Timothy Schmit was born in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, in 1962. He earned a B.S. and M.S. in Meteorology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. After graduating, he worked as a researcher for the Cooperative Institute for Meteorological Satellite Studies. From 1996 to the present, Mr. Schmit has worked as a meteorologist for NOAA/NESDIS and is based in Madison, Wisconsin.  

Scope and Content Note

Dr. Jerome "Nick" Heffter served as a research meteorologist at OAR's Air Resources Lab. He was a pioneer in modeling the dispersion of nuclear radiation and other atmospheric pollutants during the Cold War.  Nick tracked the release of nuclear radiation from Chernobyl in 1986 and reported it to US leaders before Russia informed the world of what is considered the worst nuclear accident in world history.  Currently, Nick is retired from NOAA, but works as a contractor at the Air Resources Lab.

Scope and Content Note

Dr. W. Paul Menzel grew up in Maryland and attended the University of Maryland-College Park.  He attended The University of Wisconsin - Madison for his master's and PhD in Theoretical Solid State Physics.  Since 1967, Paul has worked as a scientist for the Space Science and Engineering Center in Madison.  He also started working as a adjunct professor in 1986 at UW, teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in physics and satellite meteorology.  In 1999, Dr. Menzel became the Chief Scientist for the Center for Satellite Applications and Research in NOAA/NESDIS.

Since 1980, Tom Wrublewski has been a physical scientist with the U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) National Environmental Satellite, Data and Information Service (NESDIS).

Interview with net fishermen Billy Praker and James "JB" Milina, from Galveston, Texas

Life-long fisherman Roy Lee was born and raised in the Everglades around Everglades City. As that region was engulfed by the National Park in the 1970s, he relocated to South Louisiana where he fished for red drum, spotted seatrout, pompano, black drum, etc. Most winters he returned to Marathon, Florida, to stab net for mangrove snapper, and used a runaround gill net to harvest bluefish and Spanish mackerel. Interview was conducted in Leeville, Louisiana, in September 1992. 

Charles F. Queenan was interviewed for the Port of Los Angeles Centennial Oral History Project. Born in Medford, Massachusetts, on October 27, 1924, Queenan is noted for his extensive work on the history of the Port of Los Angeles, including authoring a seminal book on the subject. The interview delves into various aspects of the history and development of the Port of Los Angeles, beginning with the early European exploration led by Juan Cabrillo in 1542.

Marifrances Trivelli was interviewed for the Port of Los Angeles Centennial Oral History Project. Trivelli was born in Annapolis, Maryland, and serves as a key figure in preserving and sharing the history of the Port of Los Angeles. The interview covers a wide range of historical topics related to the Port, beginning with its pre-colonial period when Native American communities engaged in trade along the shallow waters. Trivelli recounts early European explorations, starting with Juan Cabrillo's 1542 survey, where he named the area Bahia de los Fumos due to the smoke he observed.

Oral history interview with Leonard Pitt. 

Joe Radisich was interviewed for the Port of Los Angeles Centennial Oral History Project. Joe Radisich, born and raised in San Pedro, California, comes from a family deeply rooted in the maritime industry. His father was a longshoreman, his paternal grandfather was a fisherman, and his maternal grandfather was a merchant marine. The interview explores Radisich’s childhood memories of growing up in San Pedro, highlighting the close-knit, blue-collar nature of the community, and the port’s central role in the town’s identity.

Oral history interview with Bob Mohle. 

Rudy Svorinich Jr. was interviewed for the Port of Los Angeles Centennial Oral History Project. Born in May 1960 in San Pedro, California, Svorinich's family immigrated from the Dalmatian coast of Croatia in the 1920s, and they became deeply connected to the fishing industry and the San Pedro community. His family's ties to San Pedro go back several generations, with both his grandfather and great-grandfather being charter members of the longshoreman union. Throughout the interview, Svorinich reflects on the rich history of San Pedro and the Port of Los Angeles.

Carol Thomas Rugnetta was interviewed for the Port of Los Angeles Centennial Oral History Project. Born in 1941 in Los Angeles, Rugnetta grew up in San Pedro, attending local schools and Harbor College. The interview delves into Rugnetta’s childhood memories of San Pedro and her family’s involvement in the local business and fishing communities. Rugnetta discusses her family’s businesses, notably her aunt Zorka’s restaurant and grocery store on Terminal Island, where she worked during her teenage years.

