Bill Biggs (1926-2001), John Dubois (1912-2001), Charlie Elmer (1912-2006), Arthur Hinson (1917-2012), Jack King (1928-2001), Joe Lore (1910-2000), and Mort Hughes (1920-2012) are retired oystermen whose recollections spanned from post World War I (1918) through the 1990s.  These men represent the fading legacy of traditional oystermen who navigated the waters during the era of sail-powered dredging. Their lives on the water are characterized by the intimate knowledge of oystering, a craft honed through seasons of planting and harvesting the bivalves. The oystermen are all deeply attuned to the rhythms of the Bay, understanding the market dynamics of selling oysters and the operations of shucking houses. Their recounting of the physical demands of oystering, including the reliance on speed and wind for effective dredging, offers a glimpse into the laborious nature of the trade.

Scope and Content Note
This interview provides a multifaceted exploration of the oyster industry as recounted by those who lived and worked on the Chesapeake Bay. The oysterman panel discusses hiring crews from the Chesapeake, planting oysters during the Bay Season, harvesting, dredging, food, running a boat, and changing from sail to power. Plus, questions, comments, and stories from the audience. The narratives delve into the personal experiences and collective memory of oystermen like Joe Lore, who share detailed accounts of the operational seasons, market practices, and the evolution of oystering techniques. The speakers, including Oscar, reflect on the industry's shift towards mechanization, the consequent decline in employment, and the broader socio-economic impacts, such as the reliance on Social Security benefits. The content is rich with anecdotes, humor, and a sense of camaraderie among the oystermen, who suggest the preservation of more stories, particularly those highlighting colorful characters within the industry. The conversation spans the history of oyster farming, touching on the environmental factors like salt content that affect oyster quality and the historical events that shaped the industry, including public health scares and wartime effects. The speakers also discuss the competitive and sometimes contentious aspects of the trade, such as conflicts over oyster grounds and the impact of diseases like dermo on oyster populations. Additionally, the oral history captures the broader context of commercial fishing on the Chesapeake Bay, including crabbing and soft crab processing, and the personal histories of those who started working on boats at a young age.