Harvey Bradshaw
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
Harvey Bradshaw is a retired colonel in the United States Marine Corps and a lifelong Sneads Ferry resident with deep ancestral roots in the area dating back twelve generations to 1691. Born in Sneads Ferry, Bradshaw grew up in a family deeply involved in farming and fishing. His grandfather and his family farmed and fished in the area, engaging in activities such as raising tobacco, corn, and peanuts and maintaining orchards with peaches, apples, pears, and grapevines. Bradshaw's family also participated in clamming, fishing, and crab catching as part of their livelihood. His family's long-standing presence in Sneads Ferry is evidenced by the Grant Cemetery, where Bradshaw's ancestors are buried, and the family's contributions to the community, including serving as state legislators and county commissioners.
Scope and Content Note
This interview with Harvey Bradshaw offers a comprehensive overview of the history, culture, and social dynamics of Sneads Ferry, North Carolina, through the lens of one family's multi-generational experience. The discussion encompasses various topics, including the Grant family's historical and contemporary significance, the evolution of farming and fishing practices, military service, and the broader social and political connections within the community. Bradshaw provides detailed accounts of his family's contributions to the area's development, from their involvement in wars to their roles in education and community leadership. Harvey talks about the significance of the family cemetery and the family's annual gatherings. Furthermore, Bradshaw reflects on the changes Sneads Ferry has undergone, particularly in response to natural disasters and economic shifts, while emphasizing the resilience and adaptability of its residents.
Please Note: The oral histories in this collection are protected by copyright and have been created for educational, research and personal use as described by the Fair Use Doctrine in the U.S. Copyright law. Please reach out Voices@noaa.gov to let us know how these interviews are being used in your research, project, exhibit, etc. The Voices staff can help provide other useful resources related to your inquiry.
The NOAA mission is to understand and predict changes in climate, weather, oceans, and coasts, to share that knowledge and information with others, and to conserve and manage coastal and marine ecosystems and resources. The Voices Oral History Archives offers public access to a wide range of accounts, including historical materials that are products of their particular times, and may contain offensive language or negative stereotypes.
Voices Oral History Archives does not verify the accuracy of materials submitted to us. The opinions expressed in the interviews are those of the interviewee only. The interviews here have been made available to the public only after the interviewer has confirmed that they have obtained consent.