Bobby Shiver was born at 13 Mile in 1939. His father oystered and his mother shucked for Miller's Fish & Oyster Company. As a child, Bobby remembers building toy boats out of scrap metal and wood. In the 1960s he began to build boats as a hobby. For years, creating boats was an avocation. Working the bay and building houses was Bobby's vocation. But when he got older, he began learning more about the trade from local boat builders. With a seventh-grade education, Bobby mastered the craft and made hundreds of boats. He never worked from a design. As he puts it, he sees a picture in his mind and he builds it. His boats are used by oystermen and fishermen all along the Gulf Coast. In 1977 he built a fifty-seven foot shrimp boat called the Mayme Ellyn. Bobby is no longer making boats, but the Mayme Ellyn still hauls plenty of shrimp.

Scope and Content Note
Bobby Shiver reflects on his upbringing in Eleven Mile and Eastpoint, recalling the difficult living conditions his family faced during the Great Depression. He describes the housing arrangements provided by seafood houses for workers and the seasonal migrations his family made between Eleven Mile and Eastpoint. Shiver's early interest in building things, particularly boats, is discussed, including his childhood experiences of building toy boats and his later pursuit of boat building as a career. The interview delves into the community and families residing in Thirteen Mile and Eleven Mile, shedding light on the Hicks, Boatwrights, Peters, Marshalls, Moses, Polous, and Pauls families. Shiver also discusses fishing practices, the presence of leases, and barriers to protect certain areas. A comparison of his family's upbringing and living conditions with his wife's family is provided. The interview further explores Shiver's childhood memories of his mother's cooking and family meals. Shiver also shares information about his extended family, including his siblings, children, and grandchildren, and discusses his marriage to Barbara in 1959. A significant portion of the interview is dedicated to Bobby Shiver's transition from working in the seafood industry to becoming a boat builder. He recounts his learning experiences from seasoned boat builders like Mr. Joe Lolley, Charles Raffield, and Bud Seymour, describing how he started building boats as a hobby and eventually established a successful business. Shiver discusses the challenges he faced, such as fluctuating material prices, while emphasizing his dedication to delivering quality work and maintaining his reputation. Religious transformation and its positive impact on Shiver's life in 1971 are mentioned, as well as his role in training his son-in-law, Robin Brinkley, in boat building and construction. Shiver expresses his satisfaction with working close to home and being available for his children. Additionally, the interview explores Bobby Shiver's boat building techniques, including his unique method of starting with the hull and adding the frame, contrary to the traditional approach. The interview concludes with a visit to Bobby Shiver's boat-building workshop, where he showcases some tools and stainless steel nails used in his boat construction. He mentions a devastating fire that destroyed his workshop, boats, and tools. The conversation also touches on his son's pastoral work, the need for a young successor, and Shiver's limited knowledge of computers.