 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.
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