John Remsen, Sr.
Long Island Traditions
Folklorist Nancy Solomon has documented the maritime culture of Long Island through these interviews spanning the years 1987 – 2016. The collection includes baymen, fishermen, boat builders and other maritime tradition bearers.
On November 17, 2003, Nancy Solomon interviewed John Remsen Sr. for an oral history project. John Remsen Sr., born on February 5, 1933, in Freeport, New York, provides a detailed account of his life and work as a bayman, sharing his family's multi-generational involvement in fishing and clamming in the Freeport area. The interview covers Remsen's early introduction to the bay at the age of five, his first experiences with clamming alongside his father, and the evolution of his work on the water. He describes the types of boats used over the years, from rowboats to Garveys, and details how transitioning to a motorboat expanded his working range. Remsen recalls the abundance of clams in his youth, noting the various buyers his family supplied. He also discusses the techniques for clamming, musseling, and fishing, including using nets, rakes, and pots. The interview highlights significant changes in the industry, such as the shift toward needing to diversify skills in response to fluctuating fish and shellfish populations, regulations, and environmental challenges. Remsen recounts the impact of pollution, particularly from DDT spraying and sewage treatment plants, on marine life and habitats. He notes the decline in clamming and fishing opportunities and explains how these changes led many baymen to leave the industry or pursue it part-time. Additionally, Remsen touches on broader issues facing the industry, such as government regulations, economic pressures, and the potential solutions for sustaining the baymen's way of life. This interview offers a comprehensive look at the challenges and adaptations of a lifetime spent working on the waters around Freeport.
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