Oral history interview with James Hahn. 

Oral history interview with Andrew Cesareo. 

Oral history interview with Tom Phillips.

Jayme Wilson was interviewed for the Port of Los Angeles Centennial Oral History Project. Wilson was born in 1952 in Long Beach, California, and grew up near the water, learning to sail at a young age and later becoming involved in the boating industry with his brother. The interview covers Wilson’s journey from purchasing a 38-foot sailboat after graduating from law school to establishing a charter boat business in San Pedro in 1982.

Biographical Sketch

Mr. Stephen Gill was born in Lake Placid, New York in 1948.  He earned his BS and MS in Oceanography from New York University School of Engineering and Science.  Gill came to work for NOAA in 1975 as an Oceanographer for the National Ocean Service.  From 1997 to his retirement in 2016, Mr. Gill served as Chief Scientist for NOAA/NOS Center for Operational Oceanographic Products and Services.  

Scope and Content Note

Mr. Robert Hansen was born in on Earth Day, April 22, 1949, in Bayshore, New York.  He was the first in his family to attend college, and earned his Bachelor’s and then a Master's Degree in Geography from the University at Albany.  Mr. Hansen came to work for NOAA as a cartographer in Aeronautical Charting.  He then worked as a technical information specialist for the National Ocean Service, chief of the NOAA Map Library, constituent affairs specialist, NOAA Historian, and retired as the national outreach coordinator for Education.   

Ronald Rogers was interviewed for the Port of Los Angeles Centennial Oral History Project. Born in 1941 in Upland, California, Rogers provides an account of his life, beginning with his early years in Harbor City and his family's connection to the tuna fishing industry. The interview explores Rogers’ career trajectory, starting from his high school days when he worked as a deckhand for Catalina Island Boat Service. He shares vivid memories of the summer jobs, including the chaotic scenes during the Buccaneer Ball in Avalon.

Oral history interview with Haruye Sakamoto.

Oral history interview with Anthony Nizetich.

Jim Trani was interviewed for the Port of Los Angeles Centennial Oral History Project. Jim Trani, born in 1924 in Keystone, California (now known as Carson), grew up in a family with deep ties to San Pedro, where his father owned a restaurant and billiard hall called The Majestic. The restaurant, located on West 7th Street, played a significant role in the local longshoreman community, especially during the turbulent labor strikes of the 1930s and 1940s.

Gretchen Tostrup was interviewed for the Port of Los Angeles Centennial Oral History Project. Tostrup, born in San Pedro in 1955, comes from a family deeply connected to the maritime and longshore industries in the area. Her maternal grandfather was a ship chandler, and her paternal grandfather was a founding member of Local 13, a longshore union. Tostrup herself worked in her grandfather’s chandlery and later became one of the first women to work on the waterfront as a longshore casual.

John Ogren was born in 1966 in Blue Island, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. He was fascinated by the weather from an early age. He grew up listening to his grandfather's stories about the deadly 1967 oak lawn tornado outbreak. In high school, John became really interested in earth science and was "hooked" after a six-week weather unit in science class. Mr. Ogren attended Western Illinois University, where he graduated in 1988 with a degree in geography and a minor in broadcasting and communications.

Dr. Ed Rappaport was born in 1957 in Southern California. He earned his undergraduate and master’s degrees in Atmospheric Sciences from the University of Washington.  Ed then received his Ph.D. with an emphasis in Atmospheric Science from Texas Tech University.  Dr. Rappaport began at NHC as a post-doctoral fellow for the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research.

Oral history interview with Bill Stein.

This is an oral history interview with Captain Paul Nelson, who talks about the history of fishing on the East Coast of Florida.

Mike Primising along with Dan Folz, retired DNR fish manager in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, tell stories of the early days of sturgeon scouting and tagging along the Wolf River. The men mention spawning sites and the advent of a technique known as riprapping, which greatly benefited the sturgeon population. Interviewed by Bob Marin, the two men also discuss other people who have worked at the DNR.

