William Everett

Location of Interview
Collection Name

Wild Caught: The Life and Struggles of an American Fishing Town

Description

For 300 years, the fishermen of Sneads Ferry, N.C., have practiced sustainable, small- scale commercial fishing, passing on the traditional lore of the sea from generation to generation. In the early 21st century, imported farm-raised shrimp, skyrocketing coastal development, and complex regulations threatened to push many fishermen to the brink of disaster. Wild Caught captures the wisdom and resilience of an extraordinary community.

Interviewer
Date of Interview
07-17-2000
Transcribers

National Capital Contracting

Principal Investigator
Audio
Transcript
Video
Abstract

Matthew Barr interviewed William Everett for the Wild Caught project. Born in 1928, William Everett is a lifelong resident of Sneads Ferry, North Carolina. Everett describes his family's deep roots in the community, with a continuous presence since just after the Civil War. After serving in the Air Force, Everett chose to return to Sneads Ferry due to the improvements that had taken place during his absence, particularly valuing the community's quietness and slow pace of life. In the interview, Everett discusses the local fishing and farming practices that defined his upbringing. His father engaged in both occupations, which was a common combination in the area during the early to mid-20th century. Everett recounts his childhood memories of learning to swim in the local river, the fresh seafood that was a staple of his diet, and the community's self-sufficiency through gardening and raising livestock. He emphasizes the importance of fresh seafood, noting the significant difference in quality compared to what is typically available in restaurants today. Everett also reflects on the socioeconomic conditions during the Great Depression, highlighting his family's ability to avoid hunger due to their farming and fishing activities. He provides insights into the minimal segregation and discrimination in Sneads Ferry during his youth, attributing it to the lack of institutions that enforced such divisions. Everett's return to the community after his military service was influenced by his appreciation for the area's natural beauty, particularly the New River, which he describes as having a unique charm due to its lake-like qualities.


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