address. Pat Costilow Rt. 1, Box 612 Pennsboro, WV 26415 (304) 659-2895 e-mail: pcostilow@citynet.net
by Jim Wilson
Betty Odine, Riverview, MI, One Nights Stay at the Holiday INN Westlake
Ed Pivcevich, Avon Lake, OH Brunch for two at the Huntingtons Restaurant
by Ky Kraus
Decoys…. are kind of a funny thing. They can be made out of almost any material: dirt, reeds, concrete, plastic, wood, paper mache’, old tires etc. But, are they destined for dust collecting or do they really work?
Each year, we come to the ODCCA Show at Westlake and look at all the hunting decoys upstairs and say " Wow! These will never be used in a hunting situation. They are just supposed to be an imitation of a real duck". We then travel downstairs to John Purvis’ room and look at the assortment of Masons and other collectible decoys and scratch our head and wonder if these "Old Worn-out Vintage Decoys" were really ever used in a hunting situation. Did they really work 100 or so years ago and can they work again in this High Tech Age?
We put this theory to the test during the recent hunting season. We set out a spread of six 55 year old Ohio made wooden mallard decoys (Carver Unknown) and pitted them against five hand carved airbrushed cork mallard decoys made by such notable contemporary carvers as Duane Ganser, Mark Costilow and Rick Adams together with one Moto-Duck (a spinning wing decoy). Our test
occurred at Winous Point Shooting Club in December.
The ducks in the marsh that day were Green Wing Teals, Ringbills, Black Ducks and Mallards. Additionally, there were about 140,000 of their friends sitting on Muddy Creek Bay opposite the marsh waiting to attack on an evening "Feed".
The results are about to amaze you. We found the Vintage decoys floated very well but, had a lower profile on the water and required a little more care in putting them out and picking them up than the cork gunners. The vintage decoys muted grays and browns faded by years of dust and lack of use blended effectively against a cold gray December sky. Overall they seemed to work that day as the gunners which I’ll call field testers collected their limit in no time.
It appeared the other decoys in this competition, although larger and brighter and with Mr. Mojo flashing his electronically driven wings at 600 RPM were not as effective as the old gunners . . .but then maybe there was some bias in our decision especially when you are hunting at the oldest duck club in North America and the mere thought of Mojo’s and air brushed decoys seems almost blasphemous. The heritage of the decoy would be lost if it were not for places like Winous Point Shooting Club that reflect this bygone era.
Therefore, it is my humble opinion that those old worn out vintage decoys sold by the vintage dealers still really do work. However, there is one slight drawback . . .the cost of a dozen Masons, Dodges or Crowell’s may prevent you from using them. I’m sure if you were lucky enough to find a dozen of these decoys you would keep them in a safe place and only resort to dreaming of getting your limit of ducks over them.
Vintage Decoy Seminar
Louisiana Decoys
by John Purvis
The vintage decoy seminar will be held Saturday, March 16, 2002 at poolside and will cover Louisiana Decoys. The speakers will be Morgan Perrin and D. J. Somers. The speakers for this seminar are from Louisiana and are very knowledgeable on this subject. Please plan on attending this free seminar.
It’s a Set of Decoys!
No...It’s a Seat?
by Bob Lund
Ollie Babione presented me very unusual piece of waterfowl history at Magee Marsh Migratory Bird Center. Ollie, one of the first volunteers at the Magee Marsh Migratory Bird Center, related a story about her husband’s uncle William Tracey of Sandusky, OH. Mr. Tracey, a farmer, lived on Cleveland Road and Pipe Creek, punted for visiting duck hunters from the Cleveland Area. William rented rooms to the hunters, prepared them meals and took them hunting in Pipe Creek and Lake Erie in the late 1920 and early 1930’s.
As Ollie related the story, if the hunters were successful or not in their hunt, Mr. Tracey made sure each one of the hunter’s never went home empty handed. Punting for hunters was very important source of income in those days and he wanted to make sure that each hunter returned for the next hunt by taking home a duck.
William, a slightly built man, fashioned the decoy seat outfitted with complete with a string and weight. If he was not sitting in the seat, he would throw it out as a decoy.
This one of kind decoy is at the Magee Marsh Migratory Bird Center where everyone can see this special piece of waterfowl history.
1978 — 1st Show and Sale on March 4,1978 at Holiday Inn in Sandusky, Ohio. The first issue of the Ohio Decoy Collectors Newsletter was published and the show pin was of a Canvasback.