Dr. Jeanette Davis is a Marine Microbiologist who currently serves at NOAA Fisheries in the Office of Policy  where she conducts research and provides support on programs and policies regarding resources in the ocean. Dr. Davis was first exposed to the marine environment as a student at Hampton University during an internship where she lived on a 53-foot sailboat for a month, exploring the Chesapeake Bay. She earned a B.S. in Marine and Environmental Science from Hampton University and a PhD. in Marine Microbiology from the University of Maryland, College Park.

Mrs. Linda Lawhorn-Brown was born in Winnsboro, South Carolina in 1958.  She moved to Washington, D.C. while she was in high school, and after graduation, attended the University of Maryland- College Park, where she majored in special education.  In 1987, Linda came to work for NOAA.  Her first position was with Bill Stanley, who served eventually as NOAA's historian.  Since 1990, Linda has worked in the Office of the Under Secretary, working closely with various administrators, dignitaries, and NOAA staff.  

Scope and Content Note

Mr. Steven Wilson was born at Clark Air Force Base in the Philippines in 1959.  He studied Food Science and Technology at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.  Wilson worked as a USDA poultry and then NOAA fishery products inspector.  In 1988, he became Deputy Branch Chief for the National Marine Fisheries Service.  He also worked as Deputy Director of Field Operations, Chief Quality Officer, and Assistant Director of Quality and Technology.

Oral  history interview with Tom Warren.

Laura Warren was interviewed for the Port of Los Angeles Centennial Oral History Project. Warren, born on March 22, 1951, in Long Beach, California, grew up in Wilmington, where her family had deep historical ties to the port and the local community. Her paternal great-grandparents moved from Louisiana to Wilmington in 1905, while her maternal family established a printing business in the area.

Ron Reddick was interviewed for the Port of Los Angeles Centennial Oral History Project. Born in 1944 in Long Beach, California, Reddick grew up near the Port of Los Angeles, where his early exposure to the port influenced his eventual career as an engineer. After initially working for the City of Los Angeles in the Department of Public Works, Reddick became intrigued by the variety of engineering tasks required at the port and chose to transfer to the Port of Los Angeles, where he spent his career.

Oral history interview with Angie Papadakis.

Oral history interview with Adam Birkenbach.

Dr. James McFadden was born in Winchester, Virginia, in 1934.  He graduated from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and graduated with a degree in geology.  In 1960, James was offered a research assistantship at the University of Wisconsin-Madison's meteorology program.  He spent five years in Madison and earned his PhD in meteorology.  In 1965, McFadden came to work for the Environmental Science Services Administration's Sea-Air Laboratory, part of the Office of Meteorological Research in Washington, D.C. as a research scientist.

Oral history interview with Tony Salcido.

John Royal was interviewed for the Port of Los Angeles Centennial Oral History Project. Born on June 24, 1922, in Wolf Creek, Colorado, Royal moved to San Pedro, California, with his family in 1928, where his father found work on the waterfront during a time of economic hardship. The interview covers Royal’s early life, highlighting his experiences growing up in San Pedro during the Great Depression.

Carlos Rico was interviewed for the Port of Los Angeles Centennial Oral History Project. Born in 1927 in Wilmington, California, Rico provides a detailed account of his upbringing, education, and the early life of his parents, who migrated separately from New Mexico to California. Rico’s father worked as a welder in the shipbuilding industry, while his mother, a tenth-grade graduate, primarily took care of the home.

Oral history interview with Min Tonai.

Oral history interview with Al Green.

Nancy Utovac was interviewed for the Port of Los Angeles Centennial Oral History Project. Born in Harbor City, California, in 1958, Utovac grew up in the San Pedro area during the 1950s and 1960s. She recounts early memories of days spent at Cabrillo Beach and the tightly-knit, less populated community, where many residents were related or worked in harbor-related industries such as fishing and longshoring. The interview covers Utovac’s family background, particularly focusing on her father, a hardworking longshoreman.

Yukio Tatsumi was interviewed for the Port of Los Angeles Centennial Oral History Project. Yukio Tatsumi, born on August 23, 1920, on Terminal Island, California, recalls his early life in a close-knit Japanese-American community. His parents were immigrants from Japan, with his father arriving in the United States in the late 1800s and initially working as an abalone diver at White Point. Tatsumi describes Terminal Island as a self-contained community of around 3,000 Japanese and Japanese-Americans, with families working in fish canneries.

