Calvin Bell

Location of Interview
Collection Name

Vanishing Culture Project

Description

The "Vanishing Culture Project" was a Florida Humanities Council grant to capture the oral histories of longtime residents of Cortez.   The project also produced several stations about the folkways of the fishermen of Cortez that are placed around the village and a mural painted on the side of a prominent fish house in the community.

Date of Interview
04-10-1993
Audio
Transcript
Biographical Sketch

Calvin Edison Bell was born on November 14, 1929. He is the son of Aaron Park Bell, a commercial fisherman from North Carolina, and Jessie Blanche Fulford. Calvin grew up in a family of seven children, with five brothers and one sister. He lived in the same house in Cortez, Florida, for his entire life. Calvin followed in his father's footsteps and became a commercial fisherman, participating in various types of fishing including mackerel fishing, mullet fishing, and seine fishing. Despite the changes and potential threats to the fishing industry, Calvin remained dedicated to his profession.

Scope and Content Note
This interview with Calvin Edison Bell, conducted by Michael Jepson and Wayne Nield on April 10, 1993, provides a detailed account of Bell's life and experiences as a commercial fisherman in Cortez, Florida. Bell discusses his family background, including his father's occupation as a commercial fisherman and his mother's role as a homemaker. He also describes the house he grew up in and the community of Cortez during his childhood.  Bell provides insights into the fishing practices he and his father engaged in, as well as the changes he has observed in the fishing industry over time.. He expresses concern about the potential closure of the fishing industry and its impact on the younger generation. Despite these challenges, Bell expresses a deep love for fishing and a commitment to continue as long as he is able.  The interview also touches on the evolution of Bell Fish, a fishing company that started as a net camp and expanded over time. Bell discusses the various expansions and changes the company underwent, including the construction of new buildings and the acquisition of new boats. Towards the end of the interview, Bell reflects on the changes he has seen in Cortez and expresses hope that the fishing community will not be displaced. This interview provides a valuable perspective on the history and culture of commercial fishing in Cortez, Florida, and the challenges faced by this community.


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