John Breslin, Jr. grew up in South Jersey, where both his parents were raised and worked in the Millville, New Jersey area mother,  His mother, Mabel Banks Holt, worked as an office manager for the shucking house F.F. East Co., Inc. in Maurice River Township, New Jersey, from the 1930s to the early 1950s. She traveled across the country for business with oyster wholesalers and clients. After F.F. East's death, Mrs. Holt took charge of the shucking house. Mr. Breslin taught history at Port Norris Elementary School from 1952-57.

Joan Riggin Harper was born on February 7, 1924, in Millville, Cumberland County, New Jersey. Her father was John Cullen Riggin and her mother was Emily Fowler Bateman. Joan attended Port Norris Grammar School and later graduated from Port Norris High School in 1941. After high school, she attended a business school in Bridgeton, New Jersey, where she completed a one-year course. Joan's first job was typing deeds when the Army bought the airport ground in Millville. She later got married and had three children.

Beryl Kane was born and raised in Port Norris, New Jersey. Her mother, Stella Glover Roth, was originally from Camden and Collingswood and was born on July 16, 1896. Beryl recalls her mother as a strict disciplinarian who ensured that her children were always present for dinner when it was ready. Before getting married, Stella worked at the telephone company and later at a corporation where she handled delicate mantels in gas lights. Beryl has a son who is now retired. Alice Gerard, like Beryl, was also born and raised in Port Norris, New Jersey.

Louis Peterson is a seasoned oysterman with a rich history in the oyster industry. Born into a family with a long lineage of oystermen, Peterson represents at least the fourth generation of his family to work in the industry. He is a recognized figure in the National Register of folklore in Washington, DC, known for his extensive knowledge and history of the oyster industry. Peterson is also a skilled craftsman, having built machines for the oyster industry and having a deep understanding of the tools used in oyster harvesting, such as oyster tongs.

Clyde A Phillips tells of his life and family ownership of the oyster boat CLYDE A. PHILLIPS and Phillips Seafood Packing Company and its brand Phillips' Jersey Cape Fresh Salt Water Oysters. His memories as a child, working the boats in his father's oyster business and shucking house, his family and jobs he had. He locates many of the businesses in Port Norris and Bivalve.

George "Babe" Wallace and Freddie Smith are seasoned veterans of the oyster industry, having dedicated over half a century to shucking oysters. Their lives have been deeply intertwined with the local area, their work, and their families. Wallace and Smith's family backgrounds are rich with stories of work on oyster boats and the tradition of singing gospel songs while shucking oysters. Smith, in particular, has experienced the highs and lows of life, having been married multiple times and tragically losing his daughter in a car accident.