Anthony Gross
Strengthening Community Resilience in America’s Oldest Seaport
In partnership with the Northeast Fisheries Science Center, these oral history recordings capture the invaluable life experiences of long-lived members of Gloucester's working waterfront, one of the oldest fishing communities in the United States.
On August 28, 2019, Molly Graham interviewed Anthony Gross for the Strengthening Community Resilience in America’s Oldest Seaport project. Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on December 30, 1952, Gross moved to Gloucester, Massachusetts, at the age of three when his father accepted a position as general manager at Empire Fish Company. Gross's father, a butcher by trade, played a significant role in the Gloucester fishing community, serving as president of the Chamber of Commerce and chairman of the Dory Committee. The interview explores Gross's upbringing in Gloucester, where he developed a deep connection to the local fishing industry. He recounts his early work experiences at his father's fish processing plant, detailing the various roles he held, from working in the freezer to handling fish on the wharf. Gross discusses the evolution of his career, including his transition to offshore lobstering and his experiences with different fishing techniques, such as tub trawling and Scottish seining. Gross also reflects on the challenges he faced, both professionally and personally.
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