Jane Langley

Location of Interview
Collection Name

Ellsworth High School - Maine

Description

These interviews were conducted as part of Ellsworth High School's participation in the NOAA Fisheries Service  (NMFS) Local Fisheries Knowledge Pilot Project 2003-2005.  All 10th graders participated in this interdisciplinary project that involved English, History, Social Studies, and Biology classes. To read about the LFK Project, go to http://www.st.nmfs.noaa.gov/lfkproject/.

Date of Interview
04-14-2005
Transcribers

Joyce Whitmore 

Transcript
Biographical Sketch

Jane Langley is the co-owner of Union River Lobster Pot, a seafood restaurant located in Ellsworth, Maine. Born in Michigan, Jane moved to Southwest Harbor at a young age and later settled in Ellsworth. With a background in the restaurant industry, Jane and her husband operated the Oak Point Lobster Pound for ten years before deciding to venture into something new. In 2005, they purchased a property on South Street and built the Union River Lobster Pot. Jane's family has a strong connection to the fishing industry, with her grandfather owning several sardine factories and her great-grandfathers being sailing captains.

Scope and Content Note
The oral history interview with Jane Langley, conducted by student interviewers from Ellsworth High School, provides insights into the establishment and operations of the Union River Lobster Pot. The interview took place on April 14, 2005, at the Ellsworth High School Library. Jane discusses her decision to open a seafood restaurant, emphasizing the demand for fish and lobster in the coastal area of Maine. She describes the restaurant's menu, including popular dishes such as lobster, haddock, shrimp, and a variety of other fish prepared in different ways. Jane explains her role in the business, primarily working in the dining room, managing seating arrangements, scheduling, and ordering supplies. She highlights the importance of good service and the positive impact it has on tipping. The interview covers topics such as the restaurant's staffing, work shifts, and equipment, including their unique lobster cooker and lobster grading process. Jane also mentions their practice of selling live lobsters to customers. The interview touches on personal aspects, including Jane's upbringing in Maine, her favorite seafood choices, and her family's involvement in the restaurant. Jane reflects on the challenges and rewards of running a restaurant, including the financial stress and occasional thoughts of closing, but also the joy of building relationships with customers over the years. She expresses optimism about the future and discusses her various ideas for what might come next after eventually leaving the restaurant industry. Overall, this interview provides valuable insights into the experiences of a restaurant owner in a coastal Maine community and offers a glimpse into the dynamics of a family-run business focused on serving seafood to locals and tourists alike.


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