George R. Bailey
Calvert County Marine Museum Oral History Project
These are audio recorded interviews with residents of Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s Counties, Maryland who were connected to the seafood houses of Southern Maryland. Michel and Carrie Kline did this work in 2005 as part of the “Seafood Houses of Southern Maryland Documentation Project” of the Calvert County Marine Museum.
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George Robert Bailey was born in November 16, 1925, in Mount Victoria, Maryland. George spent his formative years in Charles County, Maryland. Having received his education in the public schools of Charles County, George embarked on a career as a waterman. His expertise extended beyond the sea as he showcased his culinary mastery by serving as a chef for several establishments in the region, including White House, Robertson's, and Fin & Claw. In his later years, George transitioned to a role at Camp St. Charles in Rock Point, Maryland.
Scope and Content Note
The interview with George Bailey provides a detailed account of his life and experiences, particularly his involvement in the seafood industry in Calvert County, Maryland. Bailey discusses his work as an oyster shucker and farmer, sharing insights into the daily tasks, working conditions, and social dynamics at shucking houses. He describes the process of oystering, shucking, and crabbing, as well as the impact of natural disasters on the industry. Additionally, Bailey reflects on the changes in the local community, the decline in seafood populations due to water pollution, and the challenges faced by young people in the area. His personal experiences shed light on the historical and environmental aspects of the seafood industry, making this interview a valuable resource for understanding the cultural and economic significance of seafood production in the region.
subject: Fishery processing plants--Maryland, Southern; Oyster fisheries--Maryland, Southern; Maryland, Southern--History.
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