Henry Thompson

Henry Thompson Image
Location of Interview
Collection Name

Finding Friendship Oral History Project

Description

The Finding Friendship Oral History Project is a joint effort of the Friendship Museum and the Friendship Village School, directed by Sally Merrick, museum volunteer, and Gaylea Hynd, teacher. In 2003-2004 sixth grade students conducted taped interviews of three generations of lobstermen and women, as well as others associated with the lobstering industry. Printed copies of the interviews and CDs of the printed transcripts are available at the Friendship Museum in Friendship, Maine.

Interviewer
Date of Interview
10-10-2003
Transcribers

Caleb
Sally Merrick

Principal Investigator
Transcript
Biographical Sketch

Henry Thompson, Sr., born on October 7, 1947, has been a lifelong resident of Friendship, Maine. His family has deep roots in the community, spanning three generations. Henry is a father of two children and a grandfather to eight grandchildren. For ten years, Henry worked as a lobster buyer, purchasing lobsters from local fishermen, before working as a lobsterman.  His hobby is metal detecting. 

Scope and Content Note
This oral history interview with Henry Thompson, Sr., conducted by Caleb on October 10, 2003, provides insights into Henry's experiences as a lobster fisherman in Friendship, his family's longstanding connection to the area, and his perspectives on various aspects of lobstering. Henry goes out approximately five days a week, primarily fishing from June to December in Penobscot Bay. Henry describes the process of setting traps, including the length of line attached and the use of buoys. He discusses his catch on an average day and recounts his largest lobster, weighing between eight and ten pounds. Henry shares insights into the daily operations on his boat, his responsibilities as captain, and the equipment he utilizes, such as hydraulic haulers and propeller cages. He also addresses topics such as lobster size regulations, the significance of v-notched tails, fines for violations, and the presence of other marine life in his traps. The interview concludes with Henry's thoughts on the joys of lobstering, including the freedom and independence it offers, as well as the challenges, such as the labor-intensive process of retrieving traps in the fall. Although Henry himself doesn't eat lobster frequently, he acknowledges his wife's fondness for it and ensures she enjoys the catch.


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