Mr. Mendonsa's transcript contains 4 interviews from 1/30/1987, 1/4/1987, 2/10/1987, and 2/11/1987. George Mendonsa was born in Newport, R.I. in 1923. His father came to Newport from Madeira, Portugal in 1910 and supported his family by working as a trap fisherman. He passed on his knowledge and pride in his work to his son, George, who has worked in the floating fish trap industry in Rhode Island waters for his entire life. George Mendonsa's manuscript is an important document of the floating fish trap industry in Newport, R.I. from the 1940's to the present.

David Humphrey interview 3-27-1986

James Violet worked as an inshore lobsterman in Newport for much of his working like. Of Greek lineage, he learned his trade from Greek lobstermen who came to Newport from Skiathos, Greece. Mr. Violet reminisces about those Greeks who were an important and colorful part of Newport's waterfront. In addition, Mr. Violet describes the Newport fishing industry during the 1930's, the 1938 Hurricane, overfishing, the 200 mile limit, and the impact of tourism and development on the fishing industry in Newport. On page 6 his transcript (page 12 of the pdf), he references making a list of names.

"My grandfather was a fisherman. His father was a whaler." Stephen Fougere learned to become a fisherman from his father, a day dragger in Newport, R.I. Mr. Fougere left school at age sixteen to go fishing and became a captain of a fishing boat by age eighteen. He provides detailed information about the fishing industry in Newport R.I. from the 1930's to the present -- the various fisheries which have comprised the industry, the people involved in it, boats and equipment used, grounds fished, and changes that have taken place which continue to affect the industry in important ways. Mr.

Masako Sugawa, eldest of three children, was born in 1911, in Halehaka, Kaua'i. Her father, Yoichiro Hanzawa, immigrant from Miyagi-ken, Japan, was a rice farmer in Halehaka; her mother, Kesa, also from Miyagi-ken, died at age thirty-three in 1919. Masako helped her father care for her sister and brother.

"My grandfather was a fisherman. His father was a whaler." Stephen Fougere learned to become a fisherman from his father, a day dragger in Newport, R.I. Mr. Fougere left school at age sixteen to go fishing and became a captain of a fishing boat by age eighteen. He provides detailed information about the fishing industry in Newport R.I. from the 1930's to the present -- the various fisheries which have comprised the industry, the people involved in it, boats and equipment used, grounds fished, and changes that have taken place which continue to affect the industry in important ways. Mr.

''Iki" Moir is the only child of Hector Moir and Alexandria Knudson Moir. Hector Moir was the manager of Koloa Sugar Company from 1933 to 1948; he stepped down when Koloa Sugar Company merged with Grove Farm. Alexandria Knudson Moir is a descendent of the Sinclair, Gay and Robinson families who owned Ni'ihau and parts of Kaua'i.

Paul Bennett is the husband of Hedy Bennett, who was also interviewed as part of this oral history of the fishing industry in Newport, R.I. Mr. Bennett has worked in the offshore lobster industry in Newport since the early 1970's and owns his own boat, Hedy-Brenna. He provides a detailed account of his work in the offshore lobster industry, comparing the industry of the 1970's with that of the 1980's. Mr.

Manly Gray was born in Gloucester, Massachusetts in 1922. "Too big to go to school" in the eighth grade, he obtained work sorting fish in a Gloucester fish house. Mr. Gray worked in the fishing industry from that time until his death in the summer of 1987. He recollects the way of life of a Gloucester fishing family during the Depression and describes the various fisheries which comprised the Gloucester fishing industry at that time. He includes fascinating stories about dory fishermen who worked the Grand Banks and the depletion of certain Grand Banks fish species.

Lenny and Danny Koch hail from a family deeply rooted in the fishing industry. Their relatives were fishermen, and their father transitioned to working for an oil company, running yachts along the coast. Growing up in Baldwin, New York, Lenny and Danny were surrounded by their grandparents and great-grandparents, who also had ties to the fishing tradition. Their grandfather operated charter and party boats, establishing a family legacy spanning over six decades. Lenny and Danny's maternal grandparents originated from Ukraine, although they did not have a background in net making.

