Louis A. Doucette was born on March 22, 1911, in Edgartown, Martha's Vineyard. He grew up in a family of eight children, with his father having a background in sailing ships in the 1800s and later working for a bridge company in East Boston. Louis and his father fished on the south side of Vineyard, transitioning from larger boats with a crew of 20 men in Gloucester to smaller boats with only 3 or 4 men. His mother, originally from Nova Scotia, often spoke about Boston's Old North Church and their family history. Louis Doucette's career in the fishing industry continued until his retirement in 1974.

Scope and Content Note
The interview highlights various aspects of Louis Doucette's life. One significant event was a rescue story off Edgartown where his father's dory, named Priscilla, saved the lives of 14 people. For this heroic act, Louis's father received the Carnegie Medal and a $1000 reward, which he used to buy a small cat boat called Gypsy Maid, later renamed Mary D. in honor of Louis's sister. Louis Doucette started fishing at the young age of 7, initially helping his father by chopping bait. He vividly recalls the dangerous nature of dory fishing and the storms they faced, emphasizing that many men were lost at sea. He shares memories of fishing trips with his father and their visits to Boston's Commercial Wharf and New York's Fulton Market, where they sold their catch. He describes the vibrant fish market in New York and the excitement of attending big ball games there with fellow fishermen from Nantucket. The interview also explores Louis Doucette's family's involvement in the fishing industry. His father owned the Gleaner, one of the largest boats in New Bedford, and they moved there in 1924 due to the presence of shipyards and machine shops. Louis discusses various boat owners, including the Ashley family and Mayor Ashley, who supported the waterfront. He shares anecdotes about politics and the importance of supporting Mayor Ashley's re-election. During the Great Depression, Louis's family faced economic hardships, but they managed to survive. He recalls the generosity of Mrs. Eldridge, a fish buyer, who would deliver bags of money to the waterfront without ever being robbed. Louis also mentions his involvement in charitable acts, such as catching yellowtails to distribute to people in need and sending fish to St. Mary's Home. Afterward, he worked as a net mender and later took a job at The New Bedford Ship Supply. He speaks highly of his former employer, Samuel Calhoun, and his wife, who convinced him to leave the fishing business. Louis shares details about his work, including sourcing nets from various locations and cutting twine for different types of nets. Louis Doucette reflects on the challenges and hardships he faced, including a shipwreck that caused the loss of his family's home and the impact of hurricanes on the fishing industry. He mentions the passing of his wife in 1991 and talks about his current age of 93, expressing gratitude for his health and his four children. Finally, Louis Doucette provides a glimpse into the fishing industry and the maritime lifestyle of the past. He contrasts the simplicity of life at sea with the modern conveniences and emphasizes the importance of being a skilled seaman. His memories and stories shed light on a bygone era and the resilience of individuals involved in the fishing trade.