Decoy News - The Minnesota Decoy Collectors Association

Decoy News
The
The Official Newsletter of the Minnesota Decoy Collectors Association
May, 2012
MDF Exhibit at the Minnesota Lakes
Maritime Museum Held Over in 2012
2012 Show Highlights
This year’s exciting show included:
Room to Room starting on Wednesday
Big show Friday and Saturday
The Minnesota Lakes Maritime Museum in Alexandria,
Minnesota will once again present it’s wildly popular
duck hunting exhibit. If you did not get a chance to see
this collection in 2011– you need to get it on this year’s
calendar.
The exhibit features rare duck boats, Ducks Unlimited
“Living Lakes Initiative” Story, wooden decoys from The
Minnesota Decoy Foundation Collection, Oxley’s vintage
photographs, original John House commemorative painting
and much more.
If you enjoy hunting and the outdoors do not miss this
exhibit. In addition to the rare duck boats and decoys, the
exhibit features the story of Sam Fertig, a market hunter
who spent a great deal of time hunting on Lake Christina.
Auction Friday night
Best Bird Contest Saturday
Youth Carving Contest Saturday
Hospitality room for exhibitors Friday night
Several authors signing their books
Minnesota Display Friday and Saturday
Great socializing with fellow decoy collectors
Exhibit Continued on Page 5.
Inside this Issue:
cont. on page 5
Preserving and collecting the folk art of decoy carving
President’s Letter
2
MDCA Contact Info
2
2012 Show Photos
3
2012 Minnesota Display
4
Best Bird Results
4
Table Talk
4
Maritime Museum Hi-Lites
5
Auction Hi-Lites
5
MDCA Bulletin Board
6
Jupe Houman Memoriam
7
Youth Contest Results
8
1
MDCA 2012 Newsletter
The “High-Ball”
Greetings Members.
thoughts from our President
At the end of every one of our Minnesota Decoy Association shows, I always sit down and
do this letter to all of the members of our association, to tell you about our most recent show.
Well, here I go again. The weather is something I don’t think about too much, but because it
was show time, I was hoping that it would be smiling upon us, and it was. The weather was
perfect for traveling to the show, and the locals in the Twin Cities area showed up in very good
numbers to take in the experience.
The room to room trading on Wednesday and Thursday was well attended by not only our members, but also by the
public who happened to read about the show. We had exceptional coverage in the local newspapers, and various other
newspapers geared to the outdoor minded people. The attendance over the four day show was wonderful. We had all of the
tables in our exhibit hall sold, and the amount of decoys and related items was very impressive.
Our Best Bird contest, which brings out the best examples of decoys on collectors shelves, featured the Bluebill this year.
This years Collector’s Choice display highlighted some birds from Jim Krebsbach’s wonderful collection.
Every year, we do our best to give our members the opportunity to experience one of the best decoy shows in the country.
We owe so much to all of you who attended this year’s show, and especially want to thank all of the exhibitors who helped
make our show a very successful and exciting event. In just a few weeks, we will start planning next year’s show. Mark
your calendars and plan on attending!
.
S
.
P
I just want to mention that the hotel is going to be making some very nice changes to the interior of the hotel, and that
should be a wonderful change for all of us. This should improve many areas and make our stay much more pleasant. During my conversation with management, they asked that I go over a subject with all of you.
All of you that attend our annual show and book rooms for the Wednesday and Thursday room to room events, are being asked to possibly alter the way you set up your rooms. It was brought to my attention that several members who were
selling out of their rooms were bringing in such a large amount, that they took it upon themselves to remove some of the
room furniture and deposit it in the hallway. According to the hotel staff, these people were informed this cannot happen
due to fire codes, hotel policy, etc. Unfortunately, the situation was not corrected, and the manager of the hotel reported to
me that their requests were ignored.
We have held our annual show at the Ramada MOA for over 20 years, and they welcome us and appreciate us giving
them our business. They just want to let us know that moving furniture to the hallway, or setting things in the hallway for
sale, is against the fire code. If you cannot put a display together without moving furniture to the hall, simply leave some
of it at home.
