Oliver Lawson

Born in Crisfield, Lawson has remained a life-long resident of that legendary Bayside community. When asked about the origin of the moniker "Tuts" he replied simply, "It's a Crisfield thing, a nickname". His father left the family when Oliver was only 9 months old, and he was raised by his mother and grandparents. His youth was free and enjoyable as he spent his days crabbing and fishing in the waters behind his grandparents' home.

Some time in the late 1940's his brother found a decoy in the marsh and brought it home. The object fascinated the young boy, and he carved his first decoy by the time he was nine years old. Soon, his proud mother showed some of his work to Lem Ward's wife, Thelma, with whom she ...