Jon Yenulonis
Well-known member
Thirty two years ago last October, My beautiful Wife and I visited Chincoteague Island, Virginia on our Honeymoon. To say we both fell in love with the quaint little town is a bit of an understatement. We've managed to make it back there at least once a year ever since. As my Wife now says-"she is so glad I like to hunt and fish so I have something to do when I go there with her". One of the things that always intrigued both of us is the history of the 'Ole Decoy Carvers and the romance associated with them along with their works of treasure. The likes of Ira Hudson, Delbert "Cigar" Daisey among others. In fact, in the early days, we used to go hang out at the Refuge Waterfowl Museum where we would watch Cigar carve and paint his works of art. Back then, one used to be able to purchase a freshly carved "Cigar Daisey" Ruddy Duck for a mere $35. Now those same blocks are going for as much as three grand! Oh if I only knew...
For about eight of the last ten or so years, we have been fortunate enough to stay in the "Hancock House", the former home of an old carver named Miles Hancock. Miles lived in the house up until his death in 1977 and is said to have carved around 20,000 decoys. During his life on the Island, not only did he carve, but he also raised Terrapin Turtles. He even had a little cameo appearance in the movie "Misty of Chincoteague". My Spouse has always wanted, especially after staying in the old home, to buy a Miles Hancock original. Well, last year we were able to talk a collector out of an old Widgeon carved by Mr. Hancock.
This year on our visit back, I was able to find my way into the old carving shed where the original carving benches remain. Of course I took along the old Widgeon for a fine and just reunion. Unfortunately, the benches were both stacked full of "stuff" I was unable to move in the allotted time available. I was however able to set him up on a shelf holding possibly some of the old paint used to decorate some of his brethren. Of course I snapped a quick photo.
Here is the old carving shed from the outside from a couple years ago.
Here is a pic of the old bench. (from a previous trip).
And at last, the reunion-
I do have to admit, for just a second there, I was transported to a different time, long ago...
Thanks for looking,
Jon
For about eight of the last ten or so years, we have been fortunate enough to stay in the "Hancock House", the former home of an old carver named Miles Hancock. Miles lived in the house up until his death in 1977 and is said to have carved around 20,000 decoys. During his life on the Island, not only did he carve, but he also raised Terrapin Turtles. He even had a little cameo appearance in the movie "Misty of Chincoteague". My Spouse has always wanted, especially after staying in the old home, to buy a Miles Hancock original. Well, last year we were able to talk a collector out of an old Widgeon carved by Mr. Hancock.
This year on our visit back, I was able to find my way into the old carving shed where the original carving benches remain. Of course I took along the old Widgeon for a fine and just reunion. Unfortunately, the benches were both stacked full of "stuff" I was unable to move in the allotted time available. I was however able to set him up on a shelf holding possibly some of the old paint used to decorate some of his brethren. Of course I snapped a quick photo.
Here is the old carving shed from the outside from a couple years ago.
Here is a pic of the old bench. (from a previous trip).
And at last, the reunion-
I do have to admit, for just a second there, I was transported to a different time, long ago...
Thanks for looking,
Jon
