Edward G. Enos, Jr.

Location of Interview
Collection Name

Oral History Collection - Fishing and Fisheries

Description

This collections contains recordings of interviews with Woods Hole residents and visiting scientists, as part of the Woods Hole Historical Museum’s Oral History Collection.  For more information, visit: woodsholemuseum.org.

Interviewer
Date of Interview
01-28-1985
Transcribers

National Capital Contracting

Principal Investigator
Audio
Biographical Sketch

Edward "Eddie" Enos Jr. grew up in Falmouth Heights, spending much of his time around the waterfront exploring and fishing. At the age of 12, he had a chance encounter with an experienced fisherman named Joe Joseph, who would become a significant influence in his life. Joe taught Eddie about fishing techniques, shared his knowledge of the local fishing spots, and even gifted him a share of the white perch they caught together. Joe Joseph, an experienced fisherman and entrepreneur, owned the Harvard New Fish Market and had a deep connection to the waterfront community. Eddie continued to interact with Joe over the years, spending time around the waterfront and witnessing Joe's various fishing ventures. Eddie became fascinated with Joe's stories and, after Joe's passing in 1979, decided to document and preserve his experiences.

Scope and Content Note
This interview with Edward Enos Jr. focuses on his friendship with Joe Joseph, a well-known fisherman and entrepreneur from Woods Hole and Falmouth. Eddie met Joe in 1955 and was impressed by his fishing skills and mentorship. Joe had recently purchased a building on Falmouth Harbor, which later became the Harborside Fish Market, where he sold fish and served seafood meals. Joe was born in 1892 in Davisville to Portuguese parents and grew up on a small farm in the Quissett section of Falmouth. Joe had a diverse range of occupations before becoming a fisherman. Lobstering was his primary occupation, and he made his own traps. He was also involved in herring fishing, quahogging, white perch fishing, and he had knowledge about tautog and scallops. Eddie learned about Joe's early life, including his move to Falmouth from Davis Neck, and Joe's parents' journey from Portugal to work as farmers. Joe developed a love for the water despite not knowing how to swim. His adventurous spirit led him to study music, work as a farmer, and establish a route for selling vegetables and staples in the Falmouth area on behalf of the Grand Union Tea Company. Fishing, however, remained Joe's true passion, and he excelled in lobstering, herring fishing, trout fishing, and other fishing activities. Eddie recalls Joe's expertise in commercial white perch fishing and his ability to catch large quantities of fish. Joe also mentored Eddie, teaching him the art of lobstering and encouraging him to pursue his own fishing endeavors. Eddie started his own lobstering business and went herring fishing with Joe, witnessing the abundant herring catches they made together. The interview also highlights Joe's other interests and activities. He was a former caretaker on the Kippered Estate, a member of the Knesset Grange, and had a passion for farming. Joe cultivated fruits, vegetables, and flowers on his five-acre farm and sold his produce at a roadside stand. He was known for his strength, youthful appearance, and lack of wrinkles despite his age. The interview touches on Joe's involvement in environmental issues, such as the impact of pollution and development on marshes and herring runs. There is also mention of Joe's efforts in cleaning up starfish and planting potatoes in the area.


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