Andrew Havener
Finding Friendship Oral History Project
The Finding Friendship Oral History Project is a joint effort of the Friendship Museum and the Friendship Village School, directed by Sally Merrick, museum volunteer, and Gaylea Hynd, teacher. In 2003-2004 sixth grade students conducted taped interviews of three generations of lobstermen and women, as well as others associated with the lobstering industry. Printed copies of the interviews and CDs of the printed transcripts are available at the Friendship Museum in Friendship, Maine.
Sally Merrick
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. He oversees the hauling of traps and supervises his sternman, Elliot Montgomery. Andrew's commitment to his craft extends beyond the sea, as he spends his winters painting buoys and constructing new traps in preparation for the upcoming lobstering season.
Scope and Content Note
This oral history interview conducted with Andrew Havener on November 3, 2003, provides insights into the life of a dedicated lobsterman from Friendship, detailing his experiences, perspectives, and traditions associated with lobstering. Andrew, a fifth-generation lobsterman, shares his journey into the profession and the influence of his family's longstanding involvement in lobstering. From his early days on a skiff to becoming the captain of his own boat, Andrew discusses the challenges and rewards of lobstering, the impact of weather conditions, the evolution of equipment, and the traditions he upholds. His account offers a glimpse into the rich heritage and experiences of lobstering in Friendship, highlighting the independence, connection to the sea, and sense of community that lobstering brings to the region.
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