A New View of Perdew

Legendary folk artist's carvings are on display in Peoria.

STORY BY GARY THOMAS
PHOTOS BY CHAS J. DEES

I've probably owned and sold or traded more than a thousand Charlie Perdew decoys since I started collecting," said Joe Tonelli. "The only person who has owned, sold or known more about Charlie Perdew decoys was Charlie Perdew himself."

Perdew likely is Illinois' premier decoy carver, and Tonelli owns about a hundred of his decoys and miniature bird carvings, plus some of the legendary Henry, Illinois, carver's hand-crafted calls.

A part of Tonelli's collection currently is on exhibit at Peoria's Lakeview Museum. Titled "A New View of Perdew," the display features several dozen decoys and calls, a sampling of miniature carvings, plus oil paintings and watercolors done by the carver's wife, Edna, who painted most of her husband's decoys and decorative calls. The exhibit also features a sampling of poetry, business calendars, posters, advertising and correspondence.

Tonelli, who lives in Spring Valley, said Perdew decoys are works of art and much sought after by collectors. "Almost any Perdew decoy will bring around $1,000," he said. "A good one can sell for upwards of $60,000. The highest price one of his decoys sold for is $75,000, while one of his carved crow calls recently sold for $25,000."

Tonelli, an avid collector of outdoor items, also does free appraisals. His wife Donna has written two books—Top of the Line Fishing Collectibles and Top of the Line Hunting Collectibles. The couple can be reached by calling (815) 664-4580.

The Perdew exhibition is featured through May 20 at the Lakeview Museum near the intersection of Lake and University streets. The gallery is open Tuesday through Sunday. There is a $5 entrance fee for adults, which is waved on Tuesdays. Call (309) 686-7000 for information.

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