Vincenti Decoys is located on a parcel of land previously owned at different times by Aloysius “Loach” and Dorothy Hergenrother, Emanuel and Fannie Hecht, and Jacob E. and Gladys Hecht. By 1949 the original buildings (including the old “White Chapel” on North Washington Street) were sold to Jacob Hecht and Hannah Hecht (his sister), who demolished them. In their place, in 1953 they built the new stores that we see today at the corner of Pennington Avenue and North Washington Street. The Hechts owned the new property for about 30 years before selling it to Arthur H. and Ann C. Helton. In 1988, the Heltons sold the property to Amanda DiDomenico, who continues to own it, which includes Amanda’s Florist & Gifts at 201-203 North Washington Street.

Pat and Jeannie Vincenti first opened their decoy and gift store, Vincenti Decoys, at this address in 1994 (which is within Amanda’s parcel of land). Vincenti’s continues to flourish today with many hand carved and painted decoys and other Chesapeake Bay decor. They also carry supplies for the carver, including paint, brushes, and tools. Jeannie, the daughter of Rex and Ida Bishop of Havre de Grace, had met Pat while working for Gary Williams at the “Big Cone” in Havre de Grace in the 1970s. Pat was then working in the Bel Air Bakery for his late Uncle, Jim Hamilton, while honing his skills at decoy carving.

Pat left the Bakery in 1985 and began carving decoys full time in his workshop. One unique commission he took on for the Delaware Bay Authority in 1996 was to create a 6.5-foot, 650-lb blackduck made out of sugar pine wood to reside on the Cape May-Lewes Ferry. When completed, passengers enjoyed sitting on it and having their photos taken. Pat's reputation today as a decoy carver, collector, historian and subject-matter expert extends way beyond Harford County. In addition, Pat currently serves as President of the Harford County Council.

In the early 2000s, the former Robin Hood Café (or tavern) next door at 355 Pennington Avenue closed down; Gerald Northam says he was one of the last bartenders there but it was hard being bartender and bouncer all at the same time! The Robin Hood was opened in 1987 by Betty Blackwell and was a popular bar where people could drink inexpensively. The Vincentis did a very extensive renovation to transition the tavern space into an extension of their decoy store and they are still there.

In October 2019, Mayor Bill Martin celebrated with Pat and Jeanne Vincenti their 25th anniversary of Vincenti Decoys at this location but Pat and Jeannie have celebrated the anniversary of their marriage many more times than that!

County Records
Built 1953. 1260 sq ft retail building, 2638 sq ft lot.