1979 — 2nd Annual Show and Sale at Holiday Inn in Sandusky, Ohio. The second issue of the Ohio Decoy Collectors Association Newsletter was published and the Fall issue had an article about Jack Rider, decoy carver. The "Lure of the Decoy" exhibit held at the Cleveland Museum of National History ran from July 29 until October 22, 1979. The show pin was a Canada Goose. A carving seminar at Sawmill Creek, Huron, Ohio was held on November 30, December 1 and 2. Twelve master carvers conducted this seminar and demonstration and it was a learning experience for 144 students. Profits from seminar were given to Len Ward who was ill.
1980 — 3rd Annual Decoy Show. It was held on March 22nd at Holiday Inn, in Sandusky, Ohio. The Show pin featured a Green Wing Teal.
1981 — 4th Annual Decoy Show. The Clubs constitution was amended to include the name of Carver and its purpose was written to encourage and promote our Ohio carvers and wildlife artists. The organization felt it was important to provide an opportunity for the beginner as well as the advanced collector and carver. There was a decoy exhibit at the Ohio State Fair and the ODCCA logo was placed on the show pin.
1982 — 5th Annual Decoy Show. It was held at Sawmill Creek Lodge, in Huron Ohio. Paul Busick of Amherst, Ohio, chaired the club’s first Carving Contest. The winner of first Hunting Decoy Contest was Joy Yax, from Roscommon, Michigan with a Canvasback drake. The judges were Bob Franta, "Buckeye Joe" Wooster and Phyllis Thomas. The winner of the Decorative Head Contest was Bob Franta. Judging this contest were Frank Newmier, Ed Frak and Dr. Bob Meeks.
1983 — 6th Annual Decoy Show held on March 19th and 20th at Westlake Holiday Inn, in Westlake, Ohio. The ODCCA Newsletter carried an article about Ohio carver, Bill Enright, written by Buck Juhasz. The Second Annual Gunning Decoy Contest Best of Show winner was Terry McNulty of New Jersey. Second Annual Decorative Head Carving Contest Best of Show winner was Keith Mueller.
1984 — 7th Annual Decoy Show at Westlake Holiday Inn on March 17th and 18th. In an interview, Bill Green stated that he began collecting decoys 24 years ago, with a Black Duck. In the interview in the newsletter, Ralph Meinke mentions that his carvings were on a national tour of old folk art. The Canvasback decoy on the club’s newsletter cover was purported to be one shot over by President Grover Cleveland while he was President. The club published the 1984 Exhibition Catalogue of Antique Black Duck Decoys. Bill and Ruth Green were honored with a pair of Madison Mitchell Decoys by the organization.
1985 — 8th Annual Decoy Show and Sale held on March 6th and 7th at Westlake Holiday Inn. An ODCCA sponsored a carving seminar with Jerry Klein of Erie, Pennsylvania. The show pin was the Ruddy Duck. The ODCCA printed a 1985 Exhibition Catalogue of Canvasback Decoys.
1986 — 9th Annual Decoy Show and Sale. A mini-carving seminar with Hans Bolte was held and the show pin was a Canvasback pair illustrated by Sonny Bayshore. Dave White displayed the "Classic Decoys" of Davey Nichols. The Membership Roster was printed and distributed. Jack Teagarten demonstrated decoy carving at the show.
1987 — 10th Anniversary Show. The 1987 to 1988 Membership Roster was printed and distributed. The show pin was the Jack Rider Bluebill. Bill Green passed away after a long illness. Bob Lund and Scott Wodrich become co-chairmen of the show. Wayne and Kathy Baldwin handled the Ballroom dealer tables.
1988 — 11th Annual Show. Joy Yax gave a decoy painting seminar. The club’s newsletter featured articles on Ohio carvers, Jack Rider and John Sharon. The show pin this year featured the Bill Enright Black Duck and the Bill Green Decoy Exhibit was introduced. The inventory of the Magee Marsh Decoy collection was accomplished by Wayne Collier, David and Carol Ames, Steve Fall, Gene Kangas, Buck Juhasz, Jan and Bob Lund. In 1988 the Board approved funding for two Photo Blinds for Magee Marsh. Members as well as the general public for the observation of waterfowl in their natural settings, can use these photo blinds.
1989 — 12th Annual Show. At this show Keith Mueller conducted a decoy carving and painting seminar. The show pin featured the Ruddy Duck carved by Chuck Gross. The first Hunters Decoy Contest was held at poolside with sixty-five entries, chaired by Cliff Kastl. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources, presented a division award to the ODCCA in recognition of its volunteer projects and donations. Paul Busick conducted a workshop at the Cleveland Woodworking Show on how to carve a decoy.