Carmine Marinaccio was born on May 7, 1987, in the Bronx. His parents hailed from Basilaca and Okadi, near Mount Vesuvius, and arrived in the Bronx when his father was 11 years old. Carmine's grandfather worked as a laborer, crafting furniture and harboring resentment toward tax collectors, which eventually led him to leave. Growing up near the water, Carmine developed a fondness for the beach and found ways to earn money, such as catching bait and reselling boats.

Edene Vidinha was the youngest of three children and only girl born to Maurice Smith and Emma Wohlers Smith in 1905. After Maurice Smith died, Edene was raised by her mother and stepfather, John Naleimaile, Koloa Plantation policeman, who later became a Kaua'i county policeman in Koloa.  Edene and her family lived in a home adjoining the courthouse in Koloa, where her stepfather worked. She first attended Koloa School, then transferred to Kawaiahao Seminary in Honolulu.

Tony Sougstad is a seasoned fisherman and the captain of the boat E.T. He is also the owner, chief cook, and bottle washer of the boat. His fishing activities are strictly ocean-based and vary by the seasons. He mainly fishes for whiting and fluke. Sougstad is also skilled in making nets and other necessary fishing gear. He is a dedicated worker, emphasizing the importance of perseverance even during tough times. Sougstad is also involved in the marketing side of his business, selling his catch to various markets, including the New York Fulton Fish Market.

Don Kearsley is a seasoned fisherman hailing from Linwood, New Jersey. Growing up near Scull's Bay, Don developed a love for fishing from an early age. He learned the art of fishing from Harry Toma, a professional fisherman and the father of a friend. Although there were no fishermen in Don's family, he was drawn to the fishing profession due to his proximity to the area and the influence of local fishermen, who were descendants of early settlers dating back to the 18th century.

Kevin Tuttle has worked extensively on offshore draggers since his graduation from the University of Rhode Island's Fisheries School. His manuscript is filled with information about the work of fishing, life at sea, boats and equipment, safety, offshore fishing grounds, species sought by draggers, marketing, and fishing as a dangerous occupation. Mr. Tuttle has thoughtful insights concerning depletion and conservation and speaks at length about the relationship between fishermen, biologists, and government officials and how they affect the fishing industry.

Wayne Grothe is an experienced shellfisherman with over 24 years of work in the field. Wayne has primarily worked on the south shore, specifically in areas like Shinnecock Bay. He is resident of Southampton and was an active commercial fisherman until around 2001 when he transitioned to working for the Nature Conservancy of Long Island. With his experience and expertise, Wayne became a keen observer of the ecological changes occurring in the Peconics and the South Shore regions.

Mr. Combs comes from a long line of baymen. He speaks about being a captain, shipbuilding, and other experiences in the fishing industry.

George Streit, born on May 19, 1987, is a lifelong enthusiast of fishing, whose love for the sport has shaped his life and experiences. Originally from Queens, George moved to Freeport in 1940, where he discovered his passion for fishing at an early age. He acquired his first sport fishing boat, Tiger, and ventured into the world of big game fishing, which became a significant part of his life. Growing up with a father who was a cabinet maker, George learned the ropes of fishing while working on the shore.

Raymond Palombo was one of the first lobstermen to realize lobster pots could be utilized successfully offshore on the continental shelf lobster grounds. Because of Newport's close proximity to those grounds, its offshore lobster industry grew quickly during the 1970's. Mr. Palombo was part of that lucrative growing industry. Raymond Palombo was involved in the fishing industry during all of his working life. He had extensive experience working in inshore and offshore fisheries outside of Boston.