Albert Alcala describes growing up in San Pedro from his birth in 1949 to the 1960s when the city was primarily a small immigrant community, and through the time the Port of Los Angeles was built and displaced many families. He describes his father as one of the original thriving businessmen who immigrated from Granada, Spain, and his connections to other town folklore and notable people.

Oral history interview with George Pasha.

Seymour Waterman was interviewed for the Port of Los Angeles Centennial Oral History Project. Waterman, born in 1922 in Kansas City, Missouri, moved to Los Angeles during the Great Depression when his father sought employment in San Pedro. Waterman describes his early childhood experiences in San Pedro, recalling how his father initially worked in a local scrap yard and later peddled fruits and vegetables to make a living. As a child, Waterman worked various jobs, including dishwashing and assisting his father with his peddling business.

Oral history interview with John Papadakis.

Oral history interview with Jim Pitman.  

Oral history interview with Violet Parkhurst. 

Oral history interview with Pearson Jackson.  

Oral history interview with Anthony Misetich.

Captain Don Taub was interviewed for the Port of Los Angeles Centennial Oral History Project. Captain Taub, a retired U.S. Coast Guard officer, provides insight into his career, including his role as Captain of the Port of Los Angeles, a position he held from 1976 until his retirement in 1982. Born in Lorain, Ohio, in 1932, Taub grew up in a steel mill and shipbuilding town, experiences that shaped his career in maritime and port operations.

Captain Maureen Kenny was born in 1953 in Richmond, California. She graduated from Michigan State University in 1975 with a degree in Mathematics, and immediately joined the NOAA Corps when she was twenty-two. After training at Kings Point Maritime Academy, Captain Kenny reported to the NOAA Ship Davidson in Anchorage, Alaska. Her assignments took her all over the country throughout her career. She also attended Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, and earned her master's in Oceanography/Hydrography.

Interviewed by Dick Koerner, Donald Petersen, Sr. (also known as Old Timer or O.T.) discusses his experiences with sturgeon spearing. He talks about changes in the sport, his spearing history, and preferences for recipes, spearing locations, and spears.

Ronald M. Bruch interviews Gordon Priegel, former DNR fish manager in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Priegel, who worked in Oshkosh from 1959 to 1970, was instrumental in many of the conservation practices and development of available knowledge on Lake Winnebago’s sturgeon population, both of which are still of great importance today. Priegel discusses research he conducted and memories from his working life.

Leroy Remme, while only sturgeon spearing for around six years, caught one of the largest fish ever recorded on Lake Winnebago in 1990. In his interview with Dominic Carmona, he talks about seeing the fish, spearing it, and the trouble it took to get the fish out of the water, out of the shanty, and into his truck. He talks about feeling bad for killing a fish that was suspected of being 100 years old. Leroy also relates some changes in the sport. Finally, Leroy ends with how quickly word spreads on the lake, and how some people like to keep trade secrets.

Mike Remme describes his personal fishing history in and around Green Bay in an interview conducted by Dominic Carmona. Mike began fishing at around age 13 and tells of his biggest catch. Also tells of his father, Leroy Remme, catching the largest sturgeon one season, the death of a friend on the ice, and of the accidental destruction of a friend's shanty by fire

Todd Schaller, Convservation Warden Supervisor in Oshkosh, is interviewed by Kathleen Schmitt Kline regarding his involvement with the Sturgeon Guard program and public attitudes toward sturgeon due to Sturgeon for Tomorrow.

George Schmidt is a woodcarver from Appleton who over the years has carved around 40 sturgeon decoys. In his interview with Dick Ristow, he begins with how he got started carving decoys, and then talks about how the pattern of his decoys evolved. This is followed by a brief explanation of the process and the materials used in making decoys. He continues very briefly with his limited sturgeon spearing experience. George also teaches a few classes a year on carving.

Richard Braasch interviews Vic Schneider about exceptional sturgeon spearing stories and changes in the sport over time.

Pete Schuh is interviewed by Dick Koerner about his experiences spear fishing, changes in regulations over time, and superstitions.

