Massachusetts

Interviewee Sort ascending Collection Description Interviewer Date of Interview Location of Interview Affiliation
Willis Blount The Working Waterfront Festival Community Documentation Project

Willis Blount, a distinguished fisherman and shipbuilder, was born in Putnam, Connecticut, in 1945. He inherited his maritime passion from a family deeply entrenched in shipbuilding and fishing traditions. Blount's early exposure to the maritime world led him to develop a connection to both shipbuilding and fishing. His journey encompassed innovative contributions to the industry and a lifelong dedication to the sea.

Janice Gadaire Fleuriel New Bedford, MA Working Waterfront Festival
William McCann Sector Management in New England

Bill McCann, 62, is a commercial fisherman out of New Bedford, Massachusetts. He began fishing with a lobsterman in 1975 after getting out of the Air Force; he has fished with various family members throughout his career and now fishes with his sons and ex-brother-in-law. Mr. McCann currently fishes predominantly for monkfish and skates, both inshore and offshore. He is an active member of sector 7 and believes that sector 7 functions better than other sectors due largely to the sector manager.

Azure Cygler Wareham, MA NOAA
William M. Hartly Fishermen Interviews of the U.S. Commission of Fish and Fisheries, 1893-1895

Interview with fisherman William M. Hartly of Gloucester, MA by William Wakeham, Richard Rathbun and Hugh M. Smith of the U.S. Fish Commission. Interview contains descriptions of the mackerel fishery.

William Wakeham, Richard Rathbun , Hugh M. Smith Gloucester, MA U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Archives II , New England Regional National Archives
William L. Grozier Tales of Cape Cod

Mr. Grozier was born in North Truro in 1904.  His paternal grandfather John Paine Grozier was born in Truro. His grandfather’s occupation was a teamer, one who collected cargo from shipwrecks on the beaches and then reloaded it on ships.  His father John Franklin Grozier was a road man who worked for the town of Truro for 32 years.  Mr.

Betty Richards North Truro, MA The William Brewster Nickerson Cape Cod History Archives
William J. Hudder Fishermen Interviews of the U.S. Commission of Fish and Fisheries, 1893-1895

Date above approximate. Interview with fisherman William Hudder of Gloucester, MA by members of the U.S. Fish Commission. Interview contains descriptions of the mackerel fishery.

Unknown Gloucester, MA U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Archives II , New England Regional National Archives
William H. Greenleaf Fishermen Interviews of the U.S. Commission of Fish and Fisheries, 1893-1895

Interview with fisherman William H. Greenleaf of Gloucester, MA by William Wakeham, Richard Rathbun and Hugh M. Smith of the U.S. Fish Commission. Interview contains descriptions of the mackerel fishery.

William Wakeham, Richard Rathbun , Hugh M. Smith Gloucester, MA U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Archives II , New England Regional National Archives
Wesley "Geno" and JoAnne Leech The Working Waterfront Festival Community Documentation Project

Geno Leech is a seasoned fisherman and poet hailing from Chinook, Washington. Born in Oregon City, Oregon, Geno's early life was far removed from the sea, with his family involved in farming in the Midwest. However, a chance encounter with a merchant seaman during a hitchhiking adventure sparked his interest in seafaring. He obtained his seaman's papers and embarked on his first voyage on a T-2 Tanker in December 1969. Over the years, Geno has served on almost every type of vessel, from merchant steamers to draggers, drawing inspiration from his experiences at sea to fuel his poetry.

Markham Starr New Bedford, MA Working Waterfront Festival
Wayne Whalen The Working Waterfront Festival Community Documentation Project

Wayne Whalen is a seasoned professional in the fishing industry, with a lifelong involvement that spans various roles including fisherman, lumper, and machinist. Born in Philadelphia, PA, Whalen currently resides in Cape May, NJ, where he operates a metal fabricating business. His connection to the fishing industry was established through his family, particularly his cousins who were commercial fishermen. Whalen's work has often intersected with the fishing industry, as he has frequently contributed his metalwork skills to the maintenance and repair of commercial boats.

Markham Starr New Bedford, MA Working Waterfront Festival
Warren E. Bailey Oral History Collection - Fishing and Fisheries

Warren E. Bailey, born and raised in Woods Hole, has been deeply connected to the fishing industry throughout his life. He grew up on North Street and attended school in the village. At the age of 17, he started working for Sam Cahoon at his fish market. However, his plans to immediately join the service during World War II were delayed, and he continued working for Sam Cahoon throughout the summer. Bailey eventually enlisted in the Navy and served in World War II. After his military service, he returned to the fish market in Falmouth, where he continued his work.

Nancy Egloff Woods Hole, MA Woods Hole Historical Museum
Walter N. Lewis Tales of Cape Cod

Born in 1906, in Ostrerville, Mr. Lewis recalls that his paternal grandfather was a peddler and grandmother was a nurse who worked for wealthy summer residents. She was a Bliss and her family owned substantial land in Centerville.  His father was a carpenter and shell fisherman.  His mother took in washing and ironing.  Mr.

Frank Rudd Osterville, MA The William Brewster Nickerson Cape Cod History Archives