1990 — 13th Annual Show. Marcus Shultz conducted a Feather-rendering Seminar and John Nemazi conducted a Hunting Decoy Seminar. Howard Nixon won the first Decorative Decoy Contest with an outstanding Mandarin Duck decoy. Dick Motzer chaired this Contest. Dick Lancaster held a Vintage Decoy Seminar on Ben Schmidt decoys. The show pin this year was a Vintage Decoy drawn by Darlene Vitt. Collector tables moved from the ballroom to poolside. And Colleen Busick introduced the First Traditional Junior decoy Contest. Dick Motzer won the Best of the Great Lakes Contest. "The Wooden Bird: An American Folk Art Tradition" display was at the Cincinnati Museum of Natural History from July to September showing the works of John Sharp, Ray Kunz, Dick Motzer and Ken Vermillon. Dick conducted workshops on Decoy making. And at Magee Marsh Bird Center, Cliff Kastl created a bird carving display for those who are visually handicapped.
1991 — 14th Annual Show. This year the organization honored the fourteen founding members of the ODCCA. A Vintage Decoy Seminar conducted by Bill Dodge on Collecting Dodge Factory Decoys was held. A Roster of members was produced and distributed. The first Shooting Stool Competition was held at poolside. The show pin was a Ring Neck Duck carved by Tom Christie. The first Shorebird Carving and Painting Contest chaired by David Ames was held.
1992 — 15th Annual Show. The ODCCA had an auction of Bill Green's decoy collection. Audrey Kastl held the first ever Kids Coloring Contest. Dick Bonner conducted a Decorative Decoy Carving and Painting Seminar. And the show pin portrayed a World Champion Decorative Pintail by Rick Johannsen. A Green Wing Teal drawing by Sonny Bayshore was on the Spring Cover of the newsletter. Prints were made from Sonny’s drawing with the proceeds going to the North American Waterfowl Management Plan to restore Metzger’s Marsh Wildlife area. The ODCCA was one the first groups contacted to support this very important project of restoring 1000 acres of wildlife area.
1993 — 16th Annual Show. Pat Godin conducted a Decoy Painting Seminar. The Bill Green Memorial Exhibit presented Mason Factory Decoys. Alan Haid (founding member) and Russ Goldberger's new book on Mason Factory decoys was introduced. The show pin was a handsome Davey Nichol's Hooded Merganser. A check for $1,100 was presented to Ohio Division of Wildlife for Metzger Marsh Restoration Project. Tom Whitlock purchased and donated a pair of Wood Ducks, carved and painted by Bill Green, to Magee Marsh Bird Center. This year, Cliff Kastl, Ky Krause and Lou Fisher for Pickeral Creek Wildlife Area constructed Waterfowl Handicapped Accessible Blinds.
1994 — 17th Annual Show. The ODCCA Annual Decoy Show was featured in Wildfowl Carving Competition’s Annual publication. Tom Christie presented a Hunting Decoy Painting Seminar. The first $1,000 Hunting Decoy Contest Award was presented to Tom Christie for his Black Duck decoy. Dick Rode of Port Clinton, Ohio won the People's Choice award (sponsored by Wildfowl Carving and Collecting Magazine) for his decorative Black Duck decoy. Tom Christie sweeps the Best of Show in the Hunting Decoy Contest winning 1st, 2nd 3rd places. The show pin was a Vintage Mallard decoy from the 1880's.
1995 — 18th Annual Show. Adam Grimm renders a beautiful pen and ink drawing of a Redbreasted Merganser duck head. The ODCCA used this artwork on the show pin. Adam illustrates several outstanding newsletter covers. Archie Johnson presents a Vintage Decoy Seminar on Collecting Canvas-covered Decoys. And George Kruth presents a Decoy Painting Seminar.
1996 — 19th Annual Show. The ODCCA show is once again featured in Wildfowl Carving and Collecting Annual publication as "The Great American Decoy Show". The IWCA Hunting Decoy Shootout is held at the show and Bob Guge presents the Shorebird Painting Seminar. The show pin is a pen and ink drawing by Sonny Bayshore. Ruth Green, Bill Green’s wife, and Roy Ahlers both pass away. Scott and Carolyn Wodrich and Bob Lund introduced the Song Bird Contest.
1997 — 20th Annual Show. Lynn Kaatz illustrates a Canada Goose for the newsletter cover. And Phil Seltzer wins the Hunting Decoy Contest with a Gadwall. Lynn Kaatz created the show pin artwork of a vintage Canada Goose. The first annual Cocktail Bird Contest and party was held. The best of show winner for this contest was Carolyn Wodrich. This year, Mark Costilow established the ODCCA’s first web page.
