Library of Congress Bicentennial Celebration Presentation - Page 22
Janson's houseboat, workshop and pier stood. Barely visible in the distance is tidal Sonoma Creek, once a
busy waterway. Abundant fish, including Striped Bass, brought fishermen, and Janson earned part of his
living renting out his small fleet of skiffs.
With collectors, you can never be quite sure of motives. The unveiling of the big sign bearing Janson's name was handled by Dr. Hanson and Bill Gaines, Director of Government Affairs for the California Waterfowl Association. In such fashion did the State of California, the P.F.D.A., and the California Waterfowl Association, establish the permanent legacy of "Fresh Air Dick." That he had received such high recognition was not just due to his superior skills, but because he had accomplished the one thing his peers could not manage. He had made so many of his famously sturdy decoys, that today there still remain almost enough for just about every collector-provided he is wealthy enough to pay the price.
The official recognition of Janson was a triumph for the P.F.D.A., but it was not the first indication that the club had friends in high places. In 1995, the California State Senate had passed a Rules Committee Resolution, No. 1434, commending the club for a quarter century of good works. Here again was Mike Thompson (himself a collector), handing the club an official acknowledgement of their legacy, which, while not nearly so useful as a concrete bridge, had the advantage of being unalterable, if not a great deal more permanent. None of these honorariums, however, would have been conferred so easily, had it not been for the existence of an unusual book.