Russell Grinnell
Oral History Collection - Fishing and Fisheries
This collections contains recordings of interviews with Woods Hole residents and visiting scientists, as part of the Woods Hole Historical Museum’s Oral History Collection. For more information, visit: woodsholemuseum.org.
Captain Russell Grinnell was born in 1907 in Woods Hole. His father, Charles R. Grinnell, was born in Fairhaven, Massachusetts, then moved with Russell's grandfather to Naushon Island off Woods Hole. Charles Grinnell was a fisherman and he and son Russell fished together, gathering quahogs and lobsters, dragging for flounder, depending on the season. This was first done from a 26 foot catboat and later a 42 foot boat. Russell Grinnell joined the crew of the squid collecting boats (all named CAPTAIN BILL) owned by Henry Klimm and contracted to the Marine Biological Laboratory. These boats also dragged for flounder in the winter. The Grinnells were independent fishermen, selling their catch to the local fish market owned by Sam Cahoon. The rest of the interview concerns aspects of past history of Woods Hole not related to fishing.
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