Creekside Art Gallery Blog

Jay Cooke became one of the most powerful figures in America by the mid-nineteenth century. He rubbed shoulders with the most prominent socialites, politicians, and business moguls and mucked through marshlands with local hunters, guides, and fishermen from the Mid-West to the East Coast. He was someone directly involved in the mix of dramatic historical events unfolding around him; he had power and influence.

A long-standing controversy exists regarding the identities of makers of certain styles of early Delaware River waterfowl decoys. It is referred to as "the Blair Mystery." Questions related to it have consistently ignored how the transmission or origin of design concepts occurred, perhaps resulting from a limiting regionalized focus and perspective. However, there is a significant larger picture; and, Jay Cooke is the pivotal character. More »