1998 — 21st Annual Show. Phil Seltzer creates a beautiful piece of artwork for the club’s show pin portraying a Greenwing Teal.
1999 — 22nd Annual Show. Artwork of Snow Geese created by Jon Bailey was used for the show pin, which also was the show bird. The first Junior Painting Contest was held in conjunction with the regular Decoy Painting Contest. Mark Costilow was selected as the featured artist at The Cleveland Museum of Natural History. His seminar was entitled "Sitting Pretty a History of Duck Decoys".
2000 — 23rd Annual Show. A beautiful piece of artwork by Federal Duck Stamp winner, Adam Grimm, was used for the show pin. It was a painting of a Coot starting its dance across the pond. The Federal Duck Stamp winners came to Ohio for first time. Ohio’s own, Rick Johannsen, swept the IWCA, and ODCCA Hunting Decoy Contests. Daniel Loge, from Grand Junction, Colorado was the winner of the first Flat Art Contest. Betty Odine sponsored the first Backyard Birdhouse with Bird Contest.
2001 — 24th Annual Show. Artwork for show pin was a Canada Goose created from the Flat Art Contest winner, Daniel Loge. The first ODCCA Vintage Decoy Auction sponsored by Ted and Judy Harmon was held. The highlight of the Vintage auction was the Alvirah Wright canvasback, found in a North Carolina shed, which sold for over estimate at $6,700. Rick Johannsen swept the Hunting Decoy Contest for second year in row. And Bob Bolle’s Paints with Kids was a huge success. Duane Ganser chaired a project to purchase three new tanks for the Carving Contests and a storage trailer.
2002 — 25th Annual Show. The winning flat art of Jeffrey Klinefelter, featuring a pair of Wood Ducks will be featured on the show pin for 2002. A new Contest of Miniature Boats will be featured this year. The novice IWCA Floating Decorative Championship will be held this year for the first time. In addition to the Vintage Seminar, there will be three Carving Seminars featuring Pat Godin, Peter Polumbo and Rick Johannsen. Gary Luman created a junior division for the Flat Art Contest and it will be held for the first time this year. There are now 13 contests at the show. The Gunning Shorebird Contest will have a purchase award, with the amateur class consisting of Novice and Intermediate Carvers.
Bill Green
Ray Dubray
Wayne Collier
David Ames
Bob Lund
Tom Whitlock
Cliff Kastl
(Life Membership for exhibiting more than 5 years as Committee Chairperson or serving as an officer in the organization)
Carol and David Ames
Judy and Bob Ryland
Paul and Colleen Busick
Scott and Carolyn Wodrich
Wayne and Kathy Baldwin
Frank Floyd
Bob and Jan Lund
John and Mary Purvis
Cliff and Audrey Kastl
Tom Whitlock
Carole and Richard Kmetz
Jim and Johanna Moore
(Award for outstanding achievement in the organization)
Ralph Meinke
Judy Ryland
Bob Ryland
Sonny Bayshore
Gene and Linda Kangas
Paul and Colleen Busick
Scott Wodrich
Wayne and Kathy Baldwin
Carol Ames
Bob Lund
Tom Whitlock
Cliff and Audrey Kastl
David Forrest
Darlene Vitt
Carole Kmetz
Jim Moore
Mark Costilow
Pat Costilow
Ky Krause
Gary Joe Bryan
Jack Pigman
We received word that Bob Bolle, a truly great friend and carving legend, passed away from a massive heart attack on Monday, February 18. We will miss Bob, as he was one of the strongest supporters of all of the carving events around the country. I have known Bob for almost thirty years, and in that time, we have shared comments and thoughts about our mutual carving events. We have carved and painted together, which is something I will always remember and be happy that I had that opportunity. I will truly miss Bob, as he always told it like it was – no BS. Please join me in a salute to Bob. For those coming to Westlake, we will be doing a salute to Bob during the show.
Bob Lund
Thanks for posting that information....
For those that do not know Bob, he was a major force to be reckoned with in the tank at every show across the Country. Many times I have been in the tank more ways than one with a Bolle Bird or student.
This information is extremely saddening and my most heart felt condolences and sympathy go out to his family and closest friends. He has taught many carvers who will carry on his tradition and painting style.
His presence at all shows will be sadly missed.
I look forward to his tribute at Westlake.
Bob Bolle has truly a talented carver and will be sadly missed.
