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Interviewee | Interviewer | Date of Interview | Interviewer's Affiliation Sort descending | Location of Interview | Description | Collection Name |
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Gordon Murphy | Douglas | 10-07-2003 | Friendship Museum , Friendship Village School | Friendship, ME |
Gordon Murphy, a lifelong resident of Friendship, was born on November 23, 1931, into a family deeply rooted in the town's history, spanning at least five generations. He was the only child of Wilbur and Hazel Burns Murphy. Gordon received his early education in Friendship, attending school until the 10th grade. He completed his studies in Waldoboro, graduating from Waldoboro High School in 1949. Gordon started lobster fishing in seventh grade. In 1951, Gordon joined the U.S. Army Reserves, and two years later, in 1953, he was called up for active duty during the Korean War. |
Finding Friendship Oral History Project |
Jimmy R. | Steven | 09-18-2003 | Friendship Museum , Friendship Village School | Friendship, ME |
Jimmy is a young and experienced lobsterman hailing from Friendship Village. He has been lobstering with his father or grandfather since he was five or six years old. Almost everyone in his family, except his younger brother, engages in lobstering. |
Finding Friendship Oral History Project |
Dillon R. | Douglas | 09-18-2003 | Friendship Museum , Friendship Village School | Friendship, ME |
Born and raised in Friendship Village, Dillon comes from a long line of lobstering tradition, with his father, grandfather, and sister all actively involved in the industry. Dillon has been lobstering for several years, having obtained his junior license at the age of six. Now, at the age of twelve, he has gained enough experience and confidence to venture out on his own, navigating the waters of Walkers Beach in pursuit of the prized crustaceans. He fishes in an 18-foot boat and sets 100-150 traps. |
Finding Friendship Oral History Project |
Douglas B. | Dillon | 09-18-2003 | Friendship Museum , Friendship Village School | Friendship, ME |
Douglas is an experienced lobster fisherman from Friendship Village School. Born and raised in a coastal community, Douglas has spent his summers dedicated to the lobstering. With his extensive knowledge of fishing techniques and the local waters, Douglas has become a skilled lobsterman. |
Finding Friendship Oral History Project |
Phil Bramhall | Brandon | 11-06-2003 | Friendship Museum , Friendship Village School | Friendship, ME |
Phil Bramhall, born on November 6, 1959, is a lifelong resident of Friendship, where his family has lived for four generations. He has two children and has been involved in two primary occupations throughout his life. As a lobsterman for thirty-four years, Phil followed in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, who were both lobster fishermen. Phil started lobstering at the age of ten. As the owner and captain of his 32-foot fiberglass boat named Amanda Kate, Phil takes charge of setting and hauling all the traps. |
Finding Friendship Oral History Project |
Philip Genthner, Sr. | Steven Genthner | 10-01-2013 | Friendship Museum , Friendship Village School | Friendship, ME |
Philip Genthner, Sr. was born on July 1, 1961, in Friendship, Maine, where he has lived his entire life. He comes from a long line of lobstermen, with his uncles and brothers also being involved in the industry. Philip has been lobstering for over 30 years and is the proud owner and captain of his own boat, the Melinda Kay. He has two sons who are also active lobstermen. In addition to his work as a lobsterman, Philip is a wrestling coach and enjoys watching NASCAR racing. |
Finding Friendship Oral History Project |
Kristy B | Cameo, John | 09-18-2003 | Friendship Museum , Friendship Village School | Friendship, ME |
Kristy has been lobstering since she was five years old. Born into a family deeply rooted in the lobstering industry, she grew up watching her father and brother venture out to the waters every day, and her love for lobstering blossomed alongside their shared experiences. Even her mother occasionally joins the family fishing trips. To obtain her license, Kristy's father filled out the necessary forms and submitted them to the state. Initially, she faced a setback as she lacked a sponsor, but they quickly rectified the situation and resubmitted the application. |
Finding Friendship Oral History Project |
Pike Bartlett | John Bartlett | 10-06-2003 | Friendship Museum , Friendship Village School | Friendship, ME |
Pike Bartlett, born on February 3, 1951, is a prominent figure in the lobster trap industry. Originally from Massachusetts, he relocated to Friendship, Maine, in 1973. His personal interests revolve around outdoor activities such as skiing, sailing, and motorcycling. As the president and owner of the Friendship Trap Company, Bartlett has played a pivotal role in the company's success since its establishment in 1977. The company specializes in the production of lobster traps, utilizing rolls of wire and bales of mesh to craft durable and efficient traps for fishermen. |
Finding Friendship Oral History Project |
Ronald Simmons | Carl | 09-21-2005 | Friendship Museum , Friendship Village School | Friendship, ME |
