Melanie Cooper Covell

Location of Interview
Collection Name

Florida's Forgotten Coast

Description

Florida's Forgotten Coast oral history collection includes twenty-one interviews documenting the seafood industry in Franklin County, FL, with an emphasis on Apalachicola, plus two interviews relating to tupelo honey. Original Collection Housed at Archives & Special Collections at the University of Mississippi and online at www.southernfoodways.com.

Interviewer
Date of Interview
03-25-2006
Transcribers

Shelley Chance

Principal Investigator
Audio
Biographical Sketch

Melanie Cooper Covell is the seventh generation to call Apalachicola home. Born in 1968, she and her four siblings grew up working at their parents' business, Cooper's Seafood. Melanie has been shucking oysters since she was fifteen years old. The family business closed in 1994, when Melanie's father, Fred Cooper, passed away. Still, Melanie continued to shuck. And she painted houses too. In 2004 Melanie married Larry Covell. Together, they opened the Wheelhouse Raw Bar in downtown Apalachicola, where Melanie's brother, Joey, is the cook. His mullet dip is unrivaled. But the Wheelhouse is as well-known for community outreach as it is for its food. Melanie and her family host a food drive every Monday. When the bay is closed, they are also known to hold fundraising events to support oystermen in the area. Melanie has a passion for people and for the place where she lives. Here, Melanie's children--the eighth generation--swim in the same water and play in the same wilderness that she enjoyed as a kid.

Scope and Content Note
This interview conducted by Amy Evans for the Southern Foodways Alliance provides an in-depth look into the life and experiences of Melanie Cooper Covell, a resident of Apalachicola, Florida. The conversation covers a wide range of topics, including Melanie's family history, their involvement in the seafood industry, the operation of Cooper's Seafood oyster house, the establishment and growth of The Wheelhouse restaurant, community involvement, challenges faced in the industry, the impact of storms and red tide, advertising and promotion strategies, and future plans. Melanie shares personal anecdotes, family stories, and reflections on the changing landscape of Apalachicola. She expresses concerns about the loss of traditional livelihoods and the transformation of the area into a tourist destination. Melanie's daughter's passion for marine life and aspirations to become a biologist are also discussed, highlighting the importance of preserving the natural environment. Melanie provides valuable insights into the local culture, heritage, and the struggles faced by individuals in the seafood industry. Melanie's dedication to serving quality food and her commitment to the community are evident throughout the interviews. The collection offers a comprehensive overview of Melanie's life, from her early experiences in the seafood industry to her current role as a restaurant owner and community advocate.


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Voices Oral History Archives does not verify the accuracy of materials submitted to us. The opinions expressed in the interviews are those of the interviewee only. The interviews here have been made available to the public only after the interviewer has confirmed that they have obtained consent.