Waterfowling on the Chesapeake, 1819-1936

Part documentary, part nostalgic history, and part informational catalogue, Waterfowling on the Chesapeake, 1819–1936 explores a century of hunting on the Chesapeake Bay and its major tributaries—from the heyday of gun clubs and market shooting to the rise of conservation law. Drawing on oral histories and period documents and artifacts, C. John Sullivan, a longtime collector of decoys and hunting paraphernalia and a frequent guest curator of exhibits, looks at the effects of technological change, the relationship between hunter and dog, the recognition of decoys as folk art, and the history of hunting. He also introduces us to famous and lesser-known carvers and others who share an enthusiasm for this feature of Chesapeake cultural history and life.

Part documentary, part nostalgic history, and part informational catalogue, Waterfowling on the Chesapeake, 1819 1936 explores a century of hunting on the Chesapeake Bay and its major tributaries from the heyday of gun clubs and market shooting to the rise of conservation law. Drawing on oral histories and period documents and artifacts, C. John Sullivan, a longtime collector of decoys and hunting paraphernalia and a frequent guest curator of exhibits, looks at the effects of technological change, the relationship between hunter and dog, the recognition of decoys as folk art, and the history of hunting. He also introduces us to famous and lesser-known carvers and others who share an enthusiasm for this feature of Chesapeake cultural history and life.

About the Author:
C. John Sullivan is the supervisor of assessments for Harford County, Maryland, and the author of numerous articles about the Chesapeake region. A widely recognized expert on decoys, he has served as a consultant to the Maryland Historical Society, the Ward Museum of Waterfowl Art, the Havre de Grace Decoy Museum, and the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum. His previous book, Old Ocean City, is also available from the Johns Hopkins.

C. John Sullivan is the supervisor of assessments for Harford County, Maryland, and the author of numerous articles about the Chesapeake region. A widely recognized expert on decoys, he has served as a consultant to the Maryland Historical Society, the Ward Museum of Waterfowl Art, the Havre de Grace Decoy Museum, and the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum. His previous book, Old Ocean City, is also available from the Johns Hopkins.