 The workshop where the Ward brothers produced their art form has been lovingly restored by dedicated people who wish to preserve the memory of Lem and Steve Ward. The workshop is actually composed of three buildings. The old workshop was a stand alone building where the brothers stored materials and carved and painted birds. About 1960, the brothers moved their barbershop, which was adjacent to Sackertown Road, back to the old workshop. They placed these buildings side by side and once this was done, built a lean-to onto the barbershop. This lean-to was where Lem painted the decoys. This "painting studio allowed Lem to paint away from the dust created by brother Steve's carving activities. This entire workshop complex was in danger of being destroyed. When Lem passed away, the workshop fell into disuse. The structure weathered, boards split, the roof began to leak, and a general deterioration set in. In 1993, nationally known wildlife artist Jack Schroeder formed a group known as Homeplace, Inc. the mission of the group was to restore the workshop of Lem and Steve Ward. Homeplace has accomplished its goal and the workshop has been stabilized. It was raised above the floodplain which alone helped to prevent major structural damage. A new roof was placed on the structure and rotten parts replaced. Once it had met its goal, Homeplace gave the workshop to the Crisfield Heritage Foundation to maintain and operate. The Foundation has restored the interior as it looked when the brothers worked in the shop. Small exhibits on decoy carving and painting are on display, and the evolution of the workshop is explained. The restoration of the Ward Brothers Work Shop ensures that the tradition started there by Lem and Steve Ward is carried into posterity. The Ward Brothers - Legendary Artists
Lem and Steve Ward of Crisfield Lem and Steve Ward are rightly renowned as the founders of a unique American art form. Prior to their pioneering efforts, decoys were carved for one purpose and one purpose only - to attract waterfowl within shooting range.  But the Ward brothers wanted to create something more than a shooting stool as hunting decoys are known. They wanted to "counterfeit nature" and create a bird that looked like the real thing.
Even their utilitarian hunting decoys were better than average. In the field, Ward birds were noted for their ability to attract waterfowl. Through word of mouth between hunters, Ward decoys became known as the decoys which ensured the sportsman's success. Their birds attracted waterfowl and the unassuming brothers earned a reputation for producing superior decoys. In 1948 the brothers were prevailed upon to enter their decoys in the New York Decoy Show which was one of the nation's outstanding decoy shows. The brothers won "Best in show" and a number of other categories. With this their nation reputation was assured. Written by John W. Paul for the Crisfield Heritage Foundation. |