Fred C. Millender

Location of Interview
Collection Name

Florida's Forgotten Coast

Description

Florida's Forgotten Coast oral history collection includes twenty-one interviews documenting the seafood industry in Franklin County, FL, with an emphasis on Apalachicola, plus two interviews relating to tupelo honey. Original Collection Housed at Archives & Special Collections at the University of Mississippi and online at www.southernfoodways.com.

Interviewer
Date of Interview
12-04-2005
Transcribers

Shelley Chance

Principal Investigator
Audio
Transcript
Biographical Sketch

Fred Millender has been working on the bay since he was a boy. Born in Carrabelle, Florida, in 1929, Fred's family saw opportunity in Eastpoint and moved there in 1942. At one time, the Millender family had three seafood houses along the bay. When Fred managed his own place, he had twenty-nine boats harvesting oysters. The seafood industry was booming in Eastpoint. Recently, though, among other problems, hurricanes have taken their toll on the area. But Fred is a survivor. He has found a way to keep Fred's Best Seafood afloat. Today, his daughter Susan operates the seafood house. But Fred still has hand in the business. He can often be found at his colorful roadside stand, chatting with a friend or smoking fillets of mullet for local fishermen. Fred is as colorful as the hand painted signs that flank his little market. Filled with fascinating stories and songs to share, Fred is a stranger to no one and friend to all.

Scope and Content Note
Amy Evans spoke with Fred Millender, a resident of Eastpoint, Florida. Fred Millender shares his family's history in the fishing industry, owning oyster processing plants, and participating in both offshore and inshore fishing. He discusses the challenges his family faced, particularly after hurricanes damaged their business in 1985, leading to its closure. Currently, Fred Millender operates a seafood market and enjoys meeting visitors from different states, especially those who return to the area during summers. He also talks about his daughter, Susan, taking over the oyster house and his support for her efforts. Fred mentions his involvement in the music scene as part of a band and his enjoyment of playing music with his wife. The interview touches on concerns about the changing bay due to government regulations, advancements in oystering technology, and Fred Millender's fond memories and stories of his oystering days.


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