TGUN
I just want to echo Tommy’s comments. Bob will be missed big time, but his influence on the carving community will be there for many years to come. Bob was a unique individual and a good friend. I’m shocked by his passing but very grateful for his life and influence on us all. Willy
The Duck Blind
What a shock. Bob was one hell of a good carver and had a great influence on all of us. I was just working with Duane and Goldens to get Bob paint to teach the kids at Westlake. That was the kind of guy Bob was and his influence was not just on us adults, but more importantly on the kids. He will be sorely missed. I’m looking forward to the tribute.
HHG
Bob is the “Grandfather” of carving and painting in this area. You can see his influence in most of the carvers/painters around here. He will be missed a lot.
Lou
Unlike most of you, I only met Bob once about three year ago at the Tom Rivers show. At Bob’s request, Pete Palumbo introduced us. He spent several hours judging on Saturday, but on Sunday he approached me and asked if I wanted him to critique my bird. I jumped at the chance to hear his remarks. I was so impressed with the time he spent with me, helping me to understand how to improve my widgeon hen. He tried his best to get me to give up decoratives, tackle gunners, and move to the midwest! I’m sorry I never got the chance to meet up with him again - I always thought that I would. I will, however, forever remember the enthusiasm he generated toward carving and his generous spirit.
Thelma
May he be in God’s hands now!
Woodchips in Heaven
Jon Groninger
I had an opportunity to meet Bob once, but could see that he was a carver’s carver with a world of info. Heaven will be blessed with his chips!
Doc Young
I just got the news from Charlie Hall, what a shock. Bob was a great carver and always ready to help at many of the carving shows. I remember watching him paint at the painting contest in Westlake – he made it look so easy. Like Willy said, he made a big influence on the carving community. He will be missed. My sympathies to his family and friends.
Rick J
by Ky Kraus
25 years ago the ODCCA was founded by Bill Green as a way to a share common interest in the decoy. One of the reasons for the success of this fledgling organization was the interest developed by a young carver at the time, Mr. Joe Wooster aka Buckeye Joe.
Our featured carver for this month’s newsletter represents the old school of carving Mr. Joe Wooster aka Buckeye Joe. You might not recognize him, but he is the guy over there with the Santa Claus beard and the pipe. One look at his face and you’ll notice a twinkle in his eye and the gruffness and the wrinkles in his face reflecting the many, many years he suffered through a decoy competition or tromped through the marsh carrying a gunny sack of his decoys.
Joe loves to sit and talk about ducks, hunting, carving, eye placement, tertiaries, secondaries, primaries, you name it . . . if it has to do with ducks Joe will talk about and lace in some of his spicy stories, as well, as he puffs on his pipe.
Now Joe is considered an old master representing the old school carvers, when you carved with a knife and finished the decoy in oil paint. Most of his contemporaries are now deceased Shang Wheeler, "Fresh Air" Dick Jannsen, Lem & Steve Ward, etc. He still has time to recall the old days of gunning on the Chincoteague Barrier islands with his dear friend Cigar Daisy and watching out for the "Federales".
We salute Joe during our 25th anniversary celebration because he was a driving force in the success of our organization having joined 3 years after its’ formation and rallying carvers to support the show. In his day Joe was considered to be a rebel by his contemporaries, but we thank him for being our pride and joy - Good ‘Ol Buckeye Joe’
by Ky Kraus
Living within earshot of Sandusky Bay, Rick Johannsen is our next selected carver representing the new age of carvers. He was recently recognized as Best in the World at the Ward World Championships in Ocean City. Last year, here at Westlake, he walked away with the Best of Show plaque with a hen Pintail. Rick competed against some of the finest competition in the world.
The bird Rick likes to carve is the hen Pintail with its delicate and sleek look. He only uses an airbrush to block the colors in and brushes and the scrubs in the feathers using Goldens Acrylics thus creating a soft and very lifelike appearance. His contemporaries are impressed with his birds, which cause one to say it is a "hell of a fine decoy".
In the fall, Rick and his good friend Dick Rhode are lucky enough to be able to hunt almost every day using their own rigs on the lower end of the Sandusky Bay. They are shooting local mallards, blacks, pintails and the occasional redhead and canvasbacks. When the fields of the farm finally ice up Rick can be found in his studio carving until the spring sunshine warms the fields and the farm needs to be tended to. His future goals include adding to his World’s Best status, by winning the World Gunning Rig championship at Ocean City, Maryland. We congratulate Rick on his Best in the World win at Ocean City, and Westlake in 2001 and have high hopes that he can repeat his winning ways in 2002 Rick has been recognized as the "Best in the World" in decoy carving but his true love is deer hunting with a bow.
Rick and his family reside in Port Clinton, Ohio.