Rodney Lyons
Preserving Oral Histories of Waterfront-Related Pursuits in Bayou La Batre
Bayou La Batre, like other Gulf coastal fishing towns, is undergoing rapid change associated with international market pressures while being threatened by pleasure industry development. As a result, its people are losing key aspects of their traditional lifeways. This oral history film project is an attempt to preserve remembrances and knowledge obtained through such fading ways of life. The principal investigator is Gregory A. Waselkov, with associate investigators Michael Stieber and Harriet L. Richardson Seacat. The project was completed in September 2008, and the collection is housed at the Center for Archaeological Studies at the University of South Alabama, located at HUMB 34, 307 North University Boulevard, Mobile, Alabama 36688. Another location where the collection is housed is the University of South Alabama Archives in Springhill Room 0722, Mobile, Alabama 36688.
National Capital Contracting
On August 22, 2008, Michael Stieber interviewed Rodney Lyons for the Preserving Oral Histories of Waterfront-Related Pursuits in Bayou La Batre project. Rodney Lyons was born and raised in Bayou La Batre, Alabama, and his family has been deeply involved in the seafood industry for generations. His grandfathers were commercial fishermen, and his family members have participated in nearly every aspect of the seafood trade, from fishing and crabbing to dealing with seafood and making nets. The interview delves into Lyons' lifelong connection with the seafood industry, beginning with his early experiences on shrimp boats as a child and extending through his current role as the owner and operator of Lyons Seafood. Lyons discusses the evolution of the seafood industry, noting significant changes in equipment, from uninsulated ice holds to modern freezer boats and the impact of technological advancements on the trade. He reflects on the declining state of the industry, attributing the challenges to rising costs, low shrimp prices, and increased competition from imported seafood. Lyons also touches on Bayou La Batre's social fabric, emphasizing the fishing community's strong bonds and traditions. He describes how the industry has historically been passed down through generations, although this is becoming less common due to the increasing scale of operations and economic pressures. The interview concludes with Lyons expressing concern about the future of the seafood industry in his community, advocating for diversification and the development of seafood-related businesses to sustain the local economy. He also discusses the potential impacts of condominium developments on the waterfront, highlighting the need for balanced growth that supports the community's heritage and livelihood.
Principal investigator: Gregory A. Waselkov
Associate investigators: Michael Stieber and Harriet L. Richardson
Seacat Completion date: September 2008
Name of Collection: Preserving Oral Histories of Waterfront-Related Pursuits in Bayou La Batre
Location where collection is housed: Center for Archaeological Studies University of South Alabama HUMB 34 307 N. University Blvd. Mobile, AL 36688
Other location collection is housed: University of South Alabama Archives USA Springhill Room 0722 Mobile, AL 36688
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