Oral history interview with Haruye Sakamoto.

Oral history interview with Lewis Loveridge. 

Oral history interview with Anthony Nizetich.

Oral history interview with Jim Trani, Sr.

Oral history interview with Gretchen Tostrup. 

Oral history interview with Joe Gatlin.

In this interview, Sue Turner Maddox talks about family history, not in the fishing industry.  Her husband had a drive-in in Mulberry.  They divorced and she moved to Cortez in 1965.  Maddox had visited with cousins here before.  She worked at Moore Stone crab and Bell fish Company in order to support her kids.  She got involved in fighting drug problems in Cortez and Bradenton in the 70's with some harrowing results.  She still working at Bell's Fish Company.

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 father and son, Raymond Stargill Pringle, Jr. and Sr.

Oral history interview with Bill Stein.

Calvin Edison Bell was born on November 14, 1929. He is the son of Aaron Park Bell, a commercial fisherman from North Carolina, and Jessie Blanche Fulford. Calvin grew up in a family of seven children, with five brothers and one sister. He lived in the same house in Cortez, Florida, for his entire life. Calvin followed in his father's footsteps and became a commercial fisherman, participating in various types of fishing including mackerel fishing, mullet fishing, and seine fishing.

In an interview conducted by Ronald M. Bruch and Kathleen Schmitt Kline, Dan Groeschel explains his family history and how he got started spearing. He describes the first time he speared a sturgeon, and how he accidentally pushed his brother into a hole. He also talks about how Sturgeon for Tomorrow got started, and where he sees the club going in the future. 

Irene Halfmann and her husband Greg Halfmann of Malone, Wisconsin discuss their experiences sturgeon fishing. Bill Casper interviews them about Irene’s big catches of 1952 and 1979, methods of cooking sturgeon, how to prevent shanties from blowing around the lake, and the painting of their manual ice saw as art for their 50th wedding anniversary.

Eugene Herubin interviews Reuben Hoelzel about his history with sturgeon spearing. Having been born in 1916, Hoelzel remembers when sturgeon spearing was an economic necessity and meals with sturgeon were like feasts. He discusses passing on the tradition to his children, how to clean and cook sturgeon, and decoy painting.

This interview with Walter Bell, the son of A P Bell, covers his family and growing up in Cortez.  Some info about the Manatee River Fish Co. a precurser to A P Bell Fish Company and relations with other fishermen.

Dick Koerner interviews Wayne Hoelzel about his experiences sturgeon spearing. He tells tales of winter storms during spearing season and his favorite memories spearing.

Bob and Darlene Homan are interviewed by Dick Koerner about Darlene's record sturgeon and other spearing stories.

Richard Braasch interviews Clarence Hopp about near misses while sturgeon spearing, tactics for attracting sturgeon with decoys, and cooking sturgeon when he is lucky enough to spear one.

Willard Jenkins is interviewed by Bill Casper about his experiences fishing sturgeon. They discuss Willard'ss first time fishing in the late 1940s, some of the more memorable people he's known, and methods of rescuing people from mishaps on the ice.

Carl Jersild, interviewed by Dick Koerner, tells of his first and only sturgeon he speared in 19 years. He also praises the DNR for the work in managing the sturgeon population. In addition, Carl also relates a story about being on shifting ice, and another about a friend who videotaped his day sturgeon fishing only to find out, while watching the videotape, that he missed a golden opportunity. 

 Dick Koerner interviews John Jurgenson about changes in ice fishing equipment changes since the old days of spearing and the group of people he typically spear with.

John Jurgenson discusses creation of sturgeon spears. Interviewer identity for August 2, 2007 interview is unknown.

Bill McAloon interviews Harry Kachur about his experiences as a sturgeon fisher. Kachur considers himself largely unlucky, and most stories are mishaps he has had on the ice. He also mentions that he and his son Mike make decoys and tells a story about a poacher. Harry discusses his favorite cooking method of sturgeon and importance of the Sturgeon Advisory Committee.

Ronald M. Bruch interviews Dick Koerner, avid sturgeon spearer since 1955. Dick relates numerous stories of memorable fishing incidents, as well as discussing his construction of his shanties and creation of spears and decoys.

This interview with Marvin Carver covers family, fishing, fish camps and net spreads. He also had a bridge tender's job in Cortez.

Dick Koerner interviews Elmer Kuchenbecker about his sturgeon spearing stories, including the largest fish he ever speared.

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

Vern Gebhart and his wife, Karla, talk about their history with sturgeon spearing. He tells stories about close calls on thin ice, the amount of sturgeon fishermen increasing, and the changes in the equipment used. Vern also discusses decoy carving with the interviewers, Ronald M. Bruch and Kathleen Schmitt Kline.

Dan Gerhardt, interviewed by Dick Koerner, talks about some of his experiences with sturgeon spearing on Lake Winnebago.  He recalls learning to spear and important moments from the last fifty years.  He discusses how things have changed, what he enjoys about the sport, and recipes.

Bill Goeser is interviewed about his experiences sturgeon spearing over the years. He tells of his family learning to spear, early decoys and coaxer styles, and cooking sturgeon. Interviewer identity unknown.

