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History

 

HISTORY OF THE OHIO DECOY COLLECTORS AND CARVERS ASSOCIATION

 

Bill Green started to collect decoys in 1963 when he was looking for one decoy for a mantel decoration.  He answered an ad and bought one of the 300 decoys a man was selling.  He paid $10 for his first decoy.

In 1972 and 1973 Bill Green ran an add in the Toller Trader asking those with decoys as a hobby to contact him.  Only Joe Smith responded to the add.  Bill saw an article in 1975 about Vic Bracher collecting and carving. .  He contacted him and told him what he had in mind.  In 1975 Vic provided names of hunters and collectors.

 In early summer 1975 he contacted  Tom Wistel, Dick Mader, Bill Feasel, Jim Kocher, Tom Gradel, Joe Smith and they gathered at the old Hotel in Mt. Vernon, which was a centrally located town.  They met at 10 AM and broke for lunch at 12:30 PM. All people were enthusiastic and encouraged Bill  to “GO” with the idea of forming a club of collectors.

 The planning committee of fourteen people 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 Secretary.   The fourteen charter members were Bill Green, C Vic Bracher, Ralph Meinckie, Nelson Thomas, Joe Smith, Jim Lancer, Larry Taylor, Gene & Linda Kangas, Dave White, Jim Kocher, Allen Haid, Ellen Walters, Roy Ahlers, and Jack Atzinger.

 The next get together was at held at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History for first Decoy Seminar which asked that every one bring a  decoy for identification.  Charter members were asked to bring two decoys.  First prize ribbons were available to those who brought decoys.  Nelson  and Phyllis Thomas discussed carving and painting a decoy.   

 Bill Green wrote a letter to collectors stating as a result of putting a notice in the Decoy World, which said in part, Anyone desiring to get together to talk about decoys three times a year contact Bill Green, inquires I am certain that there are enough people interested to get started and make it worthwhile.  So I have arbitrarily set August 20th, Saturday as the “D” Day.  The purpose of this get-together is to primarily provide an opportunity to meet others who have the same interests, also to share, to learn, to have some fun, and especially to get rid of the feeling of  ‘here I sit all alone, looking at my decoys!’ To make it more interesting, bring a few to swap or sell, also share with us your experiences and even ask questions.  The notice was sent on June 22, 1977 to thirty nine people.   It all began at the Holiday Inn, Strongsville, OH.

 

Highlights of the Past Shows

 

1978  First Show and Sale - March 04,1978 at Holiday Inn in Sandusky, OH.  The first issue of the Ohio Decoy Collectors Newsletter was published.  The show button was a Canvasback.

 1979  Second Annual Show and Sale at Holiday Inn in Sandusky, OH.  The second issue of the Ohio Decoy Collectors Association Newsletter.  The third issue (Fall) has an article about Jack Rider Decoy carver.  “Lure of the Decoy” exhibit held at the Cleveland Museum of National History runs from July 29 until October 22, 1979.  Show button was the Canada Goose. A carving seminar at Sawmill Creek, Huron, OH was held on November 30, December 1 and 2,.  The seminar was conducted by 12 master carvers who demonstrated and taught 144 students.  Profits of seminar were given to Lem Ward who was ill.

 1980  Third Annual Decoy Show -March 22,1980 at Holiday Inn, Sandusky, OH.  The Show Button featured a Green Wing Teal.

 1981 The constitution was amended to include the name of Carver and to a purpose written to encourage and promote our Ohio carvers and wildlife artists. To provide an opportunity for the beginner as well as the advanced collector or carver. There was an exhibit at the Ohio State Fair.  The ODCCA logo was on the show button.

 1982  The Fifth Annual Show and Sale was held at Sawmill Creek Lodge, Huron OH.. In 1982 the first carving contest which was chaired by Paul Buzick, Amherst, OH.  The winner of first Hunting Decoy Contest was Joy Yax, Roscommon, MI 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  Sixth Annual Decoy Show - March 19 &20, 1983 at Westlake Holiday Inn, Westlake, Ohio.  Newsletter carried article about Ohio carver, Bill Enright, by Buck Juhasz.  Second Annual Gunning Decoy Contest Best of Show, Terry McNulty of New Jersey.  Second Annual Decorative Head Carving Contest  Best of Show = Keith Mueller.

