Louis Peterson
New Jersey’s Delaware Bayshore
The Bayshore Center at Bivalve’s Oral History program is dedicated to preserving the oral history and culture of New Jersey’s Bayshore region by saving for posterity the oral histories and material culture connected with the Bayshore region, by creating a repository of recordings and data that can be used for research, by preserving, treasuring and celebrating the environment, history and culture of the Bayshore region and by sharing the heritage of the Bayshore region today and with future generations through program related activities serving visitors, students and scholars.
Fantastic Transcripts
Molly Graham
Louis Peterson is a seasoned oysterman with a rich history in the oyster industry. Born into a family with a long lineage of oystermen, Peterson represents at least the fourth generation of his family to work in the industry. He is a recognized figure in the National Register of folklore in Washington, DC, known for his extensive knowledge and history of the oyster industry. Peterson is also a skilled craftsman, having built machines for the oyster industry and having a deep understanding of the tools used in oyster harvesting, such as oyster tongs. He is also a collector of historical items related to the industry.
Scope and Content Note:
Session 1: This interview with Louis Peterson provides a detailed account of his experiences and knowledge in the oyster industry. Peterson shares personal stories, including a traumatic event he witnessed at the age of fourteen. He also discusses the history of his family in the industry, tracing back to the late 1600s or early 1700s. Peterson provides insights into the tools and techniques used in oyster harvesting, including the design and use of oyster tongs. He also shares his experiences in building machines for the industry and his efforts to collect and preserve historical items related to oyster harvesting. The interview offers a rich and personal perspective on the history and practices of the oyster industry.
Session 2: The interview with Louis Peterson provides insights into his family history, life in Bivalve, Delaware Bay, and his experiences as an oysterman. He discusses his grandfather's work harvesting oysters, his father's meeting with his mother, and his own involvement in the industry. The interview also touches on topics such as the East Point lighthouse, sailboats in Bivalve, and the changes in the landscape over time.
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