The land around their East Harwich, Massachusetts, home was rich in game and waterfowl, the numerous ponds and bays were a haven for sportsmen and market gunners from all over.
The stand stayed for many years while Elmer shot ducks, geese, and on occasion, shorebirds.
The decoy, as a form, implies both sculpture and function, and Crowell approached their creation as an artist.
As George Hepplewhite wrote in the 18th century, the interpretation and execution of the decoys, "blend the useful with the agreeable.
Crowell's preening pintail drake and Canada goose decoys share the world record at $1.13 million dollars.