Friendship Village School

Interviewee Collection Sort ascending Description Interviewer Date of Interview Location of Interview Affiliation
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
Andrew Havener Finding Friendship Oral History Project

Andrew Havener is a lobsterman hailing from Friendship, where his family has resided for generations. Born on September 30, 1979, Andrew developed a connection to the sea and lobstering, influenced by his family's long-standing tradition in the trade. He embarked on his lobstering journey at a young age, accompanying his father and eventually obtaining his own skiff and traps by the age of 13. As the captain of his 34-foot fiberglass boat named the Christo Salva, Andrew navigates the waters off the coast of Friendship with expertise and dedication.

Douglas Friendship, ME Friendship Museum , Friendship Village School
Carl Simmons Finding Friendship Oral History Project

Carl Simmons, born on June 17, 1927, is the oldest working lobsterman in Friendship. Carl has been lobstering for 65 years, since the age of twelve, and like his father and grandfather before him.  Carl left school at age to pursue lobstering as a full-time profession.  In addition to lobstering, Carl has also worked as a skilled carpenter and nurtured a love for hunting as a hobby. Carl has three children and six grandchildren.

John , Cameo Friendship, ME Friendship Museum , Friendship Village School