Decoy Works to visit history center

NORTH ENGLISH — Frank Mertz will discuss his enterprise, The English River Duck Works, Sunday, June 30, at 2 p.m. at English Valleys History Center.

Mertz will have examples of his work on display. The program is free. Donations will be accepted.

Mertz taught mathematics at English Valleys Junior/Senior High School for many years. He taught at Kirkwood Community College after his retirement from English Valleys.

In 1996, Mertz was helping set up for a Ducks Unlimited Banquet, and a locally-carved decoy appeared. He inquired and was told it was donated by a local carver who was giving classes at Amana.

Mertz went to observe, and the carver, tongue-in-cheek, said Mertz could not watch but had to carve.

Before that, Mertz had been doing woodcraft shows, but his focus was changed. He now carves wildlife (birds, animals, reptiles).

Depending upon the size and painting required, carvings can take from five to more than hours from start to finish.

The History Center is located at 108 N. Main St. in North English.