Ted Joseph

Location of Interview
Collection Name

Oral History Collection - Fishing and Fisheries

Description

This collections contains recordings of interviews with Woods Hole residents and visiting scientists, as part of the Woods Hole Historical Museum’s Oral History Collection.  For more information, visit: woodsholemuseum.org.

Interviewer
Date of Interview
06-02-1981
Principal Investigator
Audio
Transcript
Biographical Sketch

Theodore M. 'Ted' Joseph was born in Chilmark, Massachusetts, and grew up in Quisset, Massachusetts. During World War II, Ted served in the US Army Air Corps from 1940 to 1945, participating in the European-African Middle Eastern Campaign. After the war, Ted joined the Town of Falmouth as a Police Officer, serving from 1946 to 1950. Following his tenure in law enforcement, he worked alongside his father at the Harborview Fish Market in Falmouth Harbor. He also contributed to the operations of Ed's Cleaners before becoming a caretaker at the Gifford Estate in Penzance Point, Woods Hole. Ted's father, Joe Joseph, started fishing at a young age in Quissett and later owned a catboat, fishing off Noman's Land using handlining techniques. Joe worked as a lifelong commercial fisherman, both independently and as a captain for others. Lobstering and fishing were his main occupations until his passing in 1979 at 86. He also worked on a dragger out of Chilmark, Martha's Vineyard, where Ted was born. Joe Joseph was involved in a federal program during the 1930s to remove predator starfish from shell-fishing grounds. He also scalloped in Waquoit Bay and operated charter boats out of Falmouth Harbor. Even in his 70s, Joe continued lobster fishing without using a winch. Following the closure of Sam Cahoon's fish market in 1962, Joe Joseph sold his fish locally and assisted with various other fish markets.

Scope and Content Note
In an interview with Ted Joseph, he shares insights into his father's fishing career and discusses various topics related to fishing in Woods Hole. The interview covers the types of fish caught by draggers and fishing techniques like seining and beach fishing. Eels and swordfish are also mentioned in passing, along with herring fishing at Trunk River. The conversation shifts to eel fishing, highlighting how eels were caught and sold to buyers from New York and Boston. Trucks were used to transport the eels from a collection point in Greenpoint to their respective destinations. Ted notes that eels were particularly popular around Christmas, especially among Italian and Jewish communities. However, the eel fishery has declined significantly, with only one person currently engaged in eel fishing in the area. He expresses concerns about the challenges faced by the fishing industry, such as competition from other fish species and the impact of pollution. Ted mentions the declining herring runs and the detrimental effects of pollution on local waters. Additionally, Ted discusses his father's lobster boats, his father's relationship with Sam Cahoon, memories of his mother, and his own experiences in commercial fishing. Finally, Ted Joseph talks about his retirement, family life, and his involvement in volunteer work.


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