Woods Hole, MA

Interviewee Sort ascending Collection Description Interviewer Date of Interview Location of Interview Affiliation
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
Michael Sissenwine The Ffiles-NEFSC

After nearly 30 years with NMFS, stints as an NEFSC division chief and Center Director, as well as senior science leadership positions in the Agency's headquarters, Dr. Michael P. Sissenwine retired in 2005. This interview took place one month before his official retirement. He discusses his career.

Teri Frady Woods Hole, MA Northeast Fisheries Science Center - NOAA
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
Louis Doucette, Jr. Oral History Collection - Fishing and Fisheries

Louis Doucette, Jr., was born in 1911 in Edgartown, Martha's Vineyard, to Louis Doucette, a respected fishing boat captain. Louis was the oldest living skipper in the New Bedford fishing fleet until his passing on November 16, 2006, at the age of 95. Raised in Edgartown, Louis Jr. was the son of Louis A. and Mary Jane Doucette (née Upton). He made his home in Fairhaven for the majority of his life. Louis Jr. was an active member of the St. Joseph's Church, where he regularly attended services. For many years, Louis Jr.

Robert Livingstone , Woods Hole, MA Woods Hole Historical Museum
Loretta Doucette Oral History Collection - Fishing and Fisheries

Loretta Doucette is a resident of Falmouth, Massachusetts, who has a deep connection to the fishing industry in Woods Hole. Her father was a fisherman who fished for Sam Cahoon, whose market was located in Woods Hole. Loretta's father was born in Nova Scotia in the 1880s and ran away from home at a young age and made his way to Yarmouth. In his early 20s, Loretta's father came to Boston and worked in masonry for a brief period. He even worked on a bridge over the Charles River. Eventually, he decided to settle in Cape Cod and chose Edgartown as his fishing base around 1910.

Unknown 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
Judith McDowell, Part 3 Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Oral History Project

Interview with Judith McDowell.

Frank Taylor Woods Hole, MA Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole Marine Biological Laboratory, United States Geological Survey
Judith McDowell, Part 2 Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Oral History Project

Interview with Judith McDowell.

Frank Taylor Woods Hole, MA Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole Marine Biological Laboratory, United States Geological Survey
Judith McDowell, Part 1 Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Oral History Project

Interview with Judith McDowell.

Frank Taylor Woods Hole, MA Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole Marine Biological Laboratory, United States Geological Survey
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