Charles A. Carevich was born on December 11, 1923, in Tacoma, Washington. In 1930, his family relocated to San Pedro, California, due to the Great Depression and his father's occupation as a commercial fisherman. His parents, originally from the island of Brac, Dalmatia, emigrated to the United States in the early 20th century. Carevich's father, a fisherman, initially settled in Tacoma, where many of their relatives from Brac also migrated. Growing up during the Great Depression, Charles attended local schools and quickly adapted to his new environment. He spoke both English and his parent's native language fluently. Carevich's adolescence was marked by his experiences in the vibrant fishing community of San Pedro, a hub for Croatian and Italian fishermen. He was drafted into the military during World War II, serving for three years. Upon his return, he joined the fishing industry, becoming a part-owner and navigator on fishing boats, primarily working for StarKist, a major tuna canning company. He gained expertise in radio operation and navigation, essential for long fishing expeditions in South America. Throughout his career, Carevich witnessed significant changes in the fishing industry, including the relocation of canneries from San Pedro to foreign countries. His career ended as these canneries moved operations abroad, leading to a decline in local fishing activities.

Scope and Content Note
The oral history interview with Charles Carevich provides a detailed account of his life, focusing on his experiences from childhood through his career in the fishing industry. The interview begins with Carevich’s early life in Tacoma, Washington, and his family's relocation to San Pedro, California, in 1930. It covers his father's background as a fisherman and the family's adjustment to life during the Great Depression. Carevich recounts his childhood memories in San Pedro, including the local community's customs and traditions, such as winemaking and the presence of horse-drawn delivery services. He describes the family’s initial challenges in securing housing and the various strategies they employed to maintain their residence. A significant portion of the interview discusses Carevich's military service during World War II and his subsequent return to the fishing industry. He elaborates on the technical aspects of fishing, including the use of different nets and navigation techniques. His role as a navigator and radio operator on fishing boats, particularly for StarKist, highlights the operational intricacies of the fishing business. The interview also addresses broader changes in the fishing industry, such as the impact of World War II on local Japanese fishermen and the eventual relocation of canneries from San Pedro to other countries. Carevich’s narrative provides insights into the economic and social dynamics of the San Pedro fishing community, as well as the personal and professional adjustments he made throughout his life.