Luther Ennett
Wild Caught: The Life and Struggles of an American Fishing Town
For 300 years, the fishermen of Sneads Ferry, N.C., have practiced sustainable, small- scale commercial fishing, passing on the traditional lore of the sea from generation to generation. In the early 21st century, imported farm-raised shrimp, skyrocketing coastal development, and complex regulations threatened to push many fishermen to the brink of disaster. Wild Caught captures the wisdom and resilience of an extraordinary community.
National Capital Contracting
Matthew Barr interviewed Luther Ennett for the Wild Caught project in Sneads Ferry, North Carolina. Luther Ennett, a lifelong resident of Sneads Ferry, North Carolina, comes from a family with deep roots in the area. His family has lived in Sneads Ferry since at least 1725, when his great-great-great grandfather, Edmond Ennett, was issued the first license to operate the ferry for which the town is named. In the interview, Ennett reflects on his experiences growing up in Sneads Ferry. He describes a childhood characterized by rural life, working on tobacco farms, and observing the gradual transformation of the town. Ennett recalls the construction of significant infrastructure, such as the bridge to Topsail Island in 1969, which marked a turning point in the area’s development. He traces Sneads Ferry's evolution from a small, rural community to a more developed and bustling town, influenced significantly by the presence of Camp Lejeune. Ennett shares insights into his family's involvement in various local enterprises. His father operated a small general store and the first washerette in Sneads Ferry. Throughout the interview, Ennett emphasizes the strong sense of community and tradition in Sneads Ferry. He expresses mixed feelings about the town's growth, appreciating the rural charm while acknowledging the necessity of progress. Finally, Ennett discusses his engagement in local organizations, including the Masonic Lodge, the New Bern Scottish Rite bodies, and the Sons of Confederate Veterans.
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