O T H E R N E W S
Club Notes
September/October 2001
Gelston decoys to be featured at Long Island Decoy Show
One hundred years ago when Thomas Gelston carved decoys to be used as hunting tools, he certainly never dreamed his work would one day be collected. Gelston, a Long Island native who worked mainly in East Quogue, will have an exhibit devoted to his life and work at the 31st annual Long Island Decoy Show on February 24, 2001 at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Patchoque, New York. The quality of Gelston’s carvings guarantee him standing among Long Island’s legendary decoy makers.
In addition to the exhibit, the Long Island Decoy Collectors Association has commissioned Long Island artist Vito deVito to create a painting of Gelston’s workshop. Limited edition prints will be available at the show.
For more information on the LIDCA, contact Mel Phaff (631) 765-5499, Tim Sieger (631) 537-0153 or Dick LaFountain (631) 979-7970.
NJDCA to move spring show to Tuckerton Seaport
The New Jersey Decoy Collectors Association is planning to move their annual Decoy Show and Sale from the Manahawkin Elks Club to the Tuckerton Seaport in nearby Tuckerton, New Jersey. Coming into its 10th year, this annual spring show always proves to be among the most successful of the one-day collectors’ shows. The obvious concern of the show committee is upsetting their formula for success.
According to the NJDCA president, John Clayton, the benefits of the move are obvious. By locating at the Seaport, attendees would not only be able to peruse the inventory of the 60 or so table of merchandise, but be able to enjoy the collection and facilities of the Barnegat Bay Decoy & Bayman’s Museum that is housed on the grounds. There is also a restaurant on the property and a row of antique shops in downtown Tuckerton.
Right now the dealers would likely have to divide into two locations (directly side by side) and in one case be on two different floors. But it’s doubtful this would isolate any of the dealers in attendance, particularly with the collector enthusiasm evident at this show. And the Seaport is reportedly trying to raise funds to build a pole barn on the property, which would allow the show to expand even farther (it’s been desperate to add tables).
The NJDCA also attempted to get Frank & Frank Sporting Collectibles to hold their annual Spring Decoy Auction at the same location. Presently the auction firm holds their sale the following day in Belmar, New Jersey. It almost happened, but space considerations kept them from committing to a change of location. Maybe that will be worked out in the future.
For more information on the NJDCA and their annual spring show, contact John Clayton, (732) 255-6291, john@njdecoys.com, or Clarence Boorman, (856) 692-3132.
PDCA sends newsletter by email
To more efficiently deliver their Potomac Flyer monthly newsletter, not to mention reduce costs associated with its production and distribution, the Potomac Decoy Collectors Association is now sending it by email to all its wired membership. If you’re a member and not receiving your copy online, contact the group at potomacduck@aol.com.
Founded in May 1997, the PDCA produces arguably the finest newsletter of any decoy collecting organization, with a monthly update by the club president, a synopsis of the vintage decoy competition at the previous monthly meeting, colorful history of the Potomac River, coverage of shows the membership has attended, and a calendar of upcoming events. Membership now approaches 100.
The PDCA meets third Tuesday of every month at the Main Street USA Restaurant in Annandale, Virginia. Contact: PDCA, 15225 Doe Ridge Rd., Haymarket, VA 20169, (703) 754-1382.
Carolina collectors hold successful fall gathering
The Carolina Decoy Collectors Association’s fall gathering was held at the home of Don and Patsy Walston on Saturday, September 15th in Cedar Point, North Carolina. This annual get-together has become a social event where members participate in an informal buy, swap and sell followed by a midday buffet meal provided by the membership. After lunch the conversation centers on decoys for the balance of the afternoon.
Capt. Harry Jobes donated an old squaw decoy to raffle and defer some of the expenses. Dick McIntyre was the lucky winner. Over 20 people were in attendance.
For more information on the Carolina Decoy Collectors Association, contact the CDCA, 4 Saint Mary’s Place, Wilmington, NC 28403.
MDCA Board considers hotel room assignments
The Board of Directors of the Midwest Decoy Collectors Association discussed room assignments at the Pheasant Run Resort at their last meeting in April. As everyone who attends the National Antique Decoy Show held there each spring knows, there is heightened demand for rooms in the "A" and "B" wings, the most desirable location for the week-long room to room trading activity. These areas are rightly perceived as having the highest amount of traffic throughout the hotel.
Some rooms in these wings have been "grandfathered" by members who do not support the show. The Board has decided that anyone occupying one of these rooms must actively support the MDCA by purchasing exhibitor tables for the Friday and Saturday show in the Mega Center or making an equivalent contribution to the club. Those in the "A" wing must pay for two tables and those in the "B" wing must pay for one.
Given the scarcity of rooms in these high traffic areas, the club is also asking that those who do not display consider moving to the Tower. There have also been some requests for first floor rooms due to health reasons. Those willing to move to the second floor should contact the show committee. Rooms at the Pheasant Run will now only be assigned to members in good standing whose dues are current.
The Board has also announced that a Stevens decoy will be selected and illustrated by Lou Schifferl for use on the cover of the 2002 Membership Directory and the show pin. The Directory is worth the cost of membership.
For more information on the MDCA and the National Antique Decoy Show contact the MDCA, c/o Herb Desch, 6 East Scott St., #3, Chicago, IL 60610, (312) 337-7957.
