John F. "Tucker" Brown
Calvert County Marine Museum Oral History Project
These are audio recorded interviews with residents of Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s Counties, Maryland who were connected to the seafood houses of Southern Maryland. Michel and Carrie Kline did this work in 2005 as part of the “Seafood Houses of Southern Maryland Documentation Project” of the Calvert County Marine Museum.
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Fantastic Transcripts
Molly Graham
John "Tucker" Brown, born on July 25, 1938, is a lifelong resident of Avenue, Maryland, a small fishing village. He comes from a lineage of watermen, with both his father, Frank Brown, and grandfather, Sam Brown, being watermen. Brown began earning his own money at the age of eight, crabbing in the creek. He worked with his father until his father fell ill, after which he briefly worked for American Airlines before returning home to care for his family. Brown took over his father's fishing crew and has spent his life oystering and clamming up and down the bay. He has been an active participant in the Maryland Watermen's Association (MWA), serving as the second vice president for about eighteen years. Despite the challenges faced by the watermen community, Brown remains optimistic about their future, acknowledging that their ways have changed and will continue to do so.
Scope and Content Note
This interview with John "Tucker" Brown provides a rich and detailed account of his life as a waterman in Avenue, Maryland, and his experiences in the fishing industry. Brown discusses his early life, beginning with his childhood experiences of earning money through crabbing at the age of eight. He also shares his brief stint working for American Airlines and his decision to return home to take care of his family and continue the family tradition of being a waterman. Brown provides insights into the changes he has witnessed in the fishing industry and the challenges faced by the watermen community. He discusses his active role in the Maryland Watermen's Association (MWA), where he served as the second vice president for about eighteen years. Brown also reflects on the future of the watermen, acknowledging that their ways have changed and will continue to evolve. Additionally, Brown shares vivid memories of his upbringing, including the importance of family, the rarity of store visits, and the practice of home gardening. He also provides a glimpse into the lifestyle and values of his community during his childhood. This interview serves as a valuable resource for understanding the life and experiences of watermen in Maryland.
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