Bill Casper interviews Al Schumacher of the Stockbridge area on sturgeon fishing and related experiences in Schumacher’s life. At the time of the interview, Schumacher was 88 or 89 years old, and had lived in the same farmhouse since about the age of ten.  Stories surround the use of horses for moving fishing equipment, surviving the Depression, Schumacher’s family history, local decoy makers, and local landmarks such as the Fishtail Inn and the Calumet County Park.

Dick Ristow interviews Art Sonnenberg on experiences as a sturgeon fisher and decoy maker. Born in 1916, Sonnenberg tells of using horse and sleigh for fishing. He tells poaching stories, talks of his involvement with Sturgeon for Tomorrow, and of his craft as a decoy maker.

Ron Vanderzanden is interviewed by Dick Koerner about increased regulations and fines in modern day spearing, including the half day season, and the impact it has on poaching. Ron also tells tales of his past experiences sturgeon spearing.

Clem Van Gompel describes growing up in Lake Winnebago area, working for Kimberly-Clark during World War II, and experiences fishing sturgeon. He made his own decoys with resources from his work. Clem discusses methods of attracting sturgeon and illuminating the lake bottom to see fish better, as well as benefits of Sturgeon for Tomorrow in maintaining sturgeon population and increasing it in other lakes and rivers.

Cynthia Wendt is interviewed by Dick Ristow about her personal involvement in sturgeon spearing on Lake Winnebago. She tells about the challenges and enjoyment of sturgeon spearing, sharing her most memorable experiences. She talks about the people she has come to know through spearing and those that she met during the years that she owned Wendt’s On the Lake.

On October 12, 2006, Dominic Carmona interviewed Howard Wruck for the People of the Sturgeon: Wisconsin's Love Affair with an Ancient Fish project. Wruck was born in the town of Friendship and grew up in a family of four children. He began sturgeon spearfishing in the late 1940s, inspired by his brother, who had been introduced to the activity by friends on the east side of Lake Winnebago. Wruck discusses his extensive experience in sturgeon spearfishing, which he has participated in annually since the late 1940s.

Ann Marie Wendt Ziemer talks about her experiences with sturgeon spearing on Lake Winnebago.  She recalls experiences from her childhood and explains why she wants her children to have similar experiences.  She works at Wendt's on the Lake, and talks about some of the changes that she has seen over the years.  

Mike Will was born in 1951 and started sturgeon fishing at the age of 14. He used primarily set lines to catch sturgeon although he has participated in approximately 9 spearing seasons. He enjoys caviar, but does not make it himself. Mike believes that the sturgeon are getting bigger, and he likes the system they have in place now. Most people from his area sell the sturgeon, rather than eat it themselves.

Mike Wendt is interviewed by Dick Ristow about Wendt's on the Lake, his family history in the Lake Winnebago area, shanties and decoys. He reminisces about being allowed to fish for other species of fish during sturgeon spearing season in the past as well. Mike discusses spearing in Michigan one season.

Shawn Wendt was born and raised at Wendt’s on the Lake. His grandfather, also a sturgeon spearer, started the restaurant. They also run a shanty rental business that his grandfather started.  Shawn is active in the sturgeon spearing community and has been treasurer of the Southwest Chapter of Sturgeon for Tomorrow for about 13 years. He recounts stories of his first catch at age 15 and a comical story about some shanty renters.

Linda Wendt, the owner of Wendt’s On the Lake, talks about her experiences with sturgeon spearing and the impacts of sturgeon spearing on her business. She tells one of her favorite stories and talks about being awarded Wisconsin’s restaurateur of the year. 

Mr. Nickerson was born in Eastham in 1896.  His father was a selectman of Eastham and he has 10-11 generations of Cape relatives.  His grandmother was a Mayflower descendent.  He recalls working in cranberry bogs as a teenager and describes the use of cedar swamps to create and develop cranberries.  He describes the development and care of a cranberry bog.  He remembers riding on school barges (horse drawn wagons) to get to elementary school.  There would be straw on the wagon floor to keep your feet warm in the winter.  Mr.

Part 1: Born in 1907, Mrs. Kelley talks about her ancestors first on her father’s side and then on her mother’s side.

Born in 1898, Mrs.