Ronald "Ronnie" Simmons, born on August 19, 1948, is a lifelong resident of Friendship, Maine. Growing up in a family deeply rooted in the lobster business, Simmons developed a strong connection to the industry from an early age. Alongside his passion for hunting and riding his Harley, Simmons has dedicated his life to running his business, Simmons Lobster Wharf. Established in 1971, the wharf serves as a hub for buying lobsters directly from local fishermen and reselling them to customers. |
Finding Friendship Oral History Project |
Philip Genthner Jr. | Steven Genthner | 10-01-2004 | Friendship Museum , Friendship Village School | Friendship, ME |
Philip Genthner, Jr. was born on February 13, 1988, in Friendship, where he has spent his entire life. Hailing from a family deeply rooted in the area, Philip represents the third generation of Genthners in Friendship. As a junior at Medomak Valley High School, he actively participates in the school's baseball and wrestling teams, showcasing his athletic prowess. Philip's true passion is lobstering, a pursuit he embarked upon at the tender age of eight. He serves as the captain of his own lobster boat. |
Finding Friendship Oral History Project |
Joshua M. | Randall | 09-18-2003 | Friendship Museum , Friendship Village School | Friendship, ME |
Joshua is a young lobster fisherman who has been involved in the trade since he was four years old. He has continued to pursue this family tradition ever since. Growing up in a fishing family, Joshua learned the ropes of lobstering from his father and now enjoys working alongside him and his little brother Daigan. His experience spans several years, making him a knowledgeable and skilled lobster fisherman. |
Finding Friendship Oral History Project |
Sam Lash | Brandon | 09-28-2003 | Friendship Museum , Friendship Village School | Friendship, ME |
Sam Lash, born on September 4, 1986, is a dedicated lobsterman hailing from Friendship, where his family has deep roots spanning four generations. Growing up surrounded by the ocean, Sam developed a passion for fishing and hunting from an early age. At the age of twelve, he was introduced to the world of lobstering by his cousin Isaac, and since then, he has been hooked on the profession. With five years of experience under his belt, Sam has cultivated a deep love and appreciation for the intricacies of lobstering. |
Finding Friendship Oral History Project |
Stan Simmons | Randall | 10-17-2003 | Friendship Museum , Friendship Village School | Friendship, ME |
Stan Simmons was born on February 6, 1917. Now deceased, Stan Simmons was a lobster fisherman for 65 years. When he was eleven years old, he moved to Friendship from Bremen, Long Island. He has one adopted child and three grandchildren. In addition, he was a pilot and spotted fish for purse and stop seiners for seven or eight years. When he was asked what else he did, he replied, “You name it--everything but deliver babies.” He served in the Navy for two stints during World War II in the Pacific, where he delivered guerilla fighters to Japanese Islands, a |
Finding Friendship Oral History Project |
Virgil Richards | Jimmy, Dillon | 09-29-2003 | Friendship Museum , Friendship Village School | Friendship, ME |
Virgil Richards, born on May 22, 1936, in Waldoboro, is a fourth-generation resident of Friendship, where he has lived since 1940. He comes from a family with a deep lobstering tradition. With five siblings, three children, and three grandchildren, Virgil has spent 42 years as a lobsterman, making it his lifelong occupation. While lobstering is his primary focus, his special interest lies in his grandchildren. |
Finding Friendship Oral History Project |
Wayne Havener | Douglas | 10-13-2003 | Friendship Museum , Friendship Village School | Friendship, ME |
Wayne Havener was born on November 17, 1929, and has always lived in Friendship. His family has lived in Friendship for three generations, and he has three children and six grandchildren. He served in the Coast Guard for three years and has been a lobsterman for 54 years. His hobbies are reading and watching baseball games. |
Finding Friendship Oral History Project |
Wesley Lash | Brandon, Cooper | 11-11-2005 | Friendship Museum , Friendship Village School | Friendship, ME |
Wesley Lash, born on August 4, 1945, has been a resident of Friendship for sixty years. Together with his wife Cynthia, they have raised three sons and have two grandchildren. Although Wesley describes his occupation as "making fiberglass dust," he is widely recognized for his skill in building fiberglass boats. Alongside his boat-building endeavors, Wesley has displayed a talent for carving miniature half-hulls and small birds during his leisure time. He currently serves as a town selectman, contributing to the local community. |
Finding Friendship Oral History Project |
Steven G. | Jimmy | 09-18-2003 | Friendship Museum , Friendship Village School | Friendship, ME |
Steven, an experienced lobsterman hailing from Friendship Village, lobsters with his older brother, a junior in high school who owns his own lobster boat. They follow in the footsteps of their father and uncles. Steven's lobstering adventures take him to various locations, including the river, Friendship Long Island, Hall Island, Franklin Island, Egg Rock, and several other spots along the way, venturing out past Egg Rock and fishing in waters as deep as thirty-five fathoms. |
Finding Friendship Oral History Project |