 1984  Seventh Annual Decoy Show at Westlake Holliday Inn- March 17 &18, 1984.  In interview , Bill Green states he collected his first decoy 24 years ago, which was a Black Duck.  In interview in newsletter, Ralph Meinke mentions that his carvings were on a national tour of old folk art. Canvasback decoy on newsletter was purported to be one shot over by  president Grover Cleveland while he was President.  1984 Exhibition Catalogue of Antique Black Duck Decoys.  Bill and Ruth Green honored with a pair of Madison Mitchell Decoys by the organization.

 1985  Eighth Annual Decoy Show and Sale - March 6 & 7, 1985 at Westlake Holiday Inn.  ODCCA Carving seminar with Jerry Klein of Erie, Pa.  Show button was the Ruddy Duck.  1985 Exhibition Catalogue of Canvasback Decoys issued.

 1986  Nineth Annual Decoy Show and Sale.  Mini-carving seminar with Hans Bolte.  Show button by Sonny Bashore, Canvasback pair.  Dave White displays the "Classic Decoys" of Davey Nichols.  Membership Roster is Printed and distributed.  Mr, Jack Teagarten  demonstrates decoy carving at the the show.

 1987   10th Anniversary Show!  1987 - 1988 Membership Roster produced.  Show button was the Jack Rider Bluebill. Bill Green passes after a long illness.  Bob Lund and Scott Wodrich become the Co- Chairmen of the show. Wayne and Kathy Baldwin handled the Ball room dealer tables. 

 1988   11th Annual Show - Decoy painting seminar by Joy Yax. Newsletter featured articles on Ohio carvers Jack Rider and John Sharon.  Show button  is the Bill Enright Black Duck.  Bill Green Decoy Exhibit introduced.  Inventory of Magee Marsh Decoy collection accomplished by Wayne Collier, David and Carol Amers, Steve Fall, Gene Kangas, Buck Juhasz, Jan and Bob Lund. Photo Blinds funding at Magee Marsh approved by the Board to give back to the members and the general public to observe waterfowl in the natural setting.

 1989   12th Annual Show - Keith Mueller decoy carving and painting seminar.  Show button  Ruddy Duck carved by Chuck Gross. The first pool side Hunters Decoy contest held at pool side with sixty five entries.  The contest was chaired by Cliff Kastle.  The Ohio Department of Natural Resources, presented a division award in recognition of ODCCA volunteer projects and donations. Paul Busick conducted workshops at the Cleveland Woodworking show on how to carve a decoy.

 1990   13th Annual Show - Marc Shultz Feather rendering seminar.  John Nemazi Hunting decoy Seminar.  Howard Nixon wins the first Decorative Decoy contest with an outstanding Mandarin Duck decoy, chaired by Dick Motzer.  Vintage Decoy Seminar by Dick Lancaster on Ben Schmidt decoys. Show button of a  Vintage Decoy by Darlene Vitt. Collector tables moved from the ball to rendezvous by pool side. First Traditional decoy  Junior contest introduced by Colleen Busick. Best of the Great Lakes contest won by Dick Motzer. The Wooden Bird: An American Folk Art Traditon at the Cincinnati Museum of Natural History from July to September showing the work of John Sharp, Ray Kunz, Dick Motzer and Ken Vermillon.  Dick conducted work shops on Decoy making.  Cliff Kastl created a "Touch Me" for those who cannot see for the Magee Marsh  Bird Center.

 1991   14th Annual Show - Honoring of the fourteen founding members of the ODCCA. Vintage decoy seminar by Bill Dodge on collecting Dodge Factory decoys.  1991 - 1992 Member Roster produced. First Shooting Stool Competition held at Pool side. Pin was a Ring Neck carved by Tom Christie.  First Shorebird carving and painting contest chaired by David Ames.

