Finding Friendship Oral History Project

  • Collection DOI:
    Principal Investigator:
    Sally Merrick, Gaylea Hynd
  • The Finding Friendship Oral History Project is a joint effort of the Friendship Museum and the Friendship Village School, directed by Sally Merrick, museum volunteer, and Gaylea Hynd, teacher. In 2003-2004 sixth grade students conducted taped interviews of three generations of lobstermen and women, as well as others associated with the lobstering industry. Printed copies of the interviews and CDs of the printed transcripts are available at the Friendship Museum in Friendship, Maine.

Interviewee Collection Sort descending Description Interviewer Date of Interview Location of Interview Affiliation
John Neubig Finding Friendship Oral History Project

John Neubig, also known as Johnny, was born on September 18, 1939, and has spent his entire life in Friendship. His family has lived in Friendship for two generations Johnny has one sister, two sons, and a grandson. Although he is currently disabled, he spent 31 years as a lobsterman, from 1954 to 1985.As a lobsterman, Johnny captained his own boat, and in the later years, his wife accompanied him on the fishing trips. In addition to lobstering, he worked as a mason and served in the Navy for two years.

Randall Friendship, ME Friendship Museum , Friendship Village School
Harley Wallace Finding Friendship Oral History Project

Harley Wallace, born on May 21, 1951, is a lifelong resident of Friendship, Maine, where his family has deep roots for four generations.  Harley has lived in Friendship his entire life and comes from a family with a long tradition of lobstering spanning four generations. He has three sisters and one brother and is the father of two children with one grandchild. Harley began his lobstering journey at the age of six, accompanying his father on the boat.

Suzanne, Kristy Friendship, ME Friendship Museum , Friendship Village School
David Neubig Finding Friendship Oral History Project

David Neubig, born on March 29, 1965, is a seasoned lobsterman from Friendship, Maine. Growing up in a family deeply rooted in the lobstering business, with five generations residing in the area, it was only natural for David to follow in the footsteps of his father and grandfather. At the age of 15, in 1981, he embarked on his lobstering journey, driven by his love for the ocean and the allure of being his own boss. Throughout his career, David has not limited himself to a single profession.

Randall Friendship, ME Friendship Museum , Friendship Village School
Wayne Havener Finding Friendship Oral History Project

Wayne Havener was born on November 17, 1929, and has always lived in Friendship.  His family has lived in Friendship for three generations, and he has three children and six grandchildren.  He served in the Coast Guard for three years and has been a lobsterman for 54 years.  His hobbies are reading and watching baseball games. 

Douglas Friendship, ME Friendship Museum , Friendship Village School
Douglas B. Finding Friendship Oral History Project

Douglas is an experienced lobster fisherman from Friendship Village School. Born and raised in a coastal community, Douglas has spent his summers dedicated to the lobstering. With his extensive knowledge of fishing techniques and the local waters, Douglas has become a skilled lobsterman.

Dillon Friendship, ME Friendship Museum , Friendship Village School
Dillon R. Finding Friendship Oral History Project

Born and raised in Friendship Village, Dillon comes from a long line of lobstering tradition, with his father, grandfather, and sister all actively involved in the industry. Dillon has been lobstering for several years, having obtained his junior license at the age of six. Now, at the age of twelve, he has gained enough experience and confidence to venture out on his own, navigating the waters of Walkers Beach in pursuit of the prized crustaceans. He fishes in an 18-foot boat and sets 100-150 traps.

Douglas Friendship, ME Friendship Museum , Friendship Village School
Kristy B Finding Friendship Oral History Project

Kristy has been lobstering since she was five years old. Born into a family deeply rooted in the lobstering industry, she grew up watching her father and brother venture out to the waters every day, and her love for lobstering blossomed alongside their shared experiences. Even her mother occasionally joins the family fishing trips. To obtain her license, Kristy's father filled out the necessary forms and submitted them to the state. Initially, she faced a setback as she lacked a sponsor, but they quickly rectified the situation and resubmitted the application.

Cameo, John Friendship, ME Friendship Museum , Friendship Village School
Jimmy R. Finding Friendship Oral History Project

Jimmy is a young and experienced lobsterman hailing from Friendship Village.  He has been lobstering with his father or grandfather since he was five or six years old. Almost everyone in his family, except his younger brother, engages in lobstering.

Steven Friendship, ME Friendship Museum , Friendship Village School
Pike Bartlett Finding Friendship Oral History Project

Pike Bartlett, born on February 3, 1951, is a prominent figure in the lobster trap industry. Originally from Massachusetts, he relocated to Friendship, Maine, in 1973. His personal interests revolve around outdoor activities such as skiing, sailing, and motorcycling. As the president and owner of the Friendship Trap Company, Bartlett has played a pivotal role in the company's success since its establishment in 1977. The company specializes in the production of lobster traps, utilizing rolls of wire and bales of mesh to craft durable and efficient traps for fishermen.

John Bartlett Friendship, ME Friendship Museum , Friendship Village School
Suzanne R. Finding Friendship Oral History Project

Suzanne is a young lobster fisher from Friendship Village. Born into a family with a lobstering tradition, Suzanne has been actively involved in the industry from a young age. Her mother accompanies her on lobstering trips, which occur twice a week, specifically on Tuesdays and Saturdays during the late summer months of July and August. Suzanne holds a lobstering license, for which both her parents contributed to the cost of approximately $45.00. Her pot buoy stands out with its distinctive blue and green colors, making it easily identifiable among others.

Alexiee Friendship, ME Friendship Museum , Friendship Village School