John G. Lewis interview with Tales of Cape Cod, June 06, 1978 in Osterville, MA.  Born on July 29, 1907 in Osterville, Mr. Lewis recalls that his father was a laborer and his mother was a paper hanger and house cleaner.  His father cut ice on Joshua Pond in the winter and also worked for Mr. Crosby who had oyster plots in the village.  Mr.

Born in 1905, Mary recalls how she and her family traveled from Baltimore, Maryland to summer on Cape Cod each year.   She describes her experiences as a child living in Barnstable Village during the summers, rowing to Sandy Neck to buy lobsters, walking down Millway to Main Street and visiting the stationary store, garage and blacksmith shop, Phinney’s General Store and the hardware store.  She also describes the Cummaquid Golf Course, and the houses on Scudder Lane, where her family lived.  Mary tells a story her father told her about Leander Lewis who lived on Scudder

Mary Carreiro interview with Tales of Cape Cod, May 15, 1978 in Provincetown, MA.  Born in 1903, Mary recalls how her father came to Provincetown as a stowaway on a fishing vessel from the Azore Islands and working off the cost of passage after he was brought to the customs office.She describes Provincetown before World War I.  Tells of trains and boats coming to Provincetown in the summer and the large boat the Dorothy Bradford carried 1200-1300 people.  She tells of her first jobs at 13 where she was paid $1.50 per week washing silverware and glasses at the Atlant

Born in 1903, Ms. Chadwick describes her experiences growing up on Main Street in the village of Osterville. She describes the stores on Main Street in 1912; her school experiences at grammar school, Hyannis high school and two years at the State Normal School. She relates her experiences at holidays and describes Dr. Higgins, who had the first automobile in town.

Born in 1896, Mr.

Malcolm “Max” Crosby age 85 (born 1893) and Horace M. Crosby Jr.

Born in 1894 at 382 Main Street, Yarmouth Port, Mrs.

Born in 1898, Mrs.

Tales of Cape Cod Interview with prominent Civil Rights activist Eugenia Fortes (1911-2006),  who founded  the Cape Cod chapter of the NAACP in 1961. Mrs. Fortes describes the Cape Verdean community on Cape Cod, school segregation, and her participation in the Civil Rights Movement.

Born in 1898, in West Barnstable, Mr.

Mr. Grozier was born in North Truro in 1904.  His paternal grandfather John Paine Grozier was born in Truro. His grandfather’s occupation was a teamer, one who collected cargo from shipwrecks on the beaches and then reloaded it on ships.  His father John Franklin Grozier was a road man who worked for the town of Truro for 32 years.  Mr.

Born in 1899, Mrs.

Born in 1904, Dr.

Born in 1889, Mr. Hopkins describes his experiences growing up in Truro, Massachusetts.  He was the 6th of 8 children and was delivered by a midwife.  At 88 he attributes his longevity to good genes and cod liver oil.

Leilani Luhrs is a commercial and subsistence fisherwomen who fishes out of Togiak, AK. In this interview, Leilani talks about learning how to fish from her Dad and her experiences as being one of the few young girls fishing in Togiak Bay when she was growing up. Leilani also talks about environmental changes she?s witnessed, and how her family has adapted to the uncertainty of fishing. Leilani also speaks to her own identity as fishing as a way of life and her deep connection to the ocean.

February 14, 1978 interview with Elizabeth Woodman, who describes her experiences in the Lighthouse Service. One track towards the end of the tape is distorted, but it is still audible.

Notes: The Tales of Cape Cod Oral History Collection is housed at the William Brewster Nickerson Archives in the Wilkens Library at Cape Cod Community College in West Barnstable, Massachusetts. For more information about the collection, please contact the Nickerson Archives, http://www.nickersonarchives.org/.

Interview with: Carl S. Bullock, Meteorologist with the Forecast Systems Laboratory AWIPS Development
Interview conducted June 2010
Run time: 1:04:36
Topics:  PROFS, AWIPS Requirements, the people behind AWIPS and the modernization

Interview with Dennis S. Walts, former NWS Meteorologist assigned to the Forecast Systems Laboratory AWIPS Development Team
Interview conducted June 2010
Run time: 40:35
Topics: PROFS, AWIPS, Role of Research