Fo rg etf!o r o n ly
Do n’t m
is s io n
d Ad
E a r ly Bir
b e rs h ip
+ mem
M
0
.0
0
2
$ gets you in at 11:00 A
Best Regards,
John Southworth
John A. Southworth
MINNESOTA DECOY COLLECTORS ASSOCIATION Board of Director Contacts:
Dues and Membership.........................................................................................thomforde@deskmedia.com Larry Thomforde (507) 732-7074
Table Reservations................................................................................................... maryandbob7855@hotmail.com Bob Sauer (952) 949-9880
Auction Information.................................................................................................... dollslures@comcast.net Wally Wegleitner (651) 771-8926
Best Bird Contest Information.....................................................................................clstenberg@charter.net Carter Stenberg (320) 796-5684
MN Display.................................................................................................................................................................Andy Anderson (651) 464-8861
Advertising & MN Decoy Foundation Donations and Information.........................marty@hansondecoys.com Marty Hanson (952) 440-4767
• Mailing Address: Minnesota Decoy Collectors Association, P.O. Box 144, Zumbrota, MN 55992 •
2
Preserving and collecting the folk art of decoy carving
MDCA 2012 Newsletter
Photos from the 2012 Show
Preserving and collecting the folk art of decoy carving
3
MDCA 2012 Newsletter
Table Talk
2012 Minnesota Display showcases
factory decoys featured in
Minnesota decoy book.
Table Chairman
Bob Sauer
The purpose of the Minnesota Display is intended to be an
integral part of the learning experience of the public attending
the yearly Minnesota Decoy Collector’s Association show. The
display is a venue for Minnesota makers of decoys, carvers
and factories – contemporary and vintage.
Once again, our long awaited (M.D.C.A.) Show is
over. What pleasant memories! Visiting with collectors,
the raffle, the collectors’ choice and Minnesota decoy
displays, the new 2012 button, the super auction, and the
Marv’s carving demo were all great memories for me.
There were incredible entries in the best bird contest too.
Thank you all for traveling from near and far to attend
our show. I always have a wonderful time seeing old
friends and old decoys.
As in year’s past, all exhibitor tables were taken.
Over 91% of the tables were rented before the last week
of December.
Nine new members exhibited this year. Our bright
lights and spacious room was comfortable for visitors
and exhibitors.
I thought visitor attendance was up this year. Sales
were high for some exhibitors. I sold a few, bought more,
and added four to my collection. I did my annual trade
too.
Minnesota carvers, Marv Meyer and Marv Bernet
showed us how to carve away that “extra” wood to find
the hidden decoy and duck head. They are always fun to
watch and a highlight at our show.
Thank you again for attending our 2012 Minnesota
Decoy Collectors Association show. See you at the next
show here in Minnesota in 2013. Keep up the hunt!
Spread the word! Bring a buddy next year! Do a trade!
This years Minnesota Display showcased decoys featured
in Doug Lodermeier’s book: Minnesota Duck Decoys –
yesterday’s and today’s folk artists. This years display consisted
of factory decoys and was well received by those attending the
2012 show.
Next years 2013 display will showcase Minnesota Miniature
Decoys also featured in the Minnesota decoy book.
Vaughn Walters Photo
Best Bird Contest Results - Bluebill
One of the fun events of the show
is the best bird contest. It is open to
all members of the MDCA and their
families. We have four divisions.
They are antique factory, antique hand
carved, modern working and modern
decorative.
This year our show species was the
Bluebill. There were 72 birds entered in
this year’s event. The judges had their
hands full trying to pick the winners
in all categories. After the judging was
over, the winning decoys were put on
display with their well earned ribbons.
The members flock around the display
area looking to see which decoys won.
Start looking at your decoys on those
shelves – 2013 Best Bird Contest will
feature the Mallard.