Joe Scavone | Nancy Solomon | 06-08-2011 | Long Island Traditions | Freeport, NY |
Interview with Joe Scavone |
Long Island Traditions |
Tom Jefferies | Nancy Solomon | 06-20-2011 | Long Island Traditions | Freeport, NY |
Interview with Tom Jefferies |
Long Island Traditions |
Tom Jefferies | Nancy Solomon | 10-19-2011 | Long Island Traditions | Freeport, NY |
Interview with Tom Jefferies |
Long Island Traditions |
Frank Rizzo | Nancy Solomon | 01-01-1987 | Long Island Traditions | Freeport, NY |
Frank Rizzo is an experienced fisherman and captain who has spent many years navigating the waters off Long Island. His experience includes encounters with American submarines and fighter ships, navigating through heavy fog, and dealing with the challenges of changing fish populations due to pollution. Rizzo has also worked with notable figures in the fishing industry, such as Captain Al, and has gained a wealth of knowledge and experience from these interactions. |
Long Island Traditions |
Jim Rose | Steve Warrick | 07-15-2000 | Long Island Traditions | East Patchogue, NY |
Jim Rose, born James Malan Rose on March 17, 1954, in Southampton, is a seasoned clammer and gill netter from Long Island, New York. He moved to the Patchogue area of Long Island in 1960 and has lived there for most of his life. Rose began his career in clamming at the age of twelve, following in the footsteps of his older brother. He started clamming part-time after school and during the summers, using an old boat he fixed up himself. Despite not coming from a bay family, Rose continued clamming throughout his junior high and high school years. |
Long Island Traditions |
Joe Scavone | Nancy Solomon | 09-27-2011 | Long Island Traditions | Freeport, NY |
In this interview Joey Scavone of Freeport, New York talks about his livelihood in working on the bay and ocean of Freeport. |
Long Island Traditions |
Joe Scavone | Nancy Solomon | 12-30-2015 | Long Island Traditions | Freeport, NY |
"It was a living nightmare. Something I never want to experience again because besides the waters being closed for clamming, you couldn’t even drive through town. There were boats in the roads everywhere. It took a couple of weeks for bulldozers to get rid of boats. There were boats blocking people’s front doors. Boats that knocked down fences. it was devastation. The more you think about it, the more you remember." -- Joe Scavone |
Long Island Traditions - Climate Change and Sandy |
Jon Semlear | Nancy Solomon | 04-11-2016 | Long Island Traditions | Sag Harbor, NY |
Bayman Jon Semlear is a pound trap fisherman and bass fisherman in Sag Harbor. In this short interview he shares his knowledge of the bay, ecological changes, and close calls he's had on the water. |
Long Island Traditions - Climate Change and Sandy |
George Streit | Nancy Solomon | 05-19-1987 | Long Island Traditions | Freeport, NY |
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. |
Long Island Traditions |
Chuck Tekula | Nancy Solomon | 05-31-2016 | Long Island Traditions | Center Moriches, NY |
"The traditional baymen’s position on the island has been death by a thousand paper cuts, just one law after another law after another law, until, eventually, it’s not that there’s no money to be made out there. It’s that it’s so much stuff you have to put up with, with all the boat traffic and all the laws and the licenses you have to deal with and law enforcement agencies. You just don’t see young people getting into it anymore." |
Long Island Traditions - Climate Change and Sandy |
Myron "Mike" and Helen Van Essendelft | Nancy Solomon | 02-04-2004 | Long Island Traditions | Oakdale, NY |
Mike and Helen Van Essendelft live in Oakdale, New York. Mike Van Essendelft, born on April 16, 1908, worked for Bluepoints, a renowned oyster company, for over 12 years. Starting as a waiter at the Snapper Inn, Mike eventually became a sales assistant at Bluepoints and worked his way up to the position of sales manager. Helen Van Essendelft supported the oyster industry by shucking and freezing oysters for Birdseye. Together, Mike and Helen provide a unique perspective on the history and operations of the fishing industry in West Sayville. |
Long Island Traditions |
Rick Verity | Nancy Solomon | 05-11-1988 | Long Island Traditions | Lindenhurst, NY |
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. |
Long Island Traditions |
Tony Sougstad | Nancy Solomon | 05-08-1987, 05-22-1987 | Long Island Traditions | Freeport, NY |
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. |
Long Island Traditions |
Wayne Grothe | Nancy Solomon | 05-15-1987 | Long Island Traditions | Southampton, NY |
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. |
Peconic Estuary Interviews |
Jim McKearn and Milton Miller | Nancy Solomon | 05-05-1997 | Long Island Traditions | East Hampton, NY |
Jim McKearn is an elderly semi-retired fisherman who hails from East Hampton, New York. With a fishing career spanning over several decades, Jim has witnessed firsthand the environmental challenges faced by the fishing industry. Born before World War Two, he has seen the effects of industrial pollution, garbage, and runoff on the local waters. Jim has primarily worked in the areas of Gardeners Bay, East Hampton Bay, and Montauk Point, which are located between the north and south of Gardeners Bay. |
Peconic Estuary Interviews |