Cory Weyant is a full time commercial fisher from Freeport, New York. He traps eels, killies, crabs and other finfish using traps he has built himself. He also works on trawler fishing boats. Cory grew up in Freeport and learned his skills through the community. His father was also born in Oceanside and worked in the boating industry, running transport boats and working at bait stations. Cory started fishing and swimming at a very young age

 In 1945, Anthony Bucolo's father, a fish peddler, became part owner of Talman and Mack Fish and Trap Company in Newport, R.I. Anthony Bucolo's association with Newport's fishing industry began at that time. In 1956, Mr. Bucolo started his own business, Anthony's Seafood; in 1986, his business was sold. His operation played an extremely important role in Newport's fishing industry. Mr. Bucolo's business progressed from the handling of lobsters, to lobsters, fish, retail and wholesale, to the addition of a seafood restaurant. Mr.

Danny Koch is a lifelong bayman who has been working the bay area for his entire life, just like his father, uncle, and grandfathers before him. Danny primarily focuses on catching killey, a type of bait, using traps that he sets in creeks where clam shells are found. Having learned the trade from his family, Danny's roots in the bay area go back to the early 1900s.

Frank Cona, a fifth-generation fisherman from Macata, a small town in southern Sicily, Italy, was born on June 7, 1987.  Cona grew up in a fishing family.  At six, Frank began assisting his father and older brother on their family’s dragger boats, primarily cleaning fish and eventually becoming a captain.  In his hometown of Macata, shellfishing was not practiced; instead, Frank's fishing endeavors revolved around haul seining for sardines and anchovies.

In 1945, Anthony Bucolo's father, a fish peddler, became part owner of Talman and Mack Fish and Trap Company in Newport, R.I. Anthony Bucolo's association with Newport's fishing industry began at that time. In 1956, Mr. Bucolo started his own business, Anthony's Seafood; in 1986, his business was sold. His operation played an extremely important role in Newport's fishing industry. Mr. Bucolo's business progressed from the handling of lobsters, to lobsters, fish, retail and wholesale, to the addition of a seafood restaurant. Mr.

The youngest of eight children who survived childbirth, Vivian Leilani Vidinha Souza was born January 14, 1918 in Koloa. Her father, Antone Vidinha, Sr., was Portuguese born in Mana, Kauai and eventually became the sheriff of Koloa. Her mother, Alohakeau Hale Vidinha, was Hawaiian born on Niihau. Vivian's brother, Antone Vidinha, was a former mayor of Kauai. Vivian, a lifelong resident of Koloa and Poipu, completed the eighth grade at Koloa School.

Oral History Interview with Horace Byers, 1987.  Interviewed by Earl Droessler. 

Copyright Information: Copyright University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR). This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.

While she was in her early twenties, Ellen Kaplan worked in the fishing industry for approximately two years. This included work on offshore lobster boats, an offshore scallop boat, and an offshore dragger. Her manuscript contains valuable information about life and work at sea, the life style of working in the fishing industry, changes in the offshore lobster industry, and conflict between tourism, development and the fishing industry in Newport, Rhode Island.

Manuel Silvia served as president and spokesman for Fishermen in Newport (F.I.N.) and played an important role in the establishment of the State Fish Pier in Newport by the state of Rhode Island in 1985. Mr. Silvia's manuscript contains valuable information concerning changes in Newport harbor, and the impact of tourism, yachting and development on the fishing industry. In addition to his work as president of F.I.N., Mr. Silvia worked extensively on offshore draggers and lobster boats during the 1960's and 1970's. He now works as an inshore lobsterman in Newport.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, Philip Ruhle began his work in the fishing industry during the 1940's. At that time, he was primarily involved in seasonal inshore fisheries in the waters off New York City and Long Island. His manuscript is a rich source of information on the abundance of inshore species in that area which made the way of life of inshore fishermen possible at that time. During the 1950's, Mr. Ruhle gillnetted mackeral from Long Island to Virginia. He went on to work in several other fisheries, including dragging and Scottish seining. Mr.

Walter Orr Roberts discusses how he came to be NCAR's first director, the purpose for creating a national center, the process for identifying NCAR's initial priorities, the issue of competition between NCAR and university programs, the debate regarding NCAR's focus on research with practical applications, and NCAR's early facilities. Roberts reflects on characteristics of a successful research center, his ideas about administration, and the importance of interdisciplinary research and international cooperation among the scientific community.