4
The Winners Are:
Bob
Mason Challenge
Vaughn Walters
Antique Factory:
Mason Challenge – Vaughn Walters
Antique Hand Made:
Don Reed
Marty Hanson
Don Reed – Marty Hanson
Modern Working:
Ben Heinemann – Carter Stenberg
Modern Decorative:
Ben Heinemann
Carter Stenberg
Dick Schiebel – Bob Beugen
Youth Carving Competition:
Olivia Rooney – Bluebill gunning bird
Congratulations!
Dick Schiebel
Bob Beugen
Preserving and collecting the folk art of decoy carving
MDCA 2012 Newsletter
Thank You!
Jay Rendall, one of MDCA’s own member
and outstanding water color artist has graciously
donated his talents to the MDCA.
His beautiful rendering of a Bluebill decoy
is featured on the 2012 show button.
The original artwork based on a Lexow
decoy was auctioned on Friday night of the
annual show and gaveled at $220.00.
We are very fortunate to count Jay as a
member and for his very generous contribution.
We would also like to thank Paul Mikkelson for
his continued efforts in coordinating the project
and for the outstanding results year after year.
Proceeds from the auction and button sales
are vital to the MDCA’s ability to finance the
yearly show.
This year’s button as well as past buttons are
available for sale. See the bulletin board on page
6 for details.
Auction Highlights
Wally Wegleitner
The annual Friday night decoy auction
proved to again be a huge success. There
were 88 decoys consigned with many
Midwest & factory decoys to choose from. The variety gave the new and veteran
collector a nice selection to bid on. Many
duck decoys sold in the $50-$100 range
with opportunity for some great bargains. There were also a good number of high
quality decoys. Some of the top decoys
included a pair of Mason blue wing teal
with a winning bid of $3,000. Also, a fine
pair of very early Heron Lake Mallards
with a final bid of $2,200. The turn out
was strong, and the bidding spirited,
making for a very fun evening.
Doc Baillie, our in house auctioneer,
does a great job with his fun, humorous
manner. The 88 lots this year with many
pairs, proved to be no problem for Doc to
breeze through. The bidding crowd pretty
much stayed right until the very last decoy.
The consensus among members indicated
the new 6 PM starting time was positive.
Many thanks to our auction Senior
Executive Paul Mikkelson, Barb Hanson,
Justin Wegleitner, Sherrie Wegleitner
& Larry Thomforde, our Treasurer. The
Minnesota Lakes Maritime
Museum, cont. from page 1
clerking crew does an unbelievable job
to facilitate both buyers & consignors to
settle up in less than 30 minutes after the
auction ended. We are blessed to have
such talented and gifted people involved
on the auction committee. Thank you,
Thank you, Thank you!!
p.s. As a reminder to all members:
1. All decoys must be picked up
immediately after the auction is
completed.
2. Please wait until after the auction is
completed to pay for your decoys. If
you are unable to stay until the end of
the auction, please make arrangements
for someone to pay & pick up your
decoys.
3. Pick up your consignment checks
immediately after the auction.
With your cooperation and patience,
the crew can maintain their awesome
efficiency.
Other show highlights are listed below:
• Extensive Collection Of Rare Duck Boats On Display
• Ducks Unlimited “Living Lakes Initiative” Story Bringing Life Back To Shallow Lakes And Marshes
In Minnesota And Iowa.
• Wooden Decoys From The Minnesota Decoy
Foundation Collection
• Oxley’s Vintage Photos: 1900s - 1940s Professional
Vintage Hunting Photographs
• Sam Fertig Exhibit - Market Hunter In The Late
1800s - 1920s.
• Original John House Commemorative Painting
Learn more at: www.mnlakesmaritime.org
Preserving and collecting the folk art of decoy carving
5
MDCA 2012 Newsletter
MDCA Bulletin Board
Pa st Sh ow Bu tto ns For Sa le
e c oy
ki n g of a D
T h e Maarver
c
• Re n o w n e d e r in a ctio n !
ey
M
rv
a
M
te s lo n g !
• 41 m in u ll m a kin g !
a
• In c lude s c
A lim ite d num be r of pa
st
MDCA sh ow bu tt on s
are
av ai la ble fo r pu rcha se
.
