Ward Brothers Workshop

Ward Brothers Workshop. . , For more than 50 years, the carving team of Stephen Ward and Lemuel T. Ward, Jr. created hunting decoys and decorative bird carvings which elevated them to the world-renowned status as masters of "waterfowl counterfeiters" and the fathers of decorative decoy carving., Just a couple of "down neck" boys, but Ward Brothers were barbers by trade, as was their father, Travis. Neither Lem nor Steve worked as a waterman or hunted commercially, but both were avid fishermen, hunters and lovers of nature. It was their love and respect for nature and their close observation of wild birds that is reflected in the realistic forms and painting of their decoys., The workshop as you see it today consists of three buildings. It all started in the small building on the left side where Steve stored his garden tools and the brothers did a small amount of carving for their own use. The center section was part of the original barbershop. The boys gave up barbering for carving full time in the mid-60's, and moved the barbershop back off the roadside and next to the original building. Finally, when things got too crowded, Lem added his "lean-to" on the right side of the barbershop. This completed the structure as we know it today., Tours of the famous Ward Brothers Workshop are available by appointment by calling 410-968-2501. Also, be sure to visit the Tawes Museum to view the film, "Nature's Counterfeiters" and to see many original carvings by the Ward Brothers and other renowned carvers.