 1992 15th Annual Show - O.D.C.C.A. auction of Mr. Bill Green's decoy collection.  Kids program begun by Audrey Kastle.  Dick Bonner did the Decorative Decoy carving and painting seminar.   Show Pin World Champion Decorative Pintail by Rick Johannsen.  Green Wing Teal drawing by Sonny Bashore was on the Spring Cover.  Prints were made 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 the this very important project to restore 1000 acres of wildlife area. 

 1993   16th Annual Show - Pat Godin decoy painting seminar.  Bill Green Memorial exhibit presents Mason Factory Decoys along with the introduction of Alan Haid (founding member) and Russ Goldberger's new book on Mason Factory decoys.  Show pin was Davey Nichol's Hooded Merganser. First Shore bird contest chaired by David Ames. $1100 check presented to Ohio Division of Wildlife for Metzger Marsh restoration project.  Tom Whitlock purchases and donates a pair of Wood Ducks carved and painted by Bill Green to Magee Marsh Bird Center. Waterfowl Handicapped Assessible blinds constructed by Cliff Kasle, Ky Kraus and Lou Fisher for Pickeral Creek Wildlife Area.

 1994   17th Annual Show - O.D.C.C.A  Annual Decoy Show featured in Wildfowl Carving Competition Annual publication for 1994.Mr. Tom Christie presents Hunting decoy painting seminar.  First $1,000 Hunting Decoy Contest Award presented to Mr. Tom Christie for his Black duck decoy.  Mr. Dick Rhode 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. Show button was Vintage Mallard decoy (1880's)

 1995   18th Annual Show - Adam Grimm does show button with original artwork, a pen and ink rendering of a Redbreasted Merganser Duck Head.  Adam does several oustanding newsletter covers. Archie Johnson presents Vintage Decoy Seminar on collecting canvas covered decoys.  George Kruth presents decoy painting seminar.

 1996   19th Annual Show - Show is once again featured in Wildfowl Carving and Collecting Annual as The Great American Decoy Show. IWCA Hunting Decoy Shootout is held at the show.  Mr, Bob Guge presents the shorebird painting seminar. Show Pin Pen and Ink by Sonny Bashore. Ruth Green and Roy Ahlers passed away. Song Bird Contest introduced by Scott and Carolyn Wodrich and Bob Lund.

 1997 20th Annual Show - Lynn Katz did Canada Goose for newsletter cover,  Mr. Phil Selzer wins Hunting Decoy Contest with a Gadwall.  Show Pin artwork of a Vintage Canada Goose by Lynn Kaztz.  First annual cocktail bird contest and party presented.  The best of show winner was Carolyn Wodrich.  First web page established by Mark Costilow.  Paul Foytack gave the Painting Seminar on painting a drake mallard.

 1998 21st Annual Show - Phil Selzer did the artwork for the Show Pin a Greenwing teal . Jimmie Vizier gave two seminars, one in the morning about pattern making and wood layout and the afternoon/evening seminar was on carving his graceful drake pintail.

 1999 - 22nd Annual Show - Artwork for show pin created by Jon Bailey of Snow Geese which was show bird.  First Junior Painting contest. Mark Costilow was selected as the featured artist at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History entitled “Sitting Pretty-a History of of Duck Decoys. George Kruth presented a seminar on air brushing a hen greenwing teal.

 2000 - 23rd Annual Show - Artwork for show pin of coot starting is dance across the pond created by  Federal Duck Stamp winner Adam Grimm.  Federal Duck Stamp winners come to Ohio for first time.  Rick Johannsen sweeps the IWCA, and ODCCA Hunting Decoy contests.  Daniel Loge’, Grand Junction, CO winner of the first Flat Art Contest.  First Betty Odine- Backyard Birdhouse with Bird Contest. The painting seminar was by World Champion Del Herbert, who painted his hen goldeneye.

