So interesting to ponder this part of Chicago history. I love the survival of the underdog who mastered his craft aspect. Of course I would be mortified today to see a hunter taking these birds.
The prejudices of the day gave way to admiration and respect. I enjoy reading your research and stories. Hunting for the “market hunters” or any family, especially immigrants, in need of food was a necessity for them in the undeveloped woods and streams of the time.
Marvelous description of the setting of decoys, carvings that went beyond the bare necessities to revealing a love of the birds. Hunters get blamed for the loss of plovers and curlews. In early 1900s, farmers lamented the loss of birds in fields when made to spread chemicals and synthetic fertilizers that burned soil microbes. When agricultural practices changed to up production the whistle of the birds was no longer heard. Twenty years later, dust bowls replaced the furrowed exhausted lands. Too easy to blame the immigrant doing the work others will not do.
So interesting to ponder this part of Chicago history. I love the survival of the underdog who mastered his craft aspect. Of course I would be mortified today to see a hunter taking these birds.
Just the mention of the streetcars brought back so many memories of things my parents and grandparents talked about and how they lived!
Good history to know but 😭
The prejudices of the day gave way to admiration and respect. I enjoy reading your research and stories. Hunting for the “market hunters” or any family, especially immigrants, in need of food was a necessity for them in the undeveloped woods and streams of the time.
Marvelous description of the setting of decoys, carvings that went beyond the bare necessities to revealing a love of the birds. Hunters get blamed for the loss of plovers and curlews. In early 1900s, farmers lamented the loss of birds in fields when made to spread chemicals and synthetic fertilizers that burned soil microbes. When agricultural practices changed to up production the whistle of the birds was no longer heard. Twenty years later, dust bowls replaced the furrowed exhausted lands. Too easy to blame the immigrant doing the work others will not do.