Seymour Waterman

Location of Interview
Collection Name

Port of Los Angeles Centennial Oral History Project

Description

The Port of Los Angeles celebrated its Centennial on December 9, 2007.  As part of the Port of Los Angeles Centennial Oral History Project, these interviews feature various members of the Los Angeles Harbor Area community who were interviewed in 2007 to document different eras in Port history.

Interviewer
Transcribers

National Capital Contracting 

Audio
Abstract

Seymour Waterman was interviewed for the Port of Los Angeles Centennial Oral History Project. Waterman, born in 1922 in Kansas City, Missouri, moved to Los Angeles during the Great Depression when his father sought employment in San Pedro. Waterman describes his early childhood experiences in San Pedro, recalling how his father initially worked in a local scrap yard and later peddled fruits and vegetables to make a living. As a child, Waterman worked various jobs, including dishwashing and assisting his father with his peddling business. The interview captures Waterman’s reflections on life in San Pedro during the 1930s and his participation in community activities, including the Woodcraft Rangers, a group focused on outdoor activities. He recalls vivid memories of visiting ships in the harbor and his participation in sports such as football during high school. The conversation also delves into the challenges of the Depression era, the diversity of the San Pedro community, and the impacts of World War II. Waterman describes his post-war return to San Pedro, his brief experience working in the clothing business, and his eventual entry into the maritime salvage industry. He outlines his career development, including his work at Alaska Pipe and Salvage and his decision to start his own business handling maritime equipment. Waterman discusses his company’s growth and his involvement in the sale and distribution of surplus maritime materials. The interview concludes with his reflections on the changes in San Pedro and Wilmington over the decades, including the decline of the fishing and canning industries.


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