Haze Diemel, Jr.
People of the Sturgeon: Wisconsin's Love Affair with an Ancient Fish
People of the Sturgeon: Wisconsin’s Love Affair with an Ancient Fish a tale of the cultural and scientific history of an iconic Wisconsin fish, the lake sturgeon. Throughout the process of writing the book, the authors interviewed community activists, sturgeon spearing enthusiasts, spear and decoy craftsmen, and scientific researchers associated with the Lake Winnebago sturgeon population. Because of the cultural, social, economic, and scientific knowledge captured in these interviews, the UW-Madison Wisconsin Water Library preserved the audio files as a collection of oral histories. This collection, People of the Sturgeon, encapsulates perspectives on lake sturgeon as they are reflected in the book.
The People of the Sturgeon collection includes interviews with outdoorsmen, scientists, and craftsmen associated with the Lake Winnebago, Wisconsin, lake sturgeon population.
Collection compiled by the UW-Madison Wisconsin Water Library. Audio courtesy of the Oshkosh Public Museum. Recordings were collected as part of the research for People of the Sturgeon: Wisconsin's Love Affair with an Ancient Fish published by Wisconsin Historical Society Press, Madison, WI.
National Capital Contracting
Haze Diemel Jr.'s family is from the Wolf River region of Wisconsin. His grandfather, Herman Diemel, established the family’s presence in the area, initially utilizing the land for gardening and farming. Haze Sr. established a tavern there in 1932. Haze Jr. grew up on the family farm, which included cultivated land and woodland and participated in traditional fishing practices from an early age. Haze Jr. continued the family tradition of sturgeon fishing, a practice that spanned multiple generations. He also engaged in various community activities, contributing to local conservation efforts and historical preservation initiatives.
Scope and Content Note
The oral history interview with Haze Diemel Jr., conducted by Ronald Bruch, captures the personal and communal history of sturgeon fishing along the Wolf River. The interview delves into Haze Jr.'s family background, tracing their involvement in the local fishing industry and their contributions to the community's economic and cultural landscape. Haze Jr. recounts his early experiences with sturgeon fishing, describing traditional methods such as spearing and the use of flat-bottom boats. Additionally, the conversation touches upon environmental changes observed over Haze Jr.’s lifetime, such as alterations in the river's course and the impact of government contracts on local fishing practices. The discussion extends to broader conservation efforts, including Haze Jr.'s involvement in local organizations like Shadows on the Wolf, which undertook various projects to enhance wildlife habitats and support community initiatives.
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