Marvin Everett

Location of Interview
Collection Name

Wild Caught: The Life and Struggles of an American Fishing Town

Description

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.

Interviewer
Transcribers

National Capital Contracting

Principal Investigator
Audio
Video
Abstract

Matthew Barr interviewed Marvin Everett for the Wild Caught Oral. History Project. Everett is a long-time resident of Sneads Ferry, North Carolina. Born before the Great Depression, Everett recounts his childhood experiences in a close-knit community where everyone knew each other by name. He details the agricultural and commercial activities of his father, who transitioned from farming to running a grocery store and later engaging in commercial fishing. Everett discusses the significant changes brought about by establishing military bases, particularly Camp Lejeune, which provided employment and influenced local socioeconomic conditions. He highlights his own journey, serving in the Army during World War II and his subsequent long-term employment at Camp Lejeune, where he worked for 42 years, eventually becoming an equipment inspector and an advocate for equal employment opportunities. The interview delves into Everett's family history, including his ancestors' experiences during and after the Civil War. He describes the segregation and racial dynamics of his upbringing and the gradual improvements in racial equality he witnessed over the decades. Everett also reflects on the impact of economic changes on the fishing industry and the community, noting the challenges commercial fishermen face due to competition and regulatory pressures.


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