Ed Gorchals is interviewed by Dick Koerner about his experiences sturgeon fishing on Lake Winnebago, Wisconsin and the surrounding area. He discusses rule and sport changes, set line and hook and line fishing in the past, and recipes for sturgeon and their caviar.

Dave Grignon, Tribal Historic Preservation Officer for the Menominee Tribe, is interviewed by Kathleen Kline Schmitt about tribal history with sturgeon. From creation stories to modern day, Dave explains the cultural significance of sturgeon to the Menominee people through time, as well as the care given to cooking sturgeon in ritually appropriate ways.

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.

Oral history interview with Brian Harrison.

Oral history interview with John Maramoto. 

Oral history interview with Laura Warren.

Oral history interview with Dennis McCarbery.   

This interview discusses mostly family history.  She did a lot of Cortez history work.  Green wrote a book, Fog's Comin In, a history of Cortez with many pictures.

Oral history interview with Vito Giacalone. 

Oral history interview with Mary Giacalone.

Oral history interview with Rod Reddick. 

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.

In this interview, Raymond Guthrie discusses his family history and fishing experiences.  He did seine fishing and stop netting. Guthrie talks about animosity from other fishermen.  He fished and did mowing work, and some boat building.
 

Oral history interview with Charles Hamasaki.

Oral history interview with John Royal.

Oral history interview with Carlos Rico.

Oral history interview with Min Tonai.

Oral history interview with Al Green.

Oral history interview with Frank Herrara.

Oral history interview with Nancy Utovac.

Oral history interview with Yukio Tatsumi.

Oral history interview with George Love, Jr.

Oral history interview with Joe Itson.  

Vernon Mora discusses family history, fishing in Sarasota Bay.  He fished for A.P. Bell and Fulfords, worked on a dredge for a while, had a shrimp boat for a while.

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 Lee Mardesich.

Oral history interview with George Pasha.

Oral history interview with Seymour Waterman. 

Oral history interview with Lanny Nelms.

Oral history interview with John Papadakis.

Raymond Pringle, Jr. discusses family life, fishing with various others, seine and gill netting.  He expresses bitterness about all the regulations imposed on commercial fishing.

Oral history interview with Stancil Jones. 

Oral history interview with Jim Pitman.  

Oral history interview with Violet Parkhurst. 

Oral history interview with Pearson Jackson.  

Oral history interview with Melody Hall. 

Alcee Taylor is a native of Cortez, Florida, a historic fishing village known for its rich maritime heritage. Born into a family of boat builders, Taylor's father was known for building skiffs, a versatile type of boat that was adapted to the shallow waters of Florida's bays and estuaries. Taylor himself has a deep connection with the fishing industry, having bought fish in North Carolina and worked with the Florida Shrimp Exchange. He also served in the military, after which he engaged in fishing activities in North Carolina.

Oral history interview with Emilei Noceti. 

Oral history interview with George Griffith.

Oral history interview with Anthony Misetich.

Oral history interview with John Guest. 

Oral history interview with William Gravett,

Oral history interview with Julian Jimenez. 

Oral history interview with Mike Godward. 

Oral history interview with Don Taub.

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.

David Kuhn is interviewed about sturgeon spearing, decoy making, and spear construction. Interviewer identity unknown.

Bill McAloon discusses his experiences as a leading member of Sturgeon for Tomorrow and as a sturgeon spearer in an interview conducted by Dick Ristow. He talks about the early days on the Wolf River, helping to train wardens for DNR, illegal fishing practices and negative impact on the lakes, successful decoys, and sharing of fishing tradition with son and grandson.

Bill McAloon is interviewed on January 30, 2007 by Eugene Herubin about his experiences sturgeon fishing. McAloon primarily fishes on Wolf River, but also on Lake Winnebago. McAloon discussed his experiences as a youth when it was common for people to fish sturgeon out of the river, as well as the shift in legality of these methods as well as local mindset regarding such practices. Tape recording ends abruptly and early in interview.

Jerry Neumueller talks about his experiences with sturgeon spearing and shares some of his knowledge about the sport.  He explains how to find a spot, cutting holes, moving shanties, using decoys, and throwing the spear straight.  He also talks about how things have changed over the years.

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.

Kathleen Schmitt Kline interviews Don Reiter, the Tribal Fish and Wildlife Manager for the Menominee Tribe of Wisconsin. Don discusses his history with sturgeon and the Menominee Tribe, particularly in relation to restricted Menominee access to sturgeon spearing in the past. 

This interview has two tracks, one an interview with Julian Culbreath and the other some music played on his fiddle with Leo Gale on guitar.  The interview discusses Culbreath's family history and fishing. Culbreath's family was musical.  A lot is about his musical career and the formation of The Cortez Grand Old Opry. The music tape has "The Cortez Rag" and "The Orange Blossom Special."

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.

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.

Mary Lou Schneider is interviewed by Pat Braasch about how sturgeon spearing has impacted her life. Mary Lou discusses the process for creating decoys, from acquisition of materials to finishing touches. She also discusses large fish she has seen over the years, her own spearing track record, and the people she spends the most time with during spearing season.

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.