Faye and Leroy Dixon
Wild Caught: The Life and Struggles of an American Fishing Town
For 300 years, the fishermen of Sneads Ferry, N.C., have practiced sustainable, small- scale commercial fishing, passing on the traditional lore of the sea from generation to generation. In the early 21st century, imported farm-raised shrimp, skyrocketing coastal development, and complex regulations threatened to push many fishermen to the brink of disaster. Wild Caught captures the wisdom and resilience of an extraordinary community.
National Capital Contracting
Faye and Leroy Dixon are long-time residents of Sneads Ferry, North Carolina, and are known for making crab pots. Faye Dixon grew up in Sneads Ferry in a fishing family. Her father was a commercial fisherman who worked as a charter boat captain and occasionally crabbed. Leroy Dixon learned the trade of making crab pots from Faye's father. The couple has been involved in the commercial fishing supply business since 1981, specializing in making various types of fish and crab traps. They have passed down their skills to their daughter, hoping to continue the family tradition. The Dixons are also active community and church members, with Leroy serving as a Sunday school superintendent and Faye teaching primary Sunday school classes.
Scope and Content Note
The interview with Faye and Leroy Dixon, conducted by Matthew Barr, provides an overview of their lives and contributions to the Sneads Ferry fishing community. The couple discusses their early lives, family backgrounds, and the development of their business in making crab pots and other fishing supplies. Faye talks about her upbringing in a close-knit fishing family and the changes she has witnessed in the community over the years. Leroy shares his experiences learning the trade from Faye's father and their joint efforts in establishing their company. The Dixons reflect on the challenges and rewards of their work, the impact of regulations on the fishing industry, and their concerns about the future of commercial fishing. They also talk about the importance of community support and their involvement in church activities.
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