Lewis DeTurk Carvings

The first major collection donated to the Kutztown Area Historical Society for its museum can be found in the Textile Room on the second floor of the 1892 Public School Building. The occasion was documented by Ade-Rolfe Floreen (an early board member, president, and supporter of our society) in the society’s publication, “Along the Saucony,” volume 3, number 1:

Through the kindness of Chester, George and Lewis DeTurk, your Kutztown Area Historical Society has been able to acquire a work of major historical significance to the Kutztown Area.

Lewis Bieber DeTurk, recognized as one of Pennsylvania's most famous folk-art wood carvers, was born, lived and died in the Kutztown Area. Because of this, Chester, George and Lewis decided it would be only fitting that their grandfather's most ambitious carving remain in the area and have donated it to the society.

 Of the Pennsylvania folk art carvers Lewis Bieber DeTurk remains an atypical case. Born in 1862, he is mainly remembered today for the beautiful legacy of carvings, whittled and detailed, but he must be considered among the high royalty of this region's folk artists. There were others but he is among the tops, not only for the inspiration and hard work involved but for the reason ... his devotion to his ailing wife Elizabeth. He sat with her, for two years, designing and carving these exemplary works of art. He was modest as he felt it was a privilege to entertain her with each new figure. So many of us will enjoy these carvings enormously and will owe both of them a great debt for this pleasure.

 Although his carvings were based on reality, there was, too, a gentle wildlife vein of fantasy in his work. Several compositions are ambitious and spectacular in scale, and reveal him as an extremely graceful draftsman, commanding striking atmospheric effects. All examples are devoid of social commentary ... the brilliant exceptions, patriotism without political references.

 All the pleasure from wildlife was translated into wood, the sole movement a desire to produce an object of beauty in good taste and true artistic judgment. Form from fine wood was the end sought ... no need of paint embellishment. The objects are highly decorated by deep cutting ... all inspired by nature.