Monthly Archives: November 2016

Prout’s Neck: From Farm to Resort

Preface By John J. Cromie Ballston Spa, NY This work examines the gradual, early development of a summer place most noted as the home of Winslow Homer.  Yet, how does a resident of an upstate New York village become interested … Continue reading

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Knitting Needle

Equipment we used Knitting Needle The knitting needle was an important tool in every lobsterman’s household. The needle was about a foot long, made of wood or metal (my father’s was brass) and used to knit heads, or nets for lobster … Continue reading

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Lobster Gauge (Measure):

Equipment we used: Lobster Gauge (Measure): A lobster a gauge is a small brass device used to measure the length of the lobster’s carapace—from the eye socket to the beginning of the tail. The device resembles measuring calipers, except that … Continue reading

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Lobster Boats

Equipment we used: Lobster Boats: Growing up, I remember Mr. Ward Bickford building lobster boats in a large, garage-like building between his home and The Pillsbury Inn where the Hurd Annex parking lot is now. The boats were 26-feet long … Continue reading

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Wooden Cradles

Equipment we used: Wooden Cradles: In the off-season, boats were hauled from the water and stored on wooden cradles. Come spring, boats in their cradles were hauled onto the shore, usually by Jack Conroy’s tow truck, and floated out of … Continue reading

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Bait

Equipment we used Bait In early days lobster fishermen would hand-line sculpin or mackerel to use for bait. Later a bait man, Mr. McCabe, brought filleted redfish from Portland to our river. He had a special dump truck fitted with … Continue reading

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Hauling Winches

Equipment we used: Hauling Winches: Once boats had engines, winches were used to haul traps. A belt attached to the engine’s shaft pulley operated the winch. It was not unusual for rope to get caught in the winch and the … Continue reading

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Bobbers

Equipment we used: Bobbers: Initially