All my ducks in a row

For this one, bright, shining moment, I get to say that I have all my ducks in a row... but only because I have literal ducks in a row. Today the archives received a donation of ten waterfowl decoys created by Mr. Douglas A. Gibson '50.

Mr. Gibson has practiced his art form for more than 30 years and has received recognition at the Canadian Art Exposition and the Nur Temple. He has additionally been showcased at the Eastern Waterfowl Festival and the Ward Brothers Foundations' Best in the World Competition, both of which are "by invitation only" events. In 2004, he was invited to be the Delaware representative for waterfowl carving at the Smithsonian Folk Life Festival in Washington, D.C. When one sees his beautifully hand carved and painted birds, there's no question why.

Mr. Gibson holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Industrial Arts from Delaware State College and a Master of Science degree in School Administration from the University of Delaware. He taught Architectural Design at Delaware Technical & Community College for more than 20 years. He is known for his design of the Delaware Agricultural Museum and several churches in Delaware and Maryland.

The decoys will be made available for viewing and research.  The birds depicted are:

• Mallard Drake, 2018
• Canada Goose, 2016
• Bald Pate Widgeon, 2004
• Canvas Back Drake, 2008
• Shoveler, 1993
• Scaup Blue-Bill, 2001
• Mallard Hen
• Carolina Wood Duck, 2014
• Green Wing Teal-Drake, 2008
• Green Wing Teal-Hen, 2013