Ca ll Paul to fin d ou t ab
ou t
av ai la bi lit y.
HS
V
0
0
.
$15
DVD
0
0
.
$18A
H pe
&
.00 S
d $3
Ple a se C a ll :
Pau l M ik k e ls o
n
(320) 235-03
67
er
r o rd
Ad
Ma ke C h ec
ks To: MD C
&
Se n d Orde r
To:
fo
In
g
S h ippin
MD CA
4
PO B ox 14
M N 55992
,
a
t
o
r
b
m
u
Z
Suggestions?
ed your help! Please
$5.00ea .
!
Lo g o C apCasps
DF
MD CA & M
s!
ide re d lo g o
w it h e m b ro c k h u ntin g,
du
Pe r fe ct fo r g, do g t ra in in g
tin
up la n d h u n
e a r!
w
o r c asual
On ly
We ne
send photos, articles, and
suggestions for your
Newsletter to:
s
Lo o k fo r c ap
h ow
at va r io u s s
Stops !
Doug Lodermeier
5700 Beard Avenue South
Edina, MN 55410-2342
– or –
doug@dougandpaul.com
The
On ly
D u c k C a ll
Ma kin g of a
ks
Ma ke C h ec
To: MD CA
To:
Se n d Orde r
$15.00
$18.00
6
VHS
er
Add $3.00 S&H per ord
MD CA
4
PO B ox 14
55992
N
M
,
a
t
o
r
Zu m b
p e r CA P!
Joi n the
Fl o c k!
Do yo u k
no
s h a re s y w s o m e o n e w h o
o u r i nte r
es
h o bby? I
n v ite t h e t i n o u r
m
o u r o rg a
n iz atio n to j o i n
!
• Co
45Mins
C a ll Ma ke rs
Re n o w n e d
in Actio n !
n g lu n d
• Pa u l E a n s o n
H
• Ma r t y eye r
M
v
r
a
•M
$20.00
DV D
lle cto r
• A n n u a l Net wo r kin g
D
• News le ire cto r y
tte r
• Fre e S h
o
• App ra is w Ad m is s io n
a
• a n d M u l As s ist a n c e
c h M o re
Ma i l D u
es t
o:
MD CA
PO B ox
1
Zu m b ro 44
t a, M
On ly
$15.00
p e r ye a r
N 5599
!
2
Preserving and collecting the folk art of decoy carving
MDCA 2012 Newsletter
In Memoriam:
Jupe Houman
The decoy collecting fraternity just lost one of our dearest
friends. Jupe Houman of Hudson, Wisconsin passed away on
June 1st, 2011.
Jupe was a long time collector of Wisconsin decoys with a very
special fondness for Evans decoys. His Evans collection is one of
the best in the nation, and he was exceptionally proud of that fact.
Jupe was a long time member of the Minnesota Decoy Collectors Association, and looked forward to each show by counting
down the months, and then days until the next show. He was
also a member of the Midwest Decoy Collectors Association.
He attended all of the Oshkosh Decoy Shows, and recently was
reminiscing about the show this past March. Jupe always looked
forward to every get-together with all of his decoy buddies, and
always had some information to share with everyone at the Evans
Society meetings.
Besides being a very avid collector of decoys, Jupe was a very
accomplished wood carver, and decoy maker himself. Through
the years he made many beautiful things that he would make for
friends, family members, and for special donations to many different organizations.
Going to Jupe’s house, was like going into a museum. Besides
decoys, Jupe enjoyed his parrots, doves, his garden, and goldfish
pond in his park-like backyard. He was also a very avid fisherman. He loved the local lakes and the St. Croix river.
Jupe was a wonderful family man. He was always going places
and doing things with his wife, Helen, kids, and grandchildren.
Jupe was one of those special people that everyone just enjoyed
being around. His kindness and generosity will long be remembered by all of us who knew him. He was a special friend to
many. He took the time to teach and mentor me and many others
about decoy collecting, and carving. We will all miss him. Thanks
Jupe for being such a good friend, and for sharing all of your
decoy knowledge with everyone in the decoy fraternity.