Jon Semlear | Nancy Solomon | 04-12-2016 | Long Island Traditions | Sag Harbor, NY |
Bayman Jon Semlear is a pound trap fisherman and bass fisherman in Sag Harbor. In this short interview he shares his knowledge of the bay, ecological changes, and close calls he's had on the water. |
Peconic Estuary Interviews |
Michael Combs | Nancy Solomon | 06-09-2015 | Long Island Traditions | Baldwin, NY |
Michael Combs of Freeport is a part time bayman and bay house owner. In this interview folklorist Nancy Solomon of Long Island Traditions examines how the bay has changed after Superstorm Sandy, Michael's experiences on the bay, how the bay has changed after the storm and other family history including rum running, market and duck hunting, eeling and other fishing activities. |
Long Island Traditions - Climate Change and Sandy |
Tom Jefferies | Nancy Solomon | 11-03-2015 | Long Island Traditions | Freeport, NY |
Bayman Tom Jefferies of Freeport, New York lives on the south shore of Freeport. In this interview, Jefferies discusses how the bay has changed since Superstorm Sandy, and how his life was affected by the storm. |
Long Island Traditions - Climate Change and Sandy |
Lenny and Danny Koch | Nancy Solomon | 05-06-1987 | Long Island Traditions | Baldwin, NY |
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. |
Long Island Traditions |
Ken Mades | Nancy Solomon | 04-12-2016 | Long Island Traditions | Hampton Bays, NY |
Ken Mades of Hampton Bays explores his life as a bayman and environmental changes in the bays and waters of Southampton and Hampton Bays. |
Long Island Traditions - Climate Change and Sandy |
Bill Marinaccio | Nancy Solomon | 06-18-2015 | Long Island Traditions | Freeport, NY |
Retired charter boat captain Bill Marinaccio of Freeport shares some stories of working alongside his father Carmine Marinaccio on board the Dutchess. |
Long Island Traditions - Climate Change and Sandy |
Alison and Larry Muller | Nancy Solomon | 12-14-2015 | Long Island Traditions | Freeport, NY |
"We lost everything in a matter of hours." In this interview, Alison and Larry Muller describe the challenges they faced as fish distributors and buyers after Superstorm Sandy. They also describe the storm's effect on their bay house and their business. |
Long Island Traditions - Climate Change and Sandy |
Lenny Nilson | Steve Warrick | 07-15-2000 | Long Island Traditions | Islip, NY |
Lenny Nilson, born in Bay Shore in 1947, is a seasoned fisherman who spent his formative years on West Island, West Fire Island, where his father ran a live shrimp and killie business. Lenny comes from a long line of fishermen, with his family having emigrated from Sweden in 1929, bringing with them centuries of commercial fishing heritage. At the age of 16, Lenny started working on the bay, assisting his father in the fishing endeavors. Lenny earned a degree in Marine Biology from Suffolk Community College after serving in Vietnam. |
Long Island Traditions |
Lowell Ockers | Steve Warrick, Nancy Solomon | 07-06-2000, 02-03-2004 | Long Island Traditions | West Sayville, NY |
Edward (Lowell) Ockers is a lifelong resident of West Sayville. Lowell was born and raised in the area and started working on the bay after returning from the Navy in 1957. He began his career by catching eels using traps purchased from his father, a bayman. In addition to his fishing endeavors, Lowell engaged in other activities to support himself. During the winter, he found work bulkheading, cutting ice, and digging clams to earn some grocery money. He also participated in scalloping, crabbing, and even sailing on the ice when the bay froze over. |
Long Island Traditions |
John Remsen, Sr. | Nancy Solomon | 10-01-1988 | Long Island Traditions | Freeport, NY |
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. |
Long Island Traditions |
John Remsen, Sr. | Nancy Solomon | 11-17-2003 | Long Island Traditions | Freeport, NY |
John Remsen Sr. is a seasoned bayman and fisherman who was born in Freeport in 1933. Coming from a lineage of fishermen, with both his father and grandfather being involved in the trade, John developed a deep connection to the ocean from an early age. He assisted his great grandfather, Alanson Ellison, in haul-seining on the ocean before it was outlawed in 1942. At the age of 12, John began selling clams to local families, starting with a rowboat and eventually upgrading to a motorboat. |
Long Island Traditions |
John Remsen, Sr. | Nancy Solomon | 03-09-2016 | Long Island Traditions | Freeport, NY |
Retired bayman and boat builder John Remsen shares his memories of storms and hurricanes including Superstorm Sandy in 2012. |
Long Island Traditions |
Bob Bourguignon | Nancy Solomon | 05-31-1997 | Long Island Traditions | Flanders, NY |
Bob Bourguignon is a renowned figure in the world of Peconic Baymen, hailing from the region of Flanders in Long Island, New York. Born and raised in the area, Bob has dedicated his life to the art of shellfishing and has become a respected expert in his field. Bob's journey as a Peconic Bayman began at a young age, learning the ropes and techniques from his family members who were involved in the same profession. His uncle, in particular, played a significant role in shaping Bob's understanding and passion for shellfishing. |
Peconic Estuary Interviews |
Bill Gaffga | Nancy Solomon | 07-17-1997 | Long Island Traditions | Southold, NY |
