Friendship Museum

Interviewee Collection Sort descending Description Interviewer Date of Interview Location of Interview Affiliation
Pike Bartlett Finding Friendship Oral History Project

Pike Bartlett, born on February 3, 1951, is a prominent figure in the lobster trap industry. Originally from Massachusetts, he relocated to Friendship, Maine, in 1973. His personal interests revolve around outdoor activities such as skiing, sailing, and motorcycling. As the president and owner of the Friendship Trap Company, Bartlett has played a pivotal role in the company's success since its establishment in 1977. The company specializes in the production of lobster traps, utilizing rolls of wire and bales of mesh to craft durable and efficient traps for fishermen.

John Bartlett Friendship, ME Friendship Museum , Friendship Village School
Suzanne R. Finding Friendship Oral History Project

Suzanne is a young lobster fisher from Friendship Village. Born into a family with a lobstering tradition, Suzanne has been actively involved in the industry from a young age. Her mother accompanies her on lobstering trips, which occur twice a week, specifically on Tuesdays and Saturdays during the late summer months of July and August. Suzanne holds a lobstering license, for which both her parents contributed to the cost of approximately $45.00. Her pot buoy stands out with its distinctive blue and green colors, making it easily identifiable among others.

Alexiee Friendship, ME Friendship Museum , Friendship Village School
Phil Bramhall Finding Friendship Oral History Project

Phil Bramhall, born on November 6, 1959, is a lifelong resident of Friendship, where his family has lived for four generations. He has two children and has been involved in two primary occupations throughout his life. As a lobsterman for thirty-four years, Phil followed in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, who were both lobster fishermen. Phil started lobstering at the age of ten. As the owner and captain of his 32-foot fiberglass boat named Amanda Kate, Phil takes charge of setting and hauling all the traps.

Brandon Friendship, ME Friendship Museum , Friendship Village School
James Richards Finding Friendship Oral History Project

Jimmy Richards, a lifelong resident of Friendship, was born on October 16, 1965. He comes from a family of two sisters and one brother and now has two children of his own. With a passion for outdoor activities, Jimmy enjoys hunting, fishing, coin detecting, and participating in Little League. For more than 30 years, Jimmy, also known as James Richards, has been working as a lobsterman. His experience extends beyond lobstering to include ground fishing and scalloping.

Jimmy Friendship, ME Friendship Museum , Friendship Village School
Steven G. Finding Friendship Oral History Project

Steven, an experienced lobsterman hailing from Friendship Village, lobsters with his older brother, a junior in high school who owns his own lobster boat. They follow in the footsteps of their father and uncles. Steven's lobstering adventures take him to various locations, including the river, Friendship Long Island, Hall Island, Franklin Island, Egg Rock, and several other spots along the way, venturing out past Egg Rock and fishing in waters as deep as thirty-five fathoms.

Jimmy Friendship, ME Friendship Museum , Friendship Village School
Virgil Richards Finding Friendship Oral History Project

Virgil Richards, born on May 22, 1936, in Waldoboro, is a fourth-generation resident of Friendship, where he has lived since 1940. He comes from a family with a deep lobstering tradition. With five siblings, three children, and three grandchildren, Virgil has spent 42 years as a lobsterman, making it his lifelong occupation. While lobstering is his primary focus, his special interest lies in his grandchildren.

Jimmy, Dillon Friendship, ME Friendship Museum , Friendship Village School
Philip Genthner Jr. Finding Friendship Oral History Project

Philip Genthner, Jr. was born on February 13, 1988, in Friendship, where he has spent his entire life. Hailing from a family deeply rooted in the area, Philip represents the third generation of Genthners in Friendship. As a junior at Medomak Valley High School, he actively participates in the school's baseball and wrestling teams, showcasing his athletic prowess. Philip's true passion is lobstering, a pursuit he embarked upon at the tender age of eight. He serves as the captain of his own lobster boat.

Steven Genthner Friendship, ME Friendship Museum , Friendship Village School
Albert Simmons Finding Friendship Oral History Project

Albert Simmons was born on February 17, 1938, and his family has lived in Friendship, Maine for three generations. He and his wife, Peggy, have two children and four grandchildren. A lobsterman for 50 years, he has also served in the Navy and as Fire Chief of Friendship.  His hobbies include building models of working boats, hunting, fishing, reading, and cooking.   

Alexiee Friendship, ME Friendship Museum , Friendship Village School
Philip Genthner, Sr. Finding Friendship Oral History Project

Philip Genthner, Sr. was born on July 1, 1961, in Friendship, Maine, where he has lived his entire life. He comes from a long line of lobstermen, with his uncles and brothers also being involved in the industry. Philip has been lobstering for over 30 years and is the proud owner and captain of his own boat, the Melinda Kay. He has two sons who are also active lobstermen. In addition to his work as a lobsterman, Philip is a wrestling coach and enjoys watching NASCAR racing.

Steven Genthner Friendship, ME Friendship Museum , Friendship Village School
Alfred Simmons Finding Friendship Oral History Project

Alfred "Buddy" Simmons, born on August 6, 1926, in the small coastal town of Friendship, was widely recognized in the community. He devoted his entire life to lobstering, a trade deeply intertwined with his family heritage. Buddy spent 65 years as a lobster fisherman and shared his insights in an interview shortly before his passing on February 9, 2004. He is survived by his wife Dorothy, five daughters, and 11 grandchildren, although his only son tragically died in a car accident during his teenage years.

Kristy, Suzanne Friendship, ME Friendship Museum , Friendship Village School