Mike and Helen Van Essendelft live in Oakdale, New York. Mike Van Essendelft, born on April 16, 1908, worked for Bluepoints, a renowned oyster company, for over 12 years. Starting as a waiter at the Snapper Inn, Mike eventually became a sales assistant at Bluepoints and worked his way up to the position of sales manager. Helen Van Essendelft supported the oyster industry by shucking and freezing oysters for Birdseye. Together, Mike and Helen provide a unique perspective on the history and operations of the fishing industry in West Sayville.

Scope and Content Note
The interview focuses on their experiences in the fishing industry, particularly clams, and Mike's Dutch heritage. Mike and Helen Van Essendelft share their memories and experiences related to the local fishing and oyster industry. The interview covers a range of topics, including the early history of West Sayville and the influence of Dutch settlers, the establishment of Bluepoints and its operations, the process of shucking oysters and freezing them for Birdseye, and the impact of external factors such as hurricanes and changes in transportation. Mike reminisces about the early days of West Sayville, recounting stories of his grandfather, William Tucker, who was the first settler in the area and operated a grocery store. He describes the close-knit Dutch community, the daily activities of clamming and oystering, and the relationships between the local families. Mike provides details about the operations of Bluepoints, including the oyster houses, the process of washing and canning oysters, and the distribution of the products to various markets, particularly in New York City. The interview also touches upon the challenges faced by the industry, such as the 1938 hurricane that caused significant damage to the oyster beds and the difficulties caused by muddy environments and changing tides. Mike and Helen discuss the role of clammers and the practice of planting clams in marked areas. They also mention the involvement of local residents in rum-running during the Prohibition era and the impact of Montauk Highway's paving and the construction of Sunrise Highway on the community. Overall, this interview provides valuable insights into the personal experiences and historical perspectives of Mike and Helen Van Essendelft, shedding light on the oyster industry and the fishing community in West Sayville, New York.