Appleton, WI

Interviewee Collection Sort descending Description Interviewer Date of Interview Location of Interview Affiliation
Reuben Hoelzel People of the Sturgeon: Wisconsin's Love Affair with an Ancient Fish

Eugene Herubin interviews Reuben Hoelzel about his history with sturgeon spearing. Having been born in 1916, Hoelzel remembers when sturgeon spearing was an economic necessity and meals with sturgeon were like feasts. He discusses passing on the tradition to his children, how to clean and cook sturgeon, and decoy painting.

Eugene Herubin Appleton, WI University of Wisconsin Board of Regents
Leroy Remme People of the Sturgeon: Wisconsin's Love Affair with an Ancient Fish

Leroy Remme, while only sturgeon spearing for around six years, caught one of the largest fish ever recorded on Lake Winnebago in 1990. In his interview with Dominic Carmona, he talks about seeing the fish, spearing it, and the trouble it took to get the fish out of the water, out of the shanty, and into his truck. He talks about feeling bad for killing a fish that was suspected of being 100 years old. Leroy also relates some changes in the sport.

Dominic Carmona Appleton, WI University of Wisconsin Board of Regents, Oshkosh Public Museum
George Schmidt People of the Sturgeon: Wisconsin's Love Affair with an Ancient Fish

George Schmidt is a woodcarver from Appleton who over the years has carved around 40 sturgeon decoys. In his interview with Dick Ristow, he begins with how he got started carving decoys, and then talks about how the pattern of his decoys evolved. This is followed by a brief explanation of the process and the materials used in making decoys. He continues very briefly with his limited sturgeon spearing experience. George also teaches a few classes a year on carving.

Dick Ristow Appleton, WI University of Wisconsin Board of Regents, Oshkosh Public Museum