Ken Corbett

Location of Interview
Collection Name

People of the Sturgeon: Wisconsin's Love Affair with an Ancient Fish

Description

People of the Sturgeon: Wisconsin’s Love Affair with an Ancient Fish a tale of the cultural and scientific history of an iconic Wisconsin fish, the lake sturgeon. Throughout the process of writing the book, the authors interviewed community activists, sturgeon spearing enthusiasts, spear and decoy craftsmen, and scientific researchers associated with the Lake Winnebago sturgeon population. Because of the cultural, social, economic, and scientific knowledge captured in these interviews, the UW-Madison Wisconsin Water Library preserved the audio files as a collection of  oral histories. This collection, People of the Sturgeon, encapsulates perspectives on lake sturgeon as they are reflected in the book.

The People of the Sturgeon collection includes interviews with outdoorsmen, scientists, and craftsmen associated with the Lake Winnebago, Wisconsin, lake sturgeon population.

Collection compiled by the UW-Madison Wisconsin Water Library. Audio courtesy of the Oshkosh Public Museum. Recordings were collected as part of the research for People of the Sturgeon: Wisconsin's Love Affair with an Ancient Fish published by Wisconsin Historical Society Press, Madison, WI.

Date of Interview
03-27-2008
Transcribers

National Capital Contracting 

Audio
Supplemental Material
Abstract

Ken Corbett served as a state warden, with significant contributions to law enforcement and conservation efforts in Wisconsin. He began his career as the first warden in Clinton, Ohio, where he established a reputation for integrity and dedication. Corbett's tenure was marked by his involvement in various law enforcement activities, including addressing illegal activities and maintaining public order. He worked under notable figures such as O.K. Johnson and others in law enforcement. Corbett's career spanned several decades, during which he dealt with numerous cases involving illegal hunting, fishing, and other violations. 

Scope and Content Note
The interview with Ken Corbett, conducted on May 27, 2008, covers a wide range of topics related to his career as a state warden and his experiences in law enforcement. Corbett discusses his early years in the role, including his appointment as the first warden in Clinton, Ohio. He provides detailed accounts of various incidents and cases he handled, highlighting the challenges and complexities of his work. The interview includes anecdotes about notable figures he encountered, such as O.K. Johnson, and his interactions with other law enforcement officers. Corbett also reflects on the illegal activities he confronted, including poaching and other wildlife-related violations. Throughout the interview, Corbett emphasizes the importance of public relations and community engagement in his work. He shares stories that illustrate his commitment to upholding the law and protecting natural resources, providing insights into the evolution of wildlife conservation and law enforcement practices over the years. 


Please Note: The oral histories in this collection are protected by copyright and have been created for educational, research and personal use as described by the Fair Use Doctrine in the U.S. Copyright law. Please reach out  Voices@noaa.gov to let us know how these interviews are being used in your research, project, exhibit, etc.  The Voices staff can help provide other useful resources related to your inquiry. 

The NOAA mission is to understand and predict changes in climate, weather, oceans, and coasts, to share that knowledge and information with others, and to conserve and manage coastal and marine ecosystems and resources. The Voices Oral History Archives offers public access to a wide range of accounts, including historical materials that are products of their particular times, and may contain offensive language or negative stereotypes.

Voices Oral History Archives does not verify the accuracy of materials submitted to us. The opinions expressed in the interviews are those of the interviewee only. The interviews here have been made available to the public only after the interviewer has confirmed that they have obtained consent.