Angie Lester

Location of Interview
Collection Name

Wild Caught: The Life and Struggles of an American Fishing Town

Description

For 300 years, the fishermen of Sneads Ferry, N.C., have practiced sustainable, small- scale commercial fishing, passing on the traditional lore of the sea from generation to generation. In the early 21st century, imported farm-raised shrimp, skyrocketing coastal development, and complex regulations threatened to push many fishermen to the brink of disaster. Wild Caught captures the wisdom and resilience of an extraordinary community.

Interviewer
Date of Interview
06-01-2001
Transcribers

National Capital Contracting 

Principal Investigator
Audio
Transcript
Video
Abstract

Matthew Barr interviewed Angie Lester for the Wild Caught project. Angie Lester, a resident of Sneads Ferry, North Carolina, grew up in a family deeply involved in the local fishing industry.  In the interview, Angie discusses her childhood in Sneads Ferry, where she and her siblings engaged in various fishing-related activities to earn money, such as clamming and heading shrimp. Her uncle owned a fish house, which was a central part of their lives. Angie emphasizes the unique, laid-back lifestyle of the area, which she believes is ideal for raising children. She describes Sneads Ferry as a close-knit community where everyone pulls together in times of need, as evidenced by the overwhelming support her family received after the tragic loss of her brother. Angie provides a detailed account of the events surrounding her brother's disappearance and subsequent death during a crabbing trip in December. She recalls how the community, including fishermen and local volunteers, came together to search for him and support her family during the difficult time. Angie also reflects on the cultural significance of fishing in Sneads Ferry, noting that it is a way of life deeply embedded in the community's identity. 

 


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