George Combs, Jr.
Long Island Traditions
Folklorist Nancy Solomon has documented the maritime culture of Long Island through these interviews spanning the years 1987 – 2016. The collection includes baymen, fishermen, boat builders and other maritime tradition bearers.
National Capital Contracting
On May 15, 1987, Nancy Solomon interviewed George Combs as part of the Long Island Traditions oral history project. George was born and raised in Amityville, New York and comes from a long line of baymen, boat builders, and market gunners dating back to 1644. He discusses significant family members such as his father, a famous decoy carver, and his great-great-grandfather, a privateer and shipbuilder. The conversation covers the evolution of boat types used by the Combs family, such as Garveys and gunning boats, and details their construction techniques. George recounts stories of his grandfather's rum-running activities during Prohibition and the family's involvement in the bay business. The interview also touches on environmental changes and challenges faced by modern baymen, including pollution and overfishing, which have contributed to the decline of the bayman's way of life. Additionally, George reflects on the independence and resilience characteristic of baymen, describing the unique skills and knowledge passed down through generations.
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