Bobbie Smith

Location of Interview
Collection Name

Dock Stories

Description

The Dock Stories project incorporates oral history research with other research methods in order to address simultaneous issues being experienced by fishing communities in Georgia. The project goals are to improve infrastructure and industry sustainability by identifying improvement opportunities within the constraints of land use, environmental impacts, weather patterns, aging infrastructure, and evolving vessel needs, while also documenting the cultural history of commercial fishing docks in Georgia. An integral part of the project is training student researchers in the Georgia Southern Anthropology program. Under the guidance of Dr. Sweeney Tookes (Georgia Southern University) and Bryan Fluech (University of Georgia Marine Extension & Georgia Sea Grant), students are receiving comprehensive training in conducting interviews, oral histories, and appropriate interview protocols. They then spend several days at a time on the Georgia coast, learning firsthand about the marshes, estuaries, vessels, and communities before commencing lengthy oral history interviews with local experts on the industry. This project began in 2024 and will continue through 2026, coordinated by Graduate Student Project Manager, Kristin Meeuwen.

Date of Interview
04-12-2024
Transcribers

Blake Pavri

Principal Investigator
Audio
Abstract

On April 12, 2024, Logan Collins and Blake Pavri interviewed Bobbie Smith for the Dock Stories project at the UGA Marine Extension/Georgia Sea Grant in Brunswick, Georgia. Bobbie Smith, who had been co-owner of the Sapelo Shrimp dock for over a decade, shared her experiences managing the dock alongside her partner, Bill Harris. She detailed the dock's history, including its transformation from the dilapidated Ward's Dock into the functional and modern Sapelo Shrimp Dock, which became a vital part of the local shrimping community. During the interview, Smith discusses the operations at the dock, including the unloading of fresh and frozen shrimp, the sale of supplies to shrimpers, and the continuous maintenance required due to the wear and tear from heavy steel-hulled boats. She reflects on the challenges of running the dock, such as the financial struggles in the early years, the necessity of installing a new ice plant after the old one became obsolete, and the ongoing difficulties in finding reliable labor. Smith also provides personal anecdotes, illustrating the close-knit community at the dock. She recounts humorous and memorable incidents and the camaraderie built with the shrimpers, captains, and crew members who frequented the dock. Additionally, Smith speaks about the impact of the dock on her family, particularly how her daughters grew up learning the value of hard work through their involvement in the dock's operations. Throughout the interview, Smith emphasizes the importance of maintaining high standards at the dock, the challenges posed by the fluctuating shrimp market, and her hopes for the future of commercial fishing in Georgia. 


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