Peconic Estuary Interviews
Interviewee | Collection Sort descending | Description | Interviewer | Date of Interview | Location of Interview | Affiliation |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Bob Bourguignon | Peconic Estuary Interviews |
Bob Bourguignon is a renowned figure in the world of Peconic Baymen, hailing from the region of Flanders in Long Island, New York. Born and raised in the area, Bob has dedicated his life to the art of shellfishing and has become a respected expert in his field. Bob's journey as a Peconic Bayman began at a young age, learning the ropes and techniques from his family members who were involved in the same profession. His uncle, in particular, played a significant role in shaping Bob's understanding and passion for shellfishing. |
Nancy Solomon | Flanders, NY | Long Island Traditions | |
Roland Clark | Peconic Estuary Interviews |
Roland Clark is a traditional fisher from Shelter Island, NY, who learned a variety of harvesting activities within his family that stretches back to the 1700s. In this interview, topics examined include shell fishing and fin fishing activities, environmental changes and family history. |
Nancy Solomon | Shelter Island, NY | Long Island Traditions | |
Bill Gaffga | Peconic Estuary Interviews |
Bill Gaffga, a native of the area, comes from a lineage of fishermen. Born into the fishing business, he spent nine years in the service before working for General Motors in Lockport for about six years. However, he found the prospect of spending twenty years in a job he didn't enjoy unbearable, leading him to return to his roots in fishing. Gaffga began working on the bay in 1975 and continues to do so, despite the challenges brought about by the brown water in 1985. His fishing activities are diverse, adapting to the season and the catch available. |
Nancy Solomon | Southold, NY | Long Island Traditions | |
Wayne Grothe | Peconic Estuary Interviews |
Wayne Grothe is an experienced shellfisherman with over 24 years of work in the field. Wayne has primarily worked on the south shore, specifically in areas like Shinnecock Bay. He is resident of Southampton and was an active commercial fisherman until around 2001 when he transitioned to working for the Nature Conservancy of Long Island. With his experience and expertise, Wayne became a keen observer of the ecological changes occurring in the Peconics and the South Shore regions. |
Nancy Solomon | Southampton, NY | Long Island Traditions | |
Jack Kelly | Peconic Estuary Interviews |
Jack Kelly is a lifelong resident of Southold, Long Island, and has witnessed significant changes in the local environment and fishing industry over the years. Born in the late 1940s, he grew up near Gardiners' Island, where he recalls a fort on the North side and the erosion that caused the road to wash away. |
Nancy Solomon | Southold, NY | Long Island Traditions | |
Jim McKearn and Milton Miller | Peconic Estuary Interviews |
Jim McKearn is an elderly semi-retired fisherman who hails from East Hampton, New York. With a fishing career spanning over several decades, Jim has witnessed firsthand the environmental challenges faced by the fishing industry. Born before World War Two, he has seen the effects of industrial pollution, garbage, and runoff on the local waters. Jim has primarily worked in the areas of Gardeners Bay, East Hampton Bay, and Montauk Point, which are located between the north and south of Gardeners Bay. |
Nancy Solomon | East Hampton, NY | Long Island Traditions | |
Howard Pickerell | Peconic Estuary Interviews |
Howard Pickerell was a commercial fisher during the 1950s - 1980's in Huntington, NY. In the 1980's he began building garveys and other commercial fishing boats for East End baymen, eventually moving to Southampton. He continued to work on the bay part-time. With the demise of the East End fishing industry during the 1990's, he began working in the Town of Southampton's aquaculture program raising oysters. This interview examines the different phases of Pickerell's life. |
Nancy Solomon | Southampton, NY | Long Island Traditions | |
Doug Rogers | Peconic Estuary Interviews |
Doug Rogers Sr. and Jean Rogers are a couple residing in Brooklyn, New York. Doug was born in Brooklyn, but his father and grandfather hailed from East Marion. During the Great Depression, Doug's family moved to Brooklyn but returned to East Marion when he was born. Doug's father worked as a house painter, and his grandfather was a gentleman farmer. Doug spent 35 years working on the bay, learning the trade from a seasoned fisherman named Raymond Rackett, who was a third-generation fisherman. |
Nancy Solomon | , | East Marion, NY | Long Island Traditions |
Tom Ruhle | Peconic Estuary Interviews |
Tom Ruhle was a clam "diver" who worked on the east end of Long Island, primarily in Lake Montauk but also in East Hampton. The interview examines harvesting methods, habitat changes, and environmental and regulatory history in this area. |
Nancy Solomon | Montauk, NY | Long Island Traditions | |
Jon Semlear | Peconic Estuary Interviews |
Bayman Jon Semlear is a pound trap fisherman and bass fisherman in Sag Harbor. In this short interview he shares his knowledge of the bay, ecological changes, and close calls he's had on the water. |
Nancy Solomon | Sag Harbor, NY | Long Island Traditions |