Bill Gaffga, a native of the area, comes from a lineage of fishermen. Born into the fishing business, he spent nine years in the service before working for General Motors in Lockport for about six years. However, he found the prospect of spending twenty years in a job he didn't enjoy unbearable, leading him to return to his roots in fishing. Gaffga began working on the bay in 1975 and continues to do so, despite the challenges brought about by the brown water in 1985. His fishing activities are diverse, adapting to the season and the catch available. |
Peconic Estuary Interviews |
Doug Rogers | Nancy Solomon | 07-17-1997, 07-24-1997 | Long Island Traditions | East Marion, NY |
Doug Rogers Sr. and Jean Rogers are a couple residing in Brooklyn, New York. Doug was born in Brooklyn, but his father and grandfather hailed from East Marion. During the Great Depression, Doug's family moved to Brooklyn but returned to East Marion when he was born. Doug's father worked as a house painter, and his grandfather was a gentleman farmer. Doug spent 35 years working on the bay, learning the trade from a seasoned fisherman named Raymond Rackett, who was a third-generation fisherman. |
Peconic Estuary Interviews |
Ed Warner, Sr. | Nancy Solomon | 07-24-1997 | Long Island Traditions | Southampton, NY |
Mr. Ed Warner, a native of Hampton Bays and a fifth-generation bayman, possessed an unparalleled knowledge of the town's history and its people. Born in 1925, Ed Warner grew up in Hampton Bays, fostering a deep sense of loyalty and pride for his hometown. After serving in the Navy during World War II, he returned home and became a bayman. Ed possessed an intimate understanding of the best fishing spots, techniques to maximize his catch, and where to find the largest clams. Ed Warner served as a member of the Southampton Board of Trustees for 27 years, spanning 13 re-elections. |
Peconic Estuary Interviews |
Jack Kelly | Nancy Solomon | 09-11-1997 | Long Island Traditions | Southold, NY |
Jack Kelly is a lifelong resident of Southold, Long Island, and has witnessed significant changes in the local environment and fishing industry over the years. Born in the late 1940s, he grew up near Gardiners' Island, where he recalls a fort on the North side and the erosion that caused the road to wash away. |
Peconic Estuary Interviews |
Carmine Marinnacio | Nancy Solomon | 05-07-1987 | Long Island Traditions | Freeport, NY |
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. |
Long Island Traditions |
Flo Sharkey | Steve Warrick | 07-03-2000 | Long Island Traditions | Patchogue, NY |
Flo Sharkey, a dedicated baywoman from Long Island, comes from a family deeply rooted in the fishing and shellfishing industry. She proudly represents the fourth generation of her family working the bay. Flo's journey in the industry began at a young age, treading alongside her father. As she has grown older, she has developed a preference for scratch raking. She attributes her extensive knowledge and skills to the guidance of her father and brother. |
Long Island Traditions |
Cory Weyant | Nancy Solomon | 05-27-1987 | Long Island Traditions | Freeport, NY |
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 |
Long Island Traditions |
Don Kearsley | Nancy Solomon | 05-10-1987 | Long Island Traditions | Freeport, NY |
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. |
Long Island Traditions |
Danny Koch | Nancy Solomon | 06-03-1987 | Long Island Traditions | Baldwin Harbor, NY |
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. |
Long Island Traditions |
Bill Reed | Nancy Solomon | 02-03-2015 | Long Island Traditions | Hampton Bays, NY |
In this interview fisherman Bill Reed of Hampton Bays, Long Island, talks about warning signs of hurricanes and storms, close calls on the water, and how his life as a fisherman has changed over time. Topics include regulations, occupational culture and Superstorm Sandy. |
Long Island Traditions |
Bill Tunney | Nancy Solomon | 11-08-2007 | Long Island Traditions | East Patchogue, NY |
Bill Tunney is a commercial fisherman based in East Patchogue, near Bellport village. He began his career in fishing at the age of thirteen when he bought his first boat with money earned from mowing lawns. His initial interest in fishing was sparked by the popularity of clamming in his area during his youth. Over the years, Tunney has expanded his fishing activities to include dredging crabs and scallops, gill netting, and potting blue claw crabs. He is known for his innovative approach to fishing, often experimenting with different techniques and equipment to improve his catch. |
Long Island Traditions |
Bob Slager | Steve Warrick | 07-16-2000 | Long Island Traditions | West Sayville, NY |
Robert Lowell Slager, also known as Captain Bob, was born in Bay Shore in 1945 and has lived his entire life in West Sayville, Long Island. He followed in the footsteps of his father, who was involved in shellfish management, dredging, and tonging. Slager quit high school at the age of sixteen in 1968 and started dredging clams, becoming the youngest captain on the bay. He continued this work until 1982, during which time he also participated in various projects aimed at supporting the stocks of the bay. |
Long Island Traditions |
Brad Keene | Nancy Solomon | 04-05-1988 | Long Island Traditions | Freeport, NY |
