Joseph Whiting Lincoln with decoys

Buchanan, Suzanne

'Joseph Lincoln was a professional decoy and miniature bird carver. Like many professional carvers, he started his craft became of a need for decoys when he went hunting on Hingham's ponds and rivers. Bird hunting was a common source of supplementary income for families in the 18th and 19th centuries who would take their birds into Boston and sell them to the hotels and inns to feed their guests. Some hunters became so adept at decoy carving they were able to make a living. Joe Lincoln is one of the best and well-known practitioners of this American folk-art form. Pictured: Joseph Whiting Lincoln. Location: Gardner Street.'