Wesley Lash, born on August 4, 1945, has been a resident of Friendship for sixty years. Together with his wife Cynthia, they have raised three sons and have two grandchildren. Although Wesley describes his occupation as "making fiberglass dust," he is widely recognized for his skill in building fiberglass boats. Alongside his boat-building endeavors, Wesley has displayed a talent for carving miniature half-hulls and small birds during his leisure time. He currently serves as a town selectman, contributing to the local community. Wesley's passion for boat building was nurtured by his family, including his father and uncles, as well as the experienced boat workers he was associated with. Friendship, his chosen location for Lash's Boatyard, holds deep personal significance as it is where his family resides.

Scope and Content Note
This interview, conducted on November 1, 2005, at Lash's Boat Yard, provides insights into the life and work of Wesley Lash, a respected boat builder based in Friendship. Wesley shares details about his boat-building business, from its inception to the present day, discussing his influences, the skills required, and the equipment used. He talks about the challenges and rewards of his occupation, reflecting on the changing nature of his work from wooden boats to fiberglass. Wesley describes his work routine, the number of employees he manages, and the typical timeframe for completing a boat. He also reveals some memorable experiences and addresses aspects such as pricing, advertising, and the dangers associated with boat building.