Henry Gourdine
The Hudson River Maritime Museum’s Hudson River Commercial Fishermen’s Oral History Collection
The Hudson River Maritime Museum’s Hudson River Commercial Fishermen’s Oral History Collection consists of interviews with commercial fishermen conducted in the early 1980s and early 1990s. Locations discussed range from New York City to Albany and time periods from the 1920s to the 1990s. The focus of these interviews is primarily on the decline of the commercial fishing industry, including changes in fishing techniques and gear, changes in water quality and pollution, economic and market changes, and changes in fishing populations, including government regulation.
Content note: Some of the terminology used in these interviews reflects the time period and personalities of the people being interviewed and not that of the Hudson River Maritime Museum or New York Heritage.
You can explore this collection and others at: https://nyheritage.org/collections/oral-histories-hudson-river-commercial-fishermen
On September 27, 1989, Henry Gourdine was interviewed about his extensive experiences in the fishing industry. Gourdine discusses a range of topics, including the seasonal cycles of crab and shad fishing, the challenges of maintaining and adapting fishing equipment, and the evolution of net design and techniques. He reflects on his family’s influence on his fishing practices and recounts detailed observations about crab health, fishing costs, and the environmental changes affecting local waters. Gourdine also shares anecdotes about his early work experiences, his father’s skills in crafting nets and boats, and the cultural dynamics within his fishing community.
On August 8, 1991, Henry Gourdine was interviewed about his lifelong experiences as a fisherman on the Hudson River. Gourdine discusses his self-taught skills in fishing and net making, recounting how his father introduced him to crafting and mending nets. He details his early fishing ventures, partnerships, and the evolution of seine net fishing techniques he developed to improve efficiency and catch rates. Gourdine also describes his innovations in net design and construction, reflecting on their effectiveness compared to traditional methods. The interview includes rich descriptions of fishing practices, community fishing rights, and environmental observations on the river. Gourdine shares anecdotes about his personal life, including his family’s involvement in fishing and the challenges of balancing fishing with other responsibilities. He reflects on changes in the industry, the decline in fish populations, and his eventual shift away from active fishing due to age and circumstances.
On January 26, 1992, Henry Gourdine talks about his experiences as a fisherman and his involvement in legal proceedings related to sturgeon fishing. Gourdine recounts a court trial in Yorktown, where he served as an expert witness in a case involving fines for fishing violations. He details his testimony, interactions with legal representatives, and the judge's eventual decision to significantly reduce the penalties. Gourdine also reflects on moments of community perception and education, including an anecdote about his daughter defending the intelligence of fishermen in response to a teacher's dismissive comments. Additionally, he shares memories of cultural events, such as the South Street Seaport Festival, and his observations on the interplay between local traditions and broader societal changes.
On May 26, 1993, an interview was conducted with Henry Gourdine to document his experiences related to the fishing industry and his community. The interview explores Gourdine's detailed recollections of his work in the fishing trade, including the logistics of handling large volumes of fish, the use of ice machines, and the transportation of boxed fish. He reflects on the size and operation of his fishing boats, contrasting them with contemporary practices. Gourdine also discusses fishing techniques, such as net-mending and seine fishing, providing insights into the technical aspects of his trade. He touches on environmental changes, including the impact on fish populations like sturgeon, and expresses concerns about overfishing and regulatory challenges.
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.