A “Milwaukee School” Carver
A Decoy Corner Article
Photos & Article by Bruce Urben, WWA President
Frank Spader decoys
Several Wisconsin carvers from the Milwaukee area coined their decoy carving style as the “Milwaukee School”. Both Owen Gromme and Warren Dettman, who worked for the Milwaukee Public Museum, carved decoys that defined the Milwaukee School (flat bottoms, wide bodies, sculptural quality and unique paint schemes). These men also held carving classes at the museum for area sportsmen who continued making decoys in this style.
Frank Sprader was one of those carvers that utilized the “Milwaukee School” style, but was not one of Gromme or Dettman’s students! It was confirmed, however, that both Gromme and Dettman hunted with Frank.
Frank Sprader was born in Milwaukee in March, 1920 and lived his entire life in Milwaukee. Frank was a skilled metalworker who was trained by his father. His mother was quite artistic as she tied fishing flies for Weber Fishing Tackle Co. in Stevens Point, WI. Frank worked at several dairy manufacturing plants in Milwaukee. He drew and photographed some of his employers products for marketing and advertising.
Frank was unique from many carvers and waterfowlers in that he was totally deaf. Unfortunately, at the time there were few schools available to meet his needs, so he continued to adapt to his disability. He met his wife (who was also deaf) while attending a social club for the deaf in Milwaukee. They eventually were married and had two sons together. Frank was an avid waterfowler and began carving decoys in the 1940’s, mostly for his own use. He carved solid body decoys, most of which were oversized and had a beautiful sculptural quality with rasped heads and bodies. He carved mainly mallards and pintails and most were used on his own hunting rigs. You would expect that waterfowl hunting while being deaf would have substantial complications, but Frank relied on his dog that always hunted with him, observing his actions that directed Frank to approaching waterfowl!
Frank Sprader’s decoy output was quite limited and very few are available on the secondary market. Decoy collectors consider his decoys very collectible and most are quite valuable. One of his sleeping mallards is considered to be his greatest work.
While Frank was never a student to the “Milwaukee School” of Gromme and Dettman, his decoys were certainly influenced by this area style.
Frank passed away in December of 1994 in the same city he was born. Any of Frank’s decoys would be a fine addition to any collection if you are lucky enough to find one!
Frank Leonard Sprader, a true Wisconsin original decoy carver.