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. |
Long Island Traditions |
Bob Kaler | Steve Warrick | 07-12-2000 | Long Island Traditions | Patchogue, NY |
Bob Kaler, a lifelong resident of Patchogue, New York, has spent most of his life in the area and on the same street. He transitioned into crabbing after the decline of clamming in the 1970s. During his clamming days, he engaged in raking for hard clams. When he is not crabbing, Bob works as a bait musseler on the North Shore of Long Island in the spring. He has been involved in crabbing for twenty years and describes the area and his boat as beautiful, dubbing his boat "Paradise" to reflect the surroundings. |
Long Island Traditions |
Howard Pickerell | Nancy Solomon | 06-12-2007 | Long Island Traditions | Southampton, NY |
Howard Pickerell is a boat builder with a specialization in constructing traditional Garvey and Sharpie boats. His career is marked by a deep understanding of the unique features and construction procedures of these boats, which have evolved over the years. Pickerell's work is not only a reflection of his craftsmanship but also a testament to his connection with the maritime heritage. His clientele has varied as the demand for commercial fishing boats has declined, indicating a shift in the boat-building industry. |
Peconic Estuary Interviews |
Tom Ruhle | Nancy Solomon | 04-03-1997 | Long Island Traditions | Montauk, NY |
Tom Ruhle was a clam "diver" who worked on the east end of Long Island, primarily in Lake Montauk but also in East Hampton. The interview examines harvesting methods, habitat changes, and environmental and regulatory history in this area. |
Peconic Estuary Interviews |
George Combs, Jr. | Nancy Solomon | 05-15-1987 | Long Island Traditions | Amityville, NY |
Mr. Combs comes from a long line of baymen. He speaks about being a captain, shipbuilding, and other experiences in the fishing industry. |
Long Island Traditions |
Tom Kuhner | Mary Lee | 06-11-2001 | Long Island Traditions | Babylon, NY |
Tom Kuhner is a fisherman from Long Island with a lifelong engagement in the local fishing industry. His early years were marked by a deep connection to the traditional practices of fishing and clamming, which he began as a child. Kuhner's initial foray into the industry started with a bait business, which eventually expanded into eeling and crabbing. Over the years, he transitioned to working on larger boats, facing the challenges of crew recruitment and adapting to the evolving landscape of the fishing industry. |
Long Island Traditions |
Don Bevelander | Steve Warrick | 07-01-2000 | Long Island Traditions | Sayville, NY |
Don Bevelander, a seasoned bayman from Long Island, has a long history of working in the Great South Bay. He began his career at a young age, around twelve, learning the trade of clamming alongside his father and brother. By the time he was fifteen, he had become a tonger, working long hours on the boat with his father. They would embark from Bay Shore early in the morning and often work until 8:00 PM, spending their entire week on the boat. Don would take on the role of the cook during these trips. |
Long Island Traditions |
Cory Weyant | Nancy Solomon | 12-08-2003 | Long Island Traditions | Freeport, NY |
Cory Weyant is a seasoned bayman and dragger fisherman with over forty-five years of experience in the industry. He has witnessed significant changes in his line of work, particularly in the Freeport area where he has lived since he was two years old. Weyant's career has spanned several decades, during which he has seen a decline in the number of small trawlers in his area and a dramatic decrease in the abundance of fish. He attributes these changes to overfishing and the advancement of fishing technology. Despite the challenges, Weyant has managed to adapt to the changing circumstances. |
Long Island Traditions |
Charles Brower | Nancy Solomon | 12-08-1989 | Long Island Traditions | Baldwin, NY |
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. |
Long Island Traditions |
Jerry Collins | Steve Warrick | 07-10-2000 | Long Island Traditions | West Sayville, NY |
Jerry Collins, a lifelong resident of the Sayville area in Bay Shore, was born there and spent most of his life in the region, except for his military service. His father worked as a fisherman, clammer, and oysterman, instilling in Jerry a deep connection to the maritime activities of the area. Growing up, Jerry often accompanied his father into the bay, although he admits that he probably got in his way more often than not. In 1946, Jerry began his full-time involvement in clamming, primarily as a tonger. He has primarily worked in Islip town but has also worked in surrounding towns. |
Long Island Traditions |
Jack Combs | Nancy Solomon | 05-01-1998 | Long Island Traditions | Peconic, NY |
Jack Combs was born on May 1, 1988, and grew up in Freeport and Massapequa, Long Island. He spent his childhood surrounded by the bay and developed a deep connection to the marine environment. Jack's family owned a bay house and a houseboat on Goose Creek. His father and grandfather played significant roles in shaping his love for the bay, with fishing trips in Greenport and oyster shucking being regular activities. He later took over Captain Jack's Bait Station, where he continued the family tradition of stunts and tricks to entertain customers. |
