Dan Orchard

Location of Interview
Collection Name

The Working Waterfront Festival Community Documentation Project

Description

The Working Waterfront Festival Community  Documentation Project is an ongoing oral history project documenting the history and culture of the commercial fishing industry and other port trades. The project was begun in 2004 in conjunction with the Working Waterfront Festival, an annual, education celebration of commercial fishing culture which takes place in New Bedford, MA. Interviewees have included a wide range of individuals connected to the commercial fishing industry and/or other aspects of the port through work or familial ties. While the majority of interviewees are from the port of New Bedford, the project has also documented numerous individuals  from other ports around the country. Folklorist and    Festival Director Laura Orleans and Community Scholar/Associate Director Kirsten Bendiksen are Project Leaders. The original recordings reside at the National Council for the Traditional Arts in Maryland with listening copies housed at the Festival's New Bedford office.

Interviewer
Date of Interview
09-23-2006
Transcribers

Roxanne Muñiz

Transcript
Biographical Sketch

Dan Orchard began his career as a fisherman, working in different fisheries along the Pacific Coast, from Southern California to Alaska. After leaving the Coast Guard, he ventured into lobster fishing but soon realized his passion lay in bigger boats, particularly draggers. Dan then worked on the boat The Travis and Natalie out of Point Judith, Rhode Island, where he gained extensive knowledge about fishing, including cutting, gutting, cleaning, and stacking fish on ice. Dan went on to explore different fisheries, including squid fishing and even caught rare species along the way. He has worked on smaller boats, engaged in inshore dragging, scuba diving for steamers, and bull raking for little necks. Additionally, he has been involved in fish trap fishing and has even published a newspaper called The Fishermen's Call, which aimed to connect and communicate among fishing communities. Recognizing the importance of understanding the political and regulatory aspects of the fishing industry, Dan decided to pursue a career in Maritime Law. He enrolled in law school to specialize in fisheries law and hoped to contribute to the field while staying connected to the water. His ultimate goal is to have his own boat for inshore fishing while practicing law.

Scope and Content Note
The interview with Dan Orchard, conducted in 2006, provides insights into his journey as a fisherman and his current pursuits. He shares experiences fishing on different boats and engaging in various fisheries, highlighting the camaraderie among fishermen and the pride in providing food to others. Dan discusses the challenges faced by fishermen, including adapting to unpredictable conditions and regulations that hinder long-term planning and investment. He recounts a dangerous incident at sea when his boat lost power and had to tow another vessel, emphasizing the sense of community and the diverse skills required in the fishing industry. Dan also mentions superstitions observed by fishermen and shares an anecdote about a potted plant brought on a trip for good luck. He describes a typical fishing trip, the need for versatility and proficiency in various trades, and his involvement in the industry despite temporarily focusing on law school. The interview concludes with Dan expressing satisfaction in his diverse interests and activities.


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