Decoy Carving Tradition...

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Pat Gregory

Well-known member
A cousin of mine came up to the Henry Decoy Show and brought these pics of my great grandpa. I've never seen the color shots before. These had to be within a couple years of his death. He carved decoys for 60 years, was an outstanding waterfowler and a real gentleman.

The black and white shot was taken by famed decoy collector Willis Pennington when he interviewed grandpa for the 1963 article published in Decoy Collector's Guide. This picture is taken outside of his shop in Lockport, Illinois. Grandpa passed in 1959 and Pennington bought the last two gunny sacks of grandpa's decoys from my great grandma for $3.00 a piece...

I thank God for the decoy carving tradition he left us.

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That is so cool Pat! Thanks for sharing some of your heritage with us! I can see where your skills come from! You have that old school style to your carving and simple paint, I love it!
 
Pat,
that is very nice. What a cool thing to come across after all these years. Must really get you going to have those back in the carving shop.

Bob
 
Though indirectly taught, you have definately inherited your great Granddad's style! Cool pictures, thanks for sharing!

Chuck
 
Now I see what my problem is....my paintbrushes are all too small....

Thanks for sharing the pictures....
 
Hello Pat
Great pics there. Thanks so much for sharing. Are those pics of Grandpa Barlow? No wander your such a great carver and mentor.

Thanks for sharing.

Gary March
 
Great pics Pat. I've always been a tinge jealous of barn brush painters, for their skill, and guys fortunate to be able to paint and carve in the open air....especially this time of year!
 
Great bit of history Pat and thanks for sharing it with the rest of us. I agree with Chuck and see some influence there even if it wasn't directly taught.
 
Thanks for the kind words guys. Keep in mind, each of you is establishing a waterfowling heritage in your family. Do whatever it takes to pass it on.

In the first picture of my Great Grandpa Barto, in the right hand corner is a paint wheel. He used this to cradle his decoys while painting them. I received one of these from a cousin as a gift. He made it using roller skate wheels. Grandpa was ingenius in some of the things he made.

Take care and God bless to all! Pat
 
You're very fortunate to have gotten those pictures of your great grandfather. A family tradition to be proud of.
 
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