John McDonald and his brother, James, have worked together as fishermen on their day dragger, a Natator, since 1948. Prior to that time, Mr. McDonald spent his childhood on the water catching eels and scalloping. During the 1940's he had extensive experience swordfish harpooning off Martha's Vineyard, Point Judith, and Block Island. Swordfish were abundant in those waters then. Now they are seldom spotted. Mr.

Jeanne Palombo was the wife of Raymond Palombo who was also interviewed for this oral history of the fishing industry in Newport, R.I. Because of Newport's close proximity to the offshore lobster grounds, fishermen and lobstermen relocated to Newport during the early 1970's to become part of that lucrative and growing industry. The Palombos were part of that group. Mrs. Palombo worked closely with her husband and took over their business after his unexpected death in 1987.

Hedy Bennett is the wife of offshore lobsterman, Paul Bennett, who was also interviewed as part of this oral history of the fishing industry in Newport, R.I. Mrs. Bennett is the land-based partner in the work and way of life she and her husband share. She conveys what it means to be the wife of a commercial lobsterman and describes what makes the family life of a young fishing family both special and demanding. Mrs. Bennett delves into the many changes that have taken place in the offshore lobster industry since she's been involved in it.

Bob's family has a long history in the fishing industry. His great-grandfather, J.H. Doxsee, started a clam canning business in Islip, known as "J.H. Doxsee & Son."

Brad Keene is a seasoned boatman with a deep-rooted connection to his family's maritime legacy. Born on April 5, 1988, Brad's passion for the sea was ignited at the age of twelve when he purchased his first boat, Garvey. Growing up in Freeport, he had the privilege of working alongside his father, who owned a dragger, on Woodcleft Canal. Brad's family history in the boating world can be traced back several generations.

Rick Verity is a skilled bayman who learned the art of eeling from his father, Elwood Verity. Growing up in Blue Point, Rick's family has a long history of working on the bay, with his grandfather, Bill Verity, being a lobster catcher. Rick began his bay adventures at the age of three or four, accompanying his father to rake clams in the bay. His father taught him the best spots and techniques for clamming, including treading clams in the soft mud. Over the years, Rick and his father expanded their expertise, engaging in activities such as combing and setting traps for eels.

Nelder Medrud begins the interview with a discussion of his life history, education and research prior to arriving at NCAR. Medrud became acquainted with NCAR through Phil Thompson and Henry van de Boogaard while at the University of Stockholm, Sweden in the early 1960s. In the Air Force, Medrud’s specialty was applied climatology and a position opened up at NCAR focusing on applications to societal problems. The immediate focus of Medrud’s work at NCAR was on the matter of the consequences of hail to society.

Ed Martell was a distinguished nuclear scientist with a focus on atmospheric chemistry, radioactive material, and nuclear science in general. His academic journey began at West Point, where he graduated in the class of 1942. Following his graduation, Martell served as an officer in the Corps of Engineers for eight years, participating in combat in the Pacific during the Second World War. After the war, Martell had the opportunity to further his studies at the University of Chicago as a lieutenant colonel. It was here that he earned his Ph.D. in nuclear chemistry and radiochemistry in 1950.

Dr. John C. Calhoun was one of the early pioneers and contributors to UCAR/NCAR development. Calhoun became acquainted with UCAR and a plan for developing a national program (the “Blue Book”) while at Texas A&M University in an administrative role. Although Calhoun did not have a background in the atmospheric sciences, he brought valuable institutional perspective, experience in program development and organizational management to the table.

Daniel F. Rex was born on December 4, 1916, in Wichita, Kansas. His father, a physician, passed away when Rex was only six months old, leading him to be raised by his mother and maternal grandparents. His grandfather, Lloyd Farrell, a telegrapher and pioneer in Wichita, played a significant role in his upbringing and served as a father figure. Rex's early life was marked by adventure and responsibility, including a trip to Yucatan at the age of fourteen to buy 1100 head of cattle.

Douglas K. Lilly was a renowned meteorologist who had a significant impact on the field of atmospheric sciences. Although Lilly completed his undergraduate work in physics at Stanford University on a Navy ROTC scholarship, he always envisioned going into meteorology.

