Antonio Perreira
The Working Waterfront Festival Community Documentation Project
The Working Waterfront Festival Community Documentation Project is an ongoing oral history project documenting the history and culture of the commercial fishing industry and other port trades. The project was begun in 2004 in conjunction with the Working Waterfront Festival, an annual, education celebration of commercial fishing culture which takes place in New Bedford, MA. Interviewees have included a wide range of individuals connected to the commercial fishing industry and/or other aspects of the port through work or familial ties. While the majority of interviewees are from the port of New Bedford, the project has also documented numerous individuals from other ports around the country. Folklorist and Festival Director Laura Orleans and Community Scholar/Associate Director Kirsten Bendiksen are Project Leaders. The original recordings reside at the National Council for the Traditional Arts in Maryland with listening copies housed at the Festival's New Bedford office.
Laura Orleans
Antonio Perreira also known as "Tony the Plumber," has worked as a full-time pipe fitter on the waterfront since 1976. He was born in Portugal on May 22, 1942, where he learned is trade through a traditional apprenticeship after working as a pinner in a textile mill and as a construction worker and laborer. He immigrated to the United States in 1956, settling in New Bedford, Massachusetts. He became a skilled plumber, specializing in marine plumbing for fishing vessels. He has serviced both scallopers and draggers in the New Bedford fleet for the past 34 years, primarily working with Portuguese owned vessels.
Scope and Content Note
Antonio Perreira discusses journey from his childhood in Portugal to his immigration to New Bedford at the age of 13. He focuses on his career as a specialized marine plumber for fishing vessels and sheds light on his deep-seated passion for plumbing, his adeptness in handling intricate hydraulic and heating systems, and his notable skill in installing lobster tanks. Notably, Antonio's commitment to overcoming the unique plumbing challenges posed by maritime environments is underscored. Beyond his technical expertise, the interview also delves into his thoughts on the impact of regulations on his waterfront plumbing work, as well as his advocacy for allowing fishermen to retire after a set number of years due to the physically demanding nature of their work. Additionally, Antonio shares his extensive knowledge of boats, captains, and engineers within the Portuguese fleet.
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