Fishermen Interviews of the U.S. Commission of Fish and Fisheries, 1893-1895

  • Collection DOI:
    Principal Investigator:
    William Wakeham , Richard Rathbun

  • In the late 19th century, the U.S. Fish Commission conducted numerous interviews with fishermen throughout the northeast U.S. including cod and mackerel fishermen from New York, New England and Nova Scotia. Most fishermen interviewed in the 1890s by the commission were over 50 years of age and recollected changes in the marine environment during their lifetimes. These interviews, or oral histories, are an excellent source for observations of Gulf of Maine fisheries. They provide first-hand accounts and observations of fish behavior and fishing activity on specific fishing grounds such as Stellwagen Bank. Most interviewees discuss the migratory patterns and behaviors of mackerel on the east coast. In addition, the fishermen offer descriptions of fish and catch sizes as well as theories for the decline in cod and mackerel in the 19th century. 

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Interviewee Collection Description Interviewer Date of Interview Location of Interview Affiliation
H.M. Seelyr Fishermen Interviews of the U.S. Commission of Fish and Fisheries, 1893-1895

Interview with Captain H.M. Seelyr of Gloucester, MA by William Wakeham, Richard Rathbun and Hugh M. Smith of the U.S. Fish Commission. Interview contains descriptions of the mackerel fishery.

 William Wakeham, Richard Rathbun , Hugh M. Smith Gloucester, MA U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Archives II , New England Regional National Archives
George Churchill Fishermen Interviews of the U.S. Commission of Fish and Fisheries, 1893-1895

Interview with George Churchill of Yarmouth, N.S. by William Wakeham and Richard Rathbun of the U.S. Fish Commission. Interview contains descriptions of the mackerel fishery.

 William Wakeham, Richard Rathbun Yarmouth, Nova Scotia U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Archives II , New England Regional National Archives
M.J. Keating Fishermen Interviews of the U.S. Commission of Fish and Fisheries, 1893-1895

Interview with fisherman and dealer M.J. Keating of Port Mulgrave, N.S. near the Gut of Canso. Interview conducted by members of the U.S. Fish Commission. Contains descriptions of the mackerel fishery.

 Unknown Port Mulgrave, Nova Scotia U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Archives II , New England Regional National Archives
A.M. Smith Fishermen Interviews of the U.S. Commission of Fish and Fisheries, 1893-1895

A.M. Smith was a prominent figure in the fish business in Portland, Maine, during the late 19th century. His career in the industry spanned at least fifteen years, during which he gained significant insights into the mackerel fishery and the legislation surrounding it. Smith was not personally engaged in the fisheries but was a dealer, which gave him a unique perspective on the industry's economics and the effects of legislation on the market. Smith was known for his innovative thinking and was the first to propose a five-year close season for mackerel fishing.

 Unknown Portland, ME U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Archives II , New England Regional National Archives
A.B. Coldwell Fishermen Interviews of the U.S. Commission of Fish and Fisheries, 1893-1895

A.B. Coldwell, Director of Customs in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, was a prominent figure in the coastal community during the late 19th century. Born into a maritime culture, Coldwell assumed the role of Director of Customs in Lunenburg, a position of significance in a town deeply tied to the sea. His tenure in this role allowed him to witness and oversee various aspects of the local fishing and shipping industries.

 William Wakeham, Richard Rathbun Lunenberg, Nova Scotia U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Archives II , New England Regional National Archives
Ahmon Mallock Fishermen Interviews of the U.S. Commission of Fish and Fisheries, 1893-1895

This interview with Captain Ahmon Mallock of Portland, ME took place on November 23, 1893. Members of the Joint Fisheries Commission conducted the interview in an effort to gain information on the mackerel fishery.

 Unknown Portland, ME U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Archives II , New England Regional National Archives
David Tarr Fishermen Interviews of the U.S. Commission of Fish and Fisheries, 1893-1895

David Tarr, of James G. Tarr & Bro. in Gloucester, MA was interviewed by William Wakeham and Hugh M. Smith. Interview contains descriptions of the mackerel fishery.

 William Wakeham, Hugh M. Smith Gloucester, MA U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Archives II , New England Regional National Archives
John F. Critchett Fishermen Interviews of the U.S. Commission of Fish and Fisheries, 1893-1895

Interview with fisherman John F. Critchett of Gloucester, MA by William Wakeham and Hugh M. Smith. Interview contains descriptions of the mackerel fishery.

 William Wakeham, Hugh M. Smith Gloucester, MA U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Archives II , New England Regional National Archives
George M. McClain Fishermen Interviews of the U.S. Commission of Fish and Fisheries, 1893-1895

Interview with Captain George M. McClain of Rockport, MA by William Wakeham, Richard Rathbun and Hugh M. Smith of the U.S. Fish Commission. Interview contains descriptions of the mackerel fishery.

 

 William Wakeham, Richard Rathbun , Hugh M. Smith Rockport, MA U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Archives II , New England Regional National Archives
Russell D. Terry Fishermen Interviews of the U.S. Commission of Fish and Fisheries, 1893-1895

Interview with fisherman Russell D. Terry of Gloucester, MA by William Wakeham and Hugh M. Smith of the U.S. Fish Commission. Interview contains descriptions of the mackerel fishery.

 William Wakeham, Hugh M. Smith Gloucester, MA U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Archives II , New England Regional National Archives
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