John Remsen, Sr. is a skilled boat builder who has dedicated his life to constructing garveys and other types of boats. During his lifetime, John has built approximately 100 garveys at an average rate of 5 per year. Throughout his career, John Remsen Sr. built boats for various individuals, including fishers such as Fred and Dott Verity, Elwood Verity, Jacki, the Millers, and clammers like Billy in Oceanside, among others.

Christopher Lutyens began his work in the lobster industry in Southwest Harbor, Maine at age sixteen. He came to Newport one year later after reading an article about Newport's offshore lobster industry in the magazine, National Fisherman. Mr. Lutyens has worked in both the inshore and offshore lobster industries in Newport. He offers valuable information about the work of lobstering, lobster boats and equipment, lobster grounds, catch size, and the condition of the lobster stocks. He expresses concerns about the future of the fishing industry in Newport, R.I.

Mrs. Bienkovitz shares memories of her childhood growing up in Bivalve, NJ. She was the daughter of Daniel Henderson, a waterman from Bivalve. She gives detail what kind of man and worker her father was and describes the oyster industry during the time frame 1930's to 1950's.  She discusses the lifestyle during her childhood, the homes and who lived in them along with identifying building where businesses were located and who were the proprietors.

Mary Litman Talks About Tucker County Flood 7-20-1989 interviewed by Beverly McBride 

Charles Brower is a seasoned fisherman and bayman, hailing from a long line of individuals who have made their living off the waters. Born and raised in Baldwin Harbor, he began his fishing journey at the young age of 15 under the tutelage of his father, who taught him the art of cod fishing. Brower Avenue itself is named after his great-grandfather, showcasing the family's deep connection to the fishing industry. Throughout his career, Charles Brower primarily engaged in net fishing, specifically using a gillnet.

William M. Akutagawa, Jr. was born February 18, 1948 on Moloka'i. His late father, William M. Akutagawa, Sr., was the son of Japanese immigrants. His mother, Katharine Hagemann Akutagawa, is the daughter of a German immigrant father and Hawaiian mother.  William grew up in KamalO and visited his grandparents in 'Ualapu'e often, spending much of his youth fishing the waters off of 'Ualapu'e Fishpond. He attended Kilohana School and Moloka'i High School, graduating in 1966.

Harriet B. Crowe, born Harriet Barker in 1938, was raised in Mt. Cisco, New York. She was the first member of her family to attend college, a significant achievement given that neither her parents nor their siblings had the opportunity to pursue higher education. Crowe initially attended Michigan State University in 1956 with the intention of studying nursing, a decision influenced by her high school counselor who discouraged her from pursuing her original ambition of becoming a doctor.

Henry Van De Boogaard was born in 1923 in The Hague, Netherlands, to a family of bricklayers. He had two brothers who followed their father's trade and a younger sister. In 1938, his family gradually migrated to South Africa, with Van De Boogaard, his sister, and his mother being the last to leave. He developed an interest in meteorology from a young age, often observing the meteorological department across the road from his school and being fascinated by weather forecasts.

Oral history interview with Robert Fleagle, 1990. 

Topics include: how he came to be involved in meteorology; education; time in the Navy; work at MIT; American Meteorological Society; radio casting; industrial meteorology; terms as president-elect, president and past president of AMS; changes technology made to meteorology; forecasting; Center for Operational Meteorological Education and Training (COMET); UCAR; Jim Mahoney; blending meteorology with other sciences; China; Harry Geise; weather modification; Ken Spengler; NCAR.

Dr. Warren M. Washington is a distinguished scientist and director of the Climate and Global Dynamics division at the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR). He joined NCAR approximately twenty-seven years prior to the interview in 1990, making significant contributions to the field of atmospheric sciences. In addition to his work at NCAR, Washington has been involved in various external activities, including serving on the first committee to examine climate issues for the academy in the early 1970s.

