Treasure Coast Woodcarvers   

Recent article written by Leon Banister, Posted on YourHub.in the Martin County, Dec 12, 2007.

There's a MasterCarver Among Us

   The Treasure Coast Woodcarvers, a group of about 150 carvers, travel from as far away as the Palm Beaches and Vero Beach north to carve in Jensen Beach and Port St. Lucie Weekly.

   The group includes novice to world-class carvers who network, share ideas and help each other literally hone their skills.  They have also raised funds for scholarships and contributed to local charities.  Members come from all walks of life, some are storied.  One such carver is bill Joeckel.

   Born in Islip Terrace, Long Island, NY, during the depression, Joeckel's family was very poor, as he grew up hunting, fishing and trapping for survival.  Later, he and his wife ran Woodcroft Kennels training National Field Trail Champion Labrador Retrievers.  Notably, while living on Long Island's south shore he also worked as a guide for celebrities such as President Herbert Hoover, the Duke of Windsor and many governors.

   Joeckel is quoted as having said, "They were all the same when in a duck blind.  We all spoke the same language."

   His father, a German cabinetmaker, passed on his wood working skills to Joeckel.  Combining his knowledge of animals and woodcarving, Joeckel became a world-class carver.  He has been recognized for many years, being honored in 1968 Decoy Collector's Guide with a chapter dedicated to his decoys that "speak a fine language!"

Over the years his decoys were owned by many including Nelson Rockefeller, Franchot Tone and Kitty Carlisle.