Mildred Wells is a former bookkeeper and a significant figure in the fishing industry. Born and raised in New Bedford, she later moved to Woods Hole, Massachusetts, where she began working for Sam Cahoon, a prominent fish merchant. Mildred joined Sam's team in the late 1920s and worked for him until 1931 when she got married. Despite her departure from the fish market, Mildred retained a deep appreciation for the industry and its history. She witnessed the impact of the Great Depression on the fishing community and held Sam Cahoon in high regard for his generosity and support towards fishermen and their families during tough times.

Scope and Content Note
Mildred Wells worked for Sam Cahoon in the late 1920s as a bookkeeper, handling retail accounts and financial transactions. She witnessed the hardships faced by fishermen during the Great Depression and praised Sam Cahoon and his wife Elsie for their support to the local fishing families. Mildred mentions various individuals associated with the fishing industry, such as the Jensens and Robert Jackson, and highlights the importance of the Isaias Condell company in the fishing business in Woods Hole. She shares memories of the types of fish caught and sold, the challenges faced by fishermen, and the daily operations of the fish market. She mentions her church in Bethel and the Methodist church that Sam and his family attended. Other topics include smoking, the social life of fishermen, church fairs with horses, Louis Doucette and his famous father, the Tivoli dance hall in Oak Bluffs, and changes in society related to drinking and Proposition 2 1/2. The interview concludes with discussions about a glassblower named John Grant and the rough winters experienced by Mildred.