John Valois is a former resident of Woods Hole and a close friend of the Cahoon family. Born and raised in the area, he grew up spending significant time in the Cahoon household and developed a lasting relationship with the family. John's father owned the Woods Hole garage, which was located near the fish market operated by Sam Cahoon. John often visited the fish market, occasionally helping with tasks and interacting with the fishermen. He also participated in various activities with young Sam Cahoon, such as swimming, shell fishing, and duck hunting.

George S. Benton was born on September 24, 1917, in Oak Park, Illinois, and was raised in Chicago. His family had a diverse background, with his mother's family originating from Edinburgh, Scotland, and his father's family immigrating from Rega to Michigan when his father was three years old. Benton's original family name was Blumenstock, but he later changed it to George Benton. Benton's early education was at the University of California at Berkeley, where he was involved with the Department of Geography. However, he did not complete his Bachelor's degree there.

Mr. Rankin explains how he got his start in the fishing business. Unlike many who end up in the fishing business he learned the trade later in life. Rankin mentions he fished once or twice when he was young but trapping was a much bigger deal. He got into the fishing business after he got out of the military and settled down with his wife. He became friends with a man who was much older than him (about 20 years older) who taught and introduced the trade.

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.

Commonly known as "Blue", Thomas Fulford talks about his fishing with "Tink" Fulford, fishing on the Anna Dean, growing up in Cortez, 'Hogging' stop netting, feud with gill netters, union formation attempts, net care and conflict with sport fishermen.

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.

In this interview, Paul Taylor talks about his family, his fishing life, living in the Ilbion Inn and his views on fishing.  Taylor's father came to Cortez from North Carolina.  

Elizabeth Pearson Jones talks about her family history and a 1921 hurricane.

Raymond Stargell Pringle's family came to Cortez in 1919.  In this interview, he talks about his father and fishing with him as a kid. Later, he became a minister.

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

Ralph Fulford is the son of 'Tink" Fulford, a fisherman, who had the Dixie Fish Co. and later the Fulford Fish Co.  Ralph ran the fish house from 1946 on.  He talks about the processing and operation of a fish house.  Also, he discusses his part in founding the Cortez Historical Society. 

Orrie Williams' family has been in Cortez since 1905.  His father had fish house and Orrie drove truck for him.  Williams talks about his family in Cortez, the Burton store and the 1921 hurricane. 

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."

Don DeMaria is a long-time resident of the Florida Keys, having moved there permanently in 1977, although he had been visiting the area since 1965. He initially lived in Key West before moving to Summerland around 1984. DeMaria is a college graduate and has been a commercial fisherman since 1972. His fishing experience extends to various locations, including Tortugas, Boca Grande, and Marquesas, with his work in Tortugas beginning when he moved to the Keys permanently. DeMaria's fishing methods include spearfishing and catching tropical fish.

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.

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.

"When you go into another man's territory you've got to fish like he does. You've got to learn to fish like they fish or you won't catch nothin'. Everybody learns. Every community fishes different."

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.

Akira Otani, born in Honolulu, Hawai'i in 1921, grew up in a predominantly Japanese neighborhood with a strong fishing industry presence. His father ran a fish stall and wholesale business, while his mother worked in the fish and pineapple canneries. Otani's father had little involvement at home due to his work schedule, and Otani and his siblings had to take care of themselves. He attended Pohukaina School, a Japanese-language school with strict discipline, and later pursued a college preparatory program at Washington Intermediate School and McKinley High School.

In this interview, Rita Warden, discusses her family history; they migrated to Florida from Canada.  Though not a Cortez fisherman, Rita's husband was a carpenter and farmer in Michigan.  They wintered in Cortez from 1938 on. She talks about trailer park living and her husband's fishing when here.  Rita's husband did some shrimp netting too.  They are friends with the Guthries, one of whom was a fisherman and bridge tender.

Mr. Earl Taylor talks about his fishing history with others over the years. He quit when he was married and was a cook for a while before he came back to fishing.

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.

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.
 