Long Island Traditions |
Frank Cona | Nancy Solomon | 06-07-1987 | Long Island Traditions | Freeport, NY |
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. |
Long Island Traditions |
Bob Doxsee, Jr. | Nancy Solomon | 03-08-1988 | Long Island Traditions | Point Lookout, NY |
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." |
Long Island Traditions |
Bob Doxsee, Jr. | Nancy Solomon | 01-26-2015 | Long Island Traditions | Point Lookout, NY |
Bob Doxsee Jr. is a coastal resident with a family history in the seafood industry. He has been involved in projects related to coastal erosion, including the construction of rock jetties and bulkheads. Doxsee has also been involved in the transportation of shells to create a reef. His family business utilized a scissor lift and dump body truck to dump shells seaward. Doxsee has firsthand experience with coastal erosion, having witnessed the impact of storms on properties along Ocean Boulevard. |
Long Island Traditions |
Bill Hamilton | Nancy Solomon | 09-15-2002 | Long Island Traditions | Patchogue, NY |
Bill Hamilton is a long-time member and representative of the Brookhaven Baymens' Association (BBA) based in Patchogue, New York. He has been involved in the organization since his time in Islip Town, where he initially participated in the barmen's alliance and collaborated with Brookhaven Town due to their shared work in Brookhaven waters. Hamilton joined BBA in the 1970s when the association primarily focused on clamming issues, particularly related to the use of town lands and underwater areas for clamming and oystering. |
Long Island Traditions |
Roland Clark | Nancy Solomon | 09-11-1997 | Long Island Traditions | Shelter Island, NY |
Roland Clark was born and raised on Shelter Island, New York, where he has spent his entire life working on the water. He grew up in a family deeply rooted in maritime traditions; both his father, Ed Clark Sr., and his grandfather, Albertus Clark, were experienced fishermen and clammers. Roland attended school on Shelter Island and, from a young age, joined his father and grandfather in various fishing activities, including clamming, scalloping, and hand lining. |
Peconic Estuary Interviews |
Edward and Brad Robin | Carl Brasseaux, Don Davis | 01-03-2011 | Louisiana Sea Grant | Yscloskey, LA |
Edward and Brad Robin are two oyster fishermen from Yscloskey. They explain the process of how to catch oysters and the technology and terms used in the trade. They mentioned the problems since the BP Oil Spill and hardships and struggles to keep all of their employees. They also discussed the pirate wars between Mississippi and Louisiana. Edward described life after World War II when he started Robin’s Seafood and the modern changes to the way oysters are caught from when he started as a child. |
Louisiana Sea Grant Coastal Changes Oral History Project |
Claire Porter and Eric, Dennis, and Ray Skrmetta | Carl Brasseaux, Don Davis | 01-03-2011 | Louisiana Sea Grant | New Orleans, LA |
The Skrmetta Family discusses canneries, seafood processing, shrimp peeling, oysters, Mavar Shrimp and Oil Company, shipyard, canning companies, shrimp drying, prohibition and dry States, and the Great Depression. |
Louisiana Sea Grant Coastal Changes Oral History Project |
Clifford Smith | Don Davis, Carl Brasseaux, Roy Kron | 12-29-2009 | Louisiana Sea Grant | Houma, LA |
Interview with Clifford Smith in Houma, Louisiana. |
Louisiana Sea Grant Coastal Changes Oral History Project |
Kerry St. Pe | Paula Ouder, Roy Kron | 04-28-2010 | Louisiana Sea Grant | Houma, LA |
Interview with Kerry St. Pe, Director, Barataria Terrebonne National Estuary Program, in Houma, Louisiana. |
Louisiana Sea Grant Coastal Changes Oral History Project |
Reuben St. Pierre | Earl Robichaux | 08-05-2009 | Louisiana Sea Grant | Grand Isle, LA |
Interview with Reuben St. Pierre in Grand Isle, Louisiana. |
Louisiana Sea Grant Coastal Changes Oral History Project |
Mark Staton | Carl Brasseaux, Don Davis | 05-24-2010 | Louisiana Sea Grant | Lafayette, LA |
Interview with Mark Staton in Lafayette, Louisiana. |
Louisiana Sea Grant Coastal Changes Oral History Project |
Eugene Theriot | Paula Ouder, Roy Kron | 06-03-2010 | Louisiana Sea Grant | Intracoastal City, LA |
Interview with Eugene Theriot. He discusses the shrimp factory, shrimp drying platforms, ice boats, hurricanes, canneries, manila village, fur trapping, oysters, seabreeze, kerosene, prohibition, storm of 1926, and shrimp strikes. |
Louisiana Sea Grant Coastal Changes Oral History Project |
Tootsie Theriot | Paula Ouder, Roy Kron | 06-03-2010 | Louisiana Sea Grant | Intracoastal City, LA |
Interview with Eugene Theriot. He discusses the shrimp factory, shrimp drying platforms, ice boats, hurricanes, canneries, manila village, fur trapping, oysters, seabreeze, kerosene, prohibition, storm of 1926, and shrimp strikes. |
Louisiana Sea Grant Coastal Changes Oral History Project |
Jodie Avail | Carl Brasseaux | 08-13-2009 | Louisiana Sea Grant | Abbeville, LA |
Jodie Avail and Jay Thornhill discusses the origin and history of Dupuy’s Oyster Shop. They talk about the diversification of the menu and the oyster dealers. |
Louisiana Sea Grant Coastal Changes Oral History Project |
Jay Thornhill | Carl Brasseaux | 08-13-2009 | Louisiana Sea Grant | Abbeville, LA |
