Jersey Shore Magazine

J e r s e y s h o r e • F A L L / H O L I D A Y 2 0 2 1 40 JERSEY SHORE PEOPLE CARVING A LEGACY continued from page 39 out the shape of several decoys at one time, which was followed by signifi- cant hand-carving and finishing. Art was entranced by the smell of the sugar pine and cedar and "seeing how things work." He enjoyed observing the spindles on the masters-machines for duplicating multiple decoy bodies and heads from a master carving. An outdoorsman at heart, as Art grew older, he would hunt upland game like quail, pheasant, deer, and fish for fun. His favorite, however, was hunting duck. In 1971, when Art was 22, Uncle Charlie asked him if he'd like to work in his shop. Without hesitation, Art said yes. Looking back, Art said, "I loved it!" It was Art's destiny to become a decoy duck carver. After his uncle moved to Florida in 1977, Art bought the site of his present shop from his great uncle, Lester "Dipper" Ortley, in 1978 and started his own decoy business. Once a year, until his death in 1986, his Uncle Charlie would carve one new decoy to give to Art to reproduce. It is apparent from numerous accounts and authorities in the decoy world that Art has earned a high degree of respect, not only for his sharing of knowledge, but also for his integrity as well. He refused to "cut corners" to make more money. Of himself he says, "I'm a real straight shooter." Art cites his father James' example as being a major influence. James E. Birdsall served in the Army Corps of Engineers as a first sergeant in the Philippines during WWII. When he returned home, he was all about the community. James was involved in the Fire Department, served as president of the Board of Education, and was active with St. Peter Church in Point Pleasant Beach. It is clear that Art puts a high value on his father's integrity and commu- nity service. "I wish I could be even one-quarter of who he was." he says. Art has two surviving sisters. Marian Latendorf was a teacher in the Point Pleasant schools, and Peggy Cadigan is the Deputy State Librarian for Innovation and Outreach at the New Jersey State Library. Art's oldest sister, Lee, died from diabetes complications. Art was diagnosed with juvenile diabetes before he was a teenager, yet he has persisted. Now 71, he said he has been slowed down by medical issues. His circle of friends is not only broad, but emphatic, as can be seen by the many who have contributed via Go Fund Me to raise $20,000. to help offset his medical expenses. They have reached ninety percent of that goal. Located at 723 Howe Street in Point Pleasant, just a few minutes' walk from the Lovelandtown Bridge and Point Pleasant Canal, Art's shop is continued on page 42 John Tawgin/Gordon Hesse

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