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R. Madison Mitchell

Robert Madison Mitchell, Sr. was born on March 11, 1901, at Oakington, near Swan Creek, in Harford County, Maryland. It is extremely unlikely that any other man on the shores of the Chesapeake Bay has carved as many decoys as Madison Mitchell.  For over fifty years he produced fine decoys whose numbers reach into the thousands.

Mr. Mitchell turned out many different decoys, including some ducks that rarely frequent the Chesapeake Bay region, some Mourning Doves, and a very few pigeons. He also developed a fancy decorator for lamps or wall decorations, as well as a sturdy Canada Goose scooter, cast iron book ends, and sink box decoys.

He was an avid and active supporter of the Havre de Grace Decoy Festival, an annual event held in May, and the Havre de Grace Decoy Museum.

R. Madison Mitchell was undoubtedly the most prolific carver on the Susquehanna Flats and his decoys will always be admired for their classic simplicity, clean lines, and ability to attract ducks.


Robert Madison Mitchell
R. Madison Mitchell stands next to the decoy lathe.

The R. Madison Mitchell Endowment Trust


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The Mitchell family has established the R. Madison Mitchell Endowment Trust to help continue this legacy through the work of the Havre de Grace Decoy Museum

This endowment's sole purpose is to support the Decoy Museum's acquisition, preservation, and interpretation of decoys and derives its income from the annual R. Madison Mitchell Endowment Trust Banquet which is held in March as close to his birthday as possible.

Your contribution in honor of Madison Mitchell will ensure the trust's ability to provide long range support for the museum.