Gene Davis Photo
Jupe Houman at the Minnesota Decoy Show.
John Southworth
Minnesota Decoy Collectors Association
MDCA Member Carl Melichar
featured in Illustrator Magazine
Illustrator Magazine, the official
publication of Art Instruction Schools,
Minneapolis, Minnesota–of which Melichar
is a graduate– recently featured the artist in
a recent issue.
An original work by the artist; Orange &
White Brittany graced the cover. Inside spreads featured many
of Carl’s works and a thoughtful biography.
Congratulations on your recognition and continued success!
Preserving and collecting the folk art of decoy carving
7
MDCA 2012 Newsletter
Carvers Share their Talents
Marv Bernet – was on hand to talk decoy
carving and give demonstrations.
We have been very fortunate to have
carvers in the MDCA who have been
willing to take time to demonstrate
their talents at our show. A big
thank-you to carvers including Marv
Bernet, Marv Meyer, Marty Hanson,
Richard Schiebel and the guys from
The Minnesota Decoy & Wildfowl
Carving Club to name just a few who
have help kindle an interest in carving
over the years!
MWA Co-Sponsers Youth Carving Contest
Olivia Rooney, age 9, of Andover was the first place winner at the Minnesota
Waterfowl Association (MWA) and the Minnesota Decoy Collectors
Association (MDCA) co-sponsored youth decoy carving contest this past
February 4th. Brother Luke Rooney, age 7, was the second place winner and
Wyatt Wiseman of Prior Lake placed 3rd. The Bluebill or Scaup was the
featured specie for the 2012 contest. The winners received ribbons from the
MDCA and art prints and other prizes from the MWA. This was the 9th year for
the contest started by the MDCA.
The MDCA holds their annual decoy show at the Ramada Mall of America in
Bloomington the first Saturday in February and the preceding Friday afternoon
and evening. But, serious collectors arrive on Wednesday for the start of the
ever popular room-to-room trading. Dealers buy, sell and trade antique and
contemporary waterfowl decoys, hunting and other sporting collectibles in their
rooms.
To continue and promote the great heritage of decoy carving in Minnesota, the
MDCA held a youth carving contest on the Saturday of the show. The MWA
participated by promoting the contest at state and local chapter events and by
word of mouth and provided prizes for the carvers.
Olivia and Luke
Rooney – with
their 2012 youth
carving contest
1st & 2nd place
winning entries.
Keep up the
good work. Wyatt
Wisemann (photo
page 3, top left)
took 3rd place.
Nice going Wyatt!!
MDCA
Board of Directors
President – John Southworth
Vice President – Steve Handevidt
Secretary/Treasurer – Larry Thomforde
Board Members:
Howard Anderson
Doug Lodermeier
John Baillie
Pat Meneely
Alan Bakke
Paul Mikkelson
Dick Brust (Founder)
Bob Sauer
Marty Hanson
Carter Stenberg
Jeff Hedtke
Dick Tyrrell
Bruce Hoaglund
Wally Wegleitner
Mike Valley (WI representative at large)
MN Decoy Foundation
Who We Are
The Minnesota Decoy Foundation was
formed as a nonprofit organization in 1991
to encourage the preservation of decoys
from Minnesota carvers. The foundation
accepts donations of decoys, and related
hunting collectibles, artifacts and
documents as well as monetary donations
to expand and fund a permanent exhibit.
Anyone interested in helping to
promote the foundation’s goals should
contact any of the foundation contacts
listed on page 2 or any of the contacts
listed on the enclosed show flyer.
MDF
Board of Directors
President – Marty Hanson
Vice President – Larry Thomforde
Secretary/Treasurer – John Southworth
Foundation Members:
Dick Brust (Founder)
Steve Handevidt
Doug Lodermeier
Dick Tyrrell
We’re on the Web!
3
G et 201
o
Sh ow I nf
!
H e re
Check us out at:
MnDecoyCollectors.com
Newsletter & Website Design and Layout by:
8
Preserving and collecting the folk art of decoy carving