Woods Hole, MA

Interviewee Collection Sort descending Description Interviewer Date of Interview Location of Interview Affiliation
Edward G. Enos, Jr. Oral History Collection - Fishing and Fisheries

Edward "Eddie" Enos Jr. grew up in Falmouth Heights, spending much of his time around the waterfront exploring and fishing. At the age of 12, he had a chance encounter with an experienced fisherman named Joe Joseph, who would become a significant influence in his life. Joe taught Eddie about fishing techniques, shared his knowledge of the local fishing spots, and even gifted him a share of the white perch they caught together. Joe Joseph, an experienced fisherman and entrepreneur, owned the Harvard New Fish Market and had a deep connection to the waterfront community.

Unknown Woods Hole, MA Woods Hole Historical Museum
Pete Fisher Oral History Collection - Fishing and Fisheries

Peter Fisher is the entrepreneurial owner of Catamount Fish Market, a business that has been operational for one year. His journey into the fish industry was sparked by his experiences while employed at a restaurant, where he observed the intricate process involved in ordering fish. This insight led him to establish his own market with a vision to facilitate fish distribution, particularly aiming to ship fish to western New York. Fisher's business acumen is evident in his strategic sourcing of fish, which he acquires from small gillnetters located in Hyannis, Harwich, and Sandwich.

Robert Livingstone Woods Hole, MA Woods Hole Historical Museum
Russell Grinnell Oral History Collection - Fishing and Fisheries

Captain Russell Grinnell was born in 1907 in Woods Hole. His father, Charles R. Grinnell, was born in Fairhaven, Massachusetts, then moved with Russell's grandfather to Naushon Island off Woods Hole. Charles Grinnell was a fisherman and he and son Russell fished together, gathering quahogs and lobsters, dragging for flounder, depending on the season. This was first done from a 26 foot catboat and later a 42 foot boat. Russell Grinnell joined the crew of the squid collecting boats (all named CAPTAIN BILL) owned by Henry Klimm and contracted to the Marine Biological Laboratory.

Unknown Woods Hole, MA Woods Hole Historical Museum
Harry "Buck" Edward Handy Oral History Collection - Fishing and Fisheries

Buck's first experiences with commercial fishing began in 1942 with a trip on Kenneth Shepherd's boat BETSY C. They landed fish at Sam Cahoon's fish market. He mentions a violent winter storm on the 42 foot boat. After that he worked for Henry Klimm on one of the first of the series of boats named CAPTAIN BILL. He recalls crew members, fishing grounds and catches. There were some spectacular catches of herring, haddock, yellowtail flounder. All fish were landed at Sam Cahoon's, and the fish were then taken to the Fulton Fish Market in New York as well as Boston. He mentions prices.

Unknown , Woods Hole, MA
Herbert Graham, Bertha Veeder Hill, & Peggy Clark Kelley Oral History Collection - Fishing and Fisheries

The main topic is the U.S. Bureau of Fisheries in Woods Hole. The first speaker is Peggy Clark Kelley. She speaks of her grandfather Edward Linton who came to Woods Hole with Director Spencer Baird in 1882 when Linton was a student at Yale. She discusses why Woods Hole was chosen for the site of the Fisheries lab, the interaction with local businessmen. Peggy's memories of her childhood include trips on collecting boats (specimens for MBL). Dr. Graham became Director in 1951.

Unknown Woods Hole, MA Woods Hole Historical Museum
Ted Joseph Oral History Collection - Fishing and Fisheries

Theodore M. 'Ted' Joseph was born in Chilmark, Massachusetts, and grew up in Quisset, Massachusetts. During World War II, Ted served in the US Army Air Corps from 1940 to 1945, participating in the European-African Middle Eastern Campaign. After the war, Ted joined the Town of Falmouth as a Police Officer, serving from 1946 to 1950. Following his tenure in law enforcement, he worked alongside his father at the Harborview Fish Market in Falmouth Harbor. He also contributed to the operations of Ed's Cleaners before becoming a caretaker at the Gifford Estate in Penzance Point, Woods Hole.

Unknown Woods Hole, MA Woods Hole Historical Museum
Henry Klimm Oral History Collection - Fishing and Fisheries

Henry Klimm is an old-time fisherman from Woods Hole, best known for his draggers called the Captain Bills. He has been a part of the fishing industry in Woods Hole for many years and has extensive knowledge and memories of the old fish market owned by Sam Cahoon. Henry has been fishing since the 1930s and has experienced the ups and downs of the industry. He has primarily fished for yellowtail flounder and has witnessed changes in fishing techniques and equipment. Henry is known for his hard work and dedication to the fishing profession.

Unknown Woods Hole, MA Woods Hole Historical Museum
Arthur "Swede" Nelson Oral History Collection - Fishing and Fisheries

Arthur "Swede" Nelson is a seasoned fisherman with extensive experience in the fishing industry of Woods Hall. Born and raised in Providence, Rhode Island, he ventured into commercial fishing after graduating from high school in 1926. Swede fished out of Providence for a few years before joining the Coast Guard and later returning to Provincetown for a couple more years. In 1934, he made his way to Woods Hall and began fishing on the Charles Fossey, a vessel owned by Sam Cahoon. Swede became well-known among his peers and was often referred to as "Sweet Nelson" in the fishing community.

Robert Livingstone Woods Hole, MA Woods Hole Historical Museum
Frances Cahoon Shepherd Oral History Collection - Fishing and Fisheries

Frances Cahoon Shepherd grew up in a neighborhood surrounded by close-knit families in Woods Hole, Massachusetts. She is a knowledgeable source on the history of the Woods Hole fishing industry. Mrs. Shepherd was married to fisherman Kenneth Shepherd and is the daughter of Samuel T. Cahoon, owner of the fish market in Woods Hole from 1913-1914 until 1962.

Robert Livingstone Woods Hole, MA Woods Hole Historical Museum
Kenneth Shepherd Oral History Collection - Fishing and Fisheries

Kenneth Shepherd is a seasoned fisherman with a deep connection to the fishing industry in Woods Hole. Born in 1915, he has witnessed significant changes and challenges throughout his fishing career. Kenneth started fishing in 1934 and became an integral part of the fishing community in Woods Hole. He has fished for various species, including yellowtail flounder, cod, haddock, and butterfish. Kenneth has experienced firsthand the impact of regulations, fuel prices, and changing fish populations on the fishing industry.

Unknown Woods Hole, MA Woods Hole Historical Museum