Dave and Judy Dutra

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
09-25-2011
Transcribers

Laura Orleans

Biographical Sketch

Dave and Judy Dutra are a couple who have been involved in the fishing industry for many years. Dave, a lifelong fisherman, has spent his life on the water, working on various fishing boats. Judy, on the other hand, is a registered nurse who worked as a school nurse for over fifteen years. In the early years of their marriage, Judy fished with Dave on their boat, the Wildflower, and later on the Richard & Arnold. They had two sons who also became involved in fishing at a young age. Their family had a deep love for fishing, and it became a significant part of their lives. Over time, Dave and Judy witnessed the changes and challenges that the fishing industry faced, including the decline in fish populations and the impact on fishermen's livelihoods. Despite the difficulties, they have fond memories of their time on the water and the camaraderie they experienced with fellow fishermen. Judy began writing a book, titled Nautical Twilight, to document their experiences and share their story. The book is a memoir that covers their lives together, their fishing adventures, and the changes they witnessed in the fishing industry. It also highlights the joys and challenges of being a fishing family.

Scope and Content Note
In this oral history interview, Dave and Judy Dutra discuss their experiences in the fishing industry. They talk about their early years fishing together on the Wildflower and later on the Richard & Arnold. They share stories of their sons' involvement in fishing from a young age and the impact it had on their lives. The interview also touches on the changes in the fishing industry over the years, including the decline in fish populations and the challenges faced by fishermen. Dave and Judy reflect on the freedom they had in the early days of fishing and how it has changed over time. Judy discusses her motivation for writing the book, Nautical Twilight, which is a memoir of their fishing experiences. She shares her anger and frustration at the changes in the industry but also highlights the wonderful times they had and the strong sense of community among fishermen. Overall, the interview provides insights into the personal experiences of a fishing family and the impact of industry changes on their lives. Since the age of 10, Dave Dutra has fished out of Provincetown, MA. Today, despite the stranglehold of regulations, Dave continues to "get by" with his wife, Judy, at his side. Judy is compiling a book of memoirs of their life.


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