Vincent J. Schaefer begins by talking about the gathering led by Tom Malone in the late 1950s to generate a plan for a center to work with problems related to the atmosphere. He describes the differences between the majority of the group, and himself and Vonnegut in philosophies, and the ultimate publication of the Blue Book in February 1959. He discusses his relationship with Walter Orr Roberts when Roberts was at the High Altitude Observatory (HAO) and later at NCAR.

Wanda Fulford was born on March 23, 1933, in Cortez, Florida, to Elizabeth and James Jones.  James was a commercial fisherman.  The family moved to Englewood then to Stump Pass for a while so her father could fish for Mullet.  Her mother returned to Cortez with the family shortly, leaving James in Stump Pass.  Wanda had a sister and two brothers.  She left school with a year and a half to go to work.  Wanda worked at various jobs.

Henry Clayton Adams was born on August 27, 1921, in Cortez, Florida, to parents Willis Adams and Dora Jean Adams. He was one of nine siblings, with five brothers named Hugh, Leon, Howard, Cleve, and C.D., and three sisters named Pauline, Doris, and Mabel. Henry was married to Pauline Adams for 42 years and had one adopted son. Growing up during the Great Depression, Henry's early life was shaped by the challenges of the era. He pursued a career as a fisherman, a profession deeply rooted in his coastal upbringing.

Goose Culbreath and members of the Cortez Grand Old Opry play Bluegrass music.  The interview includes both playing and talking about the music.  Other members are Rich Culbreath and Ray Bach.

Oral history interview with Mark Taylor.

Oral history interview with father and son, Raymond Stargill Pringle, Jr. and Sr.

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.

This recording is of a Tidy Island Museum tour by Goose Culbreath, Alcee Taylor and others, discussing the history of the island, off Cortez, and family outings there.

Art Barton, long-time resident of Key West, Florida, a fishing guide with a deep-rooted history and connection to the area. His first visit to the region was around 1962 or 1963, and he became a regular visitor thereafter. In 1972, after retiring, he decided to make Key West his permanent home, initially living there only during the winter months. By 1978, he had transitioned to living in Key West year-round and has remained there ever since. Barton is deeply involved in the local fishing industry, both as a hobby and a profession.

Billy Deans, a long-time resident of the Florida Keys, has been living in the area since December 1968. He moved to the region when he was in the ninth grade. Deans has always been drawn to the water, a fascination that began when he first crossed the Seven Mile Bridge and was captivated by the clarity of the water. He initially lived on Stock Island from 1968 to 1980, after which he moved to Sugarloaf, where he has resided since. Deans is a University of Florida graduate with a degree in Chemistry.

Ed Davidson is a seasoned mariner with over 25 years of experience operating boats in the Florida Keys. His extensive maritime career spans various sectors including sport fishing charters, headboat fishing operations, commercial fishing, and diving and snorkeling charters. Davidson's deep connection with the marine environment is not only professional but also academic. He holds a science degree and has conducted population studies on commercially valuable species. Over the years, Davidson has been an eyewitness to the steady decline in water quality and clarity in the Florida Keys.

Captain Jack Burleson, known as "Capt. Jack," was born in 1922.  He was drafted from the Coast Guard into the Army during World War II.  After the war, he held various roles, including a dive instructor in Marathon, guiding divers in the Florida Keys, and a versatile handyman, carpenter, taxi driver, and dog trainer. Jack was also an artist and painted with acrylics on unconventional canvases like sea beans and driftwood.

Debbie Carpe is a long-time resident of the Florida Keys, having lived there since she was a child. She has a vivid memory of a significant event that occurred when she was around twelve years old, a phenomenon known as the red tide, which turned the sea red and caused a massive die-off of marine life. Carpe's recollection of the event is detailed, describing how the water looked and the impact on the fish, many of which were gasping for air at the surface. She took it upon herself to collect the struggling fish and bring them to a holding place at Coco Plum.

Tim Daniels is a seasoned pilot and commercial fisherman whose life and career are deeply intertwined with the coastal and marine environments of Florida Bay. With years of experience navigating the skies and waters of this region, Daniels has developed a profound understanding of its natural rhythms and the delicate balance of its ecosystems.