Jodie Avail and Jay Thornhill discusses the origin and history of Dupuy’s Oyster Shop. They talk about the diversification of the menu and the oyster dealers. |
Louisiana Sea Grant Coastal Changes Oral History Project |
Greg Lier | Carl Brasseaux, Don Davis, Roy Kron | 12-29-2009 | Louisiana Sea Grant | Harvey Canal, LA |
Interview with Cokie Rathborne and Greg Lier in Harvey Canal, Louisiana. |
Louisiana Sea Grant Coastal Changes Oral History Project |
Cokie Rathborne | Carl Brasseaux, Don Davis, Roy Kron | 12-29-2009 | Louisiana Sea Grant | Harvey Canal, LA |
Interview with Cokie Rathborne and Greg Lier in Harvey Canal, Louisiana. |
Louisiana Sea Grant Coastal Changes Oral History Project |
Norris Price | Carl Brasseaux, Don Davis | 12-29-2009 | Louisiana Sea Grant | Chauvin, LA |
Interview with Norris Price in Chauvin, Louisiana. |
Louisiana Sea Grant Coastal Changes Oral History Project |
Herb Bennerfield | Unknown | Louisiana Sea Grant | Delcambre, LA |
The Rev. Herb Bennerfield presides over the annual Blessing of the Fleet in Delcambre. He describes what the shrimp festival and fishery mean to one small town. |
Shrimp Tales | |
Cecile Robin | Unknown | Louisiana Sea Grant | St. Bernard Parish, LA |
Cecile Robin married into a family of fishermen. She explores some of the wives tales associated with fishing in south Louisiana. |
Shrimp Tales | |
Ambrose Besson | Earl Robichaux | 08-05-2009 | Louisiana Sea Grant | Grand Isle, LA |
Interview with Ambrose Besson in Grand Isle, Louisiana. |
Louisiana Sea Grant Coastal Changes Oral History Project |
Frank Besson | Earl Robichaux | 08-05-2009 | Louisiana Sea Grant | Grand Isle, LA |
Interview with Frank Besson of Grand Isle, Louisiana. |
Louisiana Sea Grant Coastal Changes Oral History Project |
Leoda Besson Bladsacker | Earl Robichaux | 08-05-2009 | Louisiana Sea Grant | Grand Isle, LA |
Interview with Leoda Besson Bladsacker in Grand Isle, Louisiana. |
Louisiana Sea Grant Coastal Changes Oral History Project |
Arthur Blanchard | Earl Robichaux | 08-05-2009 | Louisiana Sea Grant | Grand Isle, LA |
Interview with Arthur Blanchard in Grand Isle, Louisiana. |
Louisiana Sea Grant Coastal Changes Oral History Project |
Louis Blum | Don Davis, Carl Brasseaux | 12-29-2009 | Louisiana Sea Grant | Houma, LA |
Interview with Louis Blum in Houma, Louisiana. |
Louisiana Sea Grant Coastal Changes Oral History Project |
Sandra Boquet | Carl Brasseaux, Don Davis, Roy Kron | 12-29-2009 | Louisiana Sea Grant | Cameron, LA |
Interview with Sandra Boquet in Cameron, Louisiana. |
Louisiana Sea Grant Coastal Changes Oral History Project |
Marshall Borel | Paula Ouder, Thomas Hymel | 07-15-2010 | Louisiana Sea Grant | Abbeville, LA |
Marshall Borel discusses his early life and his father who was a fisherman in the 1930's. He described crabbing in the Atchafalaya Basin with a roller line. He talks about the different kinds of fish he caught as well as frogs. He talks about the net he made specifically to catch frogs. He boasts working forty hours a week and never missing it. |
Louisiana Sea Grant Coastal Changes Oral History Project |
Jodi Karinas | Carl Brasseaux, Don Davis | 07-17-2009 | Louisiana Sea Grant | Unknown |
The Karinas talk about their family's contribution to the seafood industry. They talk about processing shrimp on the boats before shipping them to market. They tell stories of their family members driving the shrimp to the markets and sometimes dodging the cops with their shipment. They talk about shrimping seasons. They talk about the shrimp market before and after WWII. They talk about the Portuguese and their roles in the shrimp industry. They talk about the progression of the oil industry. They talk about hurricanes and their effect on the shrim |
Louisiana Sea Grant Coastal Changes Oral History Project |
Diane Karinas-Austin | Carl Brasseaux, Don Davis | 07-17-2009 | Louisiana Sea Grant | Unknown |
The Karinas talk about their family's contribution to the seafood industry. They talk about processing shrimp on the boats before shipping them to market. They tell stories of their family members driving the shrimp to the markets and sometimes dodging the cops with their shipment. They talk about shrimping seasons. They talk about the shrimp market before and after WWII. They talk about the Portuguese and their roles in the shrimp industry. They talk about the progression of the oil industry. They talk about hurricanes and their effect on the shrim |
Louisiana Sea Grant Coastal Changes Oral History Project |
Jeane Landry | Earl Robichaux | 08-05-2009 | Louisiana Sea Grant | Grand Isle, LA |
Interview with Jeane Landry in Grand Isle, Louisiana. |
Louisiana Sea Grant Coastal Changes Oral History Project |
Pierre Lee | Don Davis | 07-11-2008 | Louisiana Sea Grant | Abbeville, LA |
Lee tells the tale of his escape from Vietnam with his family after the war ended. He discusses being the first Vietnamese to transition to Abbeville, Louisiana for the warm climate and the strong Catholic influence. Although trained as a pilot and engineer, Lee began his life in the U.S. as a car washer, worked his way up to mechanic, and then became a top engineer for an oil company. |
Louisiana Sea Grant Coastal Changes Oral History Project |
Dewey Lehret | Carl Brasseaux, Don Davis | 05-26-2010 | Louisiana Sea Grant | Boudreaux Canal, LA |
Interview with Dewey Lehret. |
Louisiana Sea Grant Coastal Changes Oral History Project |