Suzanne R.
Finding Friendship Oral History Project
The Finding Friendship Oral History Project is a joint effort of the Friendship Museum and the Friendship Village School, directed by Sally Merrick, museum volunteer, and Gaylea Hynd, teacher. In 2003-2004 sixth grade students conducted taped interviews of three generations of lobstermen and women, as well as others associated with the lobstering industry. Printed copies of the interviews and CDs of the printed transcripts are available at the Friendship Museum in Friendship, Maine.
Alexiee
Suzanne is a young lobster fisher from Friendship Village. Born into a family with a lobstering tradition, Suzanne has been actively involved in the industry from a young age. Her mother accompanies her on lobstering trips, which occur twice a week, specifically on Tuesdays and Saturdays during the late summer months of July and August. Suzanne holds a lobstering license, for which both her parents contributed to the cost of approximately $45.00. Her pot buoy stands out with its distinctive blue and green colors, making it easily identifiable among others. Suzanne utilizes herring as bait, conveniently sourced from her father's barrel. Each fishing expedition involves setting and hauling 20 traps. During her lobstering adventures, Suzanne encounters various marine creatures, including cockles and crabs.
Scope and Content Note
Suzanne, an active participant in lobstering, shares insights about her experiences in the industry. She emphasizes her frequent lobstering trips twice a week with her mother, the process of obtaining a license, the color of her pot buoy, and her preferred bait. Suzanne describes the number of traps she sets and hauls and elaborates on the significance of v-notching lobsters' tails. She mentions encountering various marine creatures while fishing and identifies her boat as the Green Monster. Suzanne discusses her lobstering gear, including a distinctive orange outfit and a life jacket for safety. Additionally, she details the storage of lobsters and her encounter with a boat breakdown. Suzanne shares her perspective on the positive financial aspect of lobstering and revealed her personal aversion to eating lobsters. The interview concludes with Suzanne providing additional details about lobster traps and the process of trapping lobsters.
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