Woods Hole, MA

Interviewee Collection Sort descending Description Interviewer Date of Interview Location of Interview Affiliation
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
John Valois Oral History Collection - Fishing and Fisheries

John Valois is a former resident of Woods Hole and a close friend of the Cahoon family. Born and raised in the area, he grew up spending significant time in the Cahoon household and developed a lasting relationship with the family. John's father owned the Woods Hole garage, which was located near the fish market operated by Sam Cahoon. John often visited the fish market, occasionally helping with tasks and interacting with the fishermen. He also participated in various activities with young Sam Cahoon, such as swimming, shell fishing, and duck hunting.

Unknown Woods Hole, MA Woods Hole Historical Museum
Warren E. Bailey Oral History Collection - Fishing and Fisheries

Warren E. Bailey, born and raised in Woods Hole, has been deeply connected to the fishing industry throughout his life. He grew up on North Street and attended school in the village. At the age of 17, he started working for Sam Cahoon at his fish market. However, his plans to immediately join the service during World War II were delayed, and he continued working for Sam Cahoon throughout the summer. Bailey eventually enlisted in the Navy and served in World War II. After his military service, he returned to the fish market in Falmouth, where he continued his work.

Nancy Egloff Woods Hole, MA Woods Hole Historical Museum
Mildred Wells Oral History Collection - Fishing and Fisheries

Mildred Wells is a former bookkeeper and a significant figure in the fishing industry. Born and raised in New Bedford, she later moved to Woods Hole, Massachusetts, where she began working for Sam Cahoon, a prominent fish merchant. Mildred joined Sam's team in the late 1920s and worked for him until 1931 when she got married. Despite her departure from the fish market, Mildred retained a deep appreciation for the industry and its history.

Unknown Woods Hole, MA Woods Hole Historical Museum
Martin Rockwell Bartlett Oral History Collection - Fishing and Fisheries

Subject: The Swordfishing Industry of the 1980s. Martin R. Bartlett was the owner of the vessel PENOBSCOT GULF. Marty came to Woods Hole in 1956 with the Coast Guard and went out on the CRAWFORD to learn about buoys and rescue. He left the Coast Guard and began to work with Frank Mather of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution on bluefin tuna research. While they were on a cruise they also caught swordfish and Marty became enthusiastic about fishing for them. He fished in the Gulf of Mexico for a while out of Pascagoula, then in Georgia.

Robert Livingstone Woods Hole, MA Woods Hole Historical Museum
Charles Wheeler and Herbert Graham Oral History Collection - Fishing and Fisheries

The main topic is the U.S. Bureau of Fisheries at Woods Hole. First speaker is Charles Wheeler. He mentions the history of the lab and its name changes and changes in federal departments under which it has worked. Mention of the early history of fisheries off the New England coast including foreign fishermen-explorers such as John Cabot, 1497. Importance of cod for Massachusetts and the ports involved: Newburyport, Beverly, Salem, Boston, Scituate, Cohasset, Plymouth and Provincetown. He mentions the triangle trade of Europe, West Indies, New England.

Unknown Woods Hole, MA Woods Hole Historical Museum