Michael Combs was born on July 3, 1968, and grew up in Freeport and Baldwin, Long Island. He has spent his entire life connected to the bay house tradition, which was central to his family's way of life. From a young age, Combs was introduced to various maritime activities by his father and grandfather, including crabbing, clamming, fishing, and boating. His grandfather, George Carmen, played a significant role in teaching him these skills. As Combs matured, he transitioned these activities into a commercial venture, making a living through crabbing and clamming. Combs is knowledgeable in the maintenance and carpentry required to upkeep bay houses, skills he acquired through hands-on experience and family guidance. Over the years, he has constructed and repaired boats, managed traps, and adapted to changes in fishing regulations and environmental conditions. He also has a background in duck hunting and crafting decoys with his grandfather. Following the devastation of Hurricane Sandy, Combs shifted some focus to real estate while continuing to engage in maritime activities on a smaller scale.

Scope and Content Note
The oral history interview with Michael Combs, conducted by Nancy Solomon on June 9, 2015, provides an in-depth look at his life and experiences related to the bay house in Baldwin, Long Island. Combs recounts his earliest memories of visiting the bay house, describing activities such as crabbing, clamming, fishing, and boating, all of which were taught to him by his father and grandfather. He details the evolution of his involvement in commercial fishing and the various traps and techniques used over the years. Combs discusses the maintenance and carpentry skills necessary for the upkeep of the bay house, highlighting the challenges posed by harsh weather conditions. He shares stories of community gatherings, childhood adventures, and the impact of natural disasters, particularly Hurricane Sandy, on the bay house and its subsequent rebuilding efforts. The interview covers Combs's transition into real estate following the decline in commercial fishing viability post-Sandy. It also touches on his efforts to maintain and pass down the bay house traditions and skills to future generations.