 2001 - 24th Annual Show - Artwork for show pin of a Canada Goose created by  Dainiel Loge’.  First ODCCA Vintage Decoy Auction sponsored by Ted and Judy Harmon.  The highlight of auction was the Alvirah Wright canvasback, which was found in a a North Carolina shed which sold over the estimate at $6,700.  Rick Johannsen swept the Hunting Decoy contest for second year in row.  Bob Bolle worked with the Junior Painters for their first ever painting seminar.  New tanks and a trailer were ordered by Duane Ganser for the carving contests.  Tom Christie was the seminar instructor, painting a hen mallard.

 2002 = 25th Annual Show - The winning flat art of Jeffrey Klinefelter, featuring a pair of Wood Ducks will be featured on Show Button for 2002.  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 Palumbo and Rick Johannsen.  A junior division for Flat art contest will be held for the first time which was created by Gary Luman.  There are now 13 contests at the show.  The Gunning Shorebird contest will have a purchase award  for the open contest, with amateur class consisting of Novice and Intermediate Carvers. 

2003 - 26th Annual Show- Peter Palumbo was the seminar instructor. Brad Falkinberg and Steve Secord took over as Floating Decorative Co-Chairmen. Show pin Pair of Ring Necks – painting by Ramsey Schrader.

2004 - 27th Annual Show - The Junior Duck Stamp Competition became part of the show was chaired by Gary Luman. The winners were presented at the Toledo Museum of Art. The Ted Harmon Auction had many great vintage decoys. The vintage seminar was presented by Ken Cole and Leonard Cargnai. Keth Mueller presented an excellent painting seminar to the carvers. Show Pin Painting Pair of Widgeon created by Jeffrey Kinefelter.

2005 – 28th Annual Show - The painting seminar was conducted by Tom Matus featuring a Green Wing Teal Hen, Joe and Donna Tonelli presented an excellent semiar covering the years of collecting and memories. Show Pin Painting Pair of Red Heads by Jeffrey Kinefelter.

2006 – 29th Annual Show – 5 Man Panel to Discuss Vintage Decoys by Allen Haid, George Quay, Paul Brisco, Dick McIntyre and Joe Tonelli. Tommy Stewart presented an excellent seminar on Shorebird drawing, pattern making and a look at his prize winning painting. Show Pin painting of a pair of Shovelers by Jocolyn Beatty.

 


 PAST AND PRESENT PRESIDENTS

Bill Green
Ray Dubray
Wayne Collier
David Ames
Tom Whitlock
Cliff Kastle
Bob Lund-Current Acting President
and Chairman of Executive Board
 


Goldeneye Chairmans Highest Award for Service

Scott Wodrich
 


 Lifetime Achievement Award

Life Membership for exhibiting more then 5 years of
Committee Chairperson or serving as an officer in the organization

Carol and David Ames
Paul and Colleen Busick
Wayne and Kathy Baldwin
Bob and Bonnie Casper
Pat and Don Costilow
Mark and Cheryl Costilow
Frank Floyd
Duane and Carol Ganser
Gene and Linda Kangas
Cliff and Audrey Kastl
Carole and Richard Kmetz
Kyan Kraus
Bob and Jan Lund
Jim and Johanna Moore
John and Mary Purvis
Judy and Bob Ryland
Tom Whitlcok
Scott and Carolyn Wodrich  


Golden Goose Award 
Award for outstanding achievement in the organization.

Ralph Meinke
Bob Ryland
Sonny Bashore
Gene and Linda Kangas
Paul Busick
Colleen Busick
Scott Wodrich
Wayne and Kathy Baldwin
David and Carol Ames
Bob Lund
Tom Whitlock
Cliff and Audrey Kastle
David Forrest
Darleen Vitt
Jim Moore
Mark Costilow
Pat Costilow
Ky Krause
Jack Pigman
Duane Ganser
Jon Bailey
Jim Wilson
Gary Luman
Charlie Hall
Geno Barna
Ken Cole
 


 

Make up of ODCCA members

2% Artists
59% Carvers
39% Collectors
1% Hunter

 22% of Carvers are collectors which increases the number who are interested in collecting.  43% of collectors and carvers have another common interest which is hunting.  Now that should totally confuse you.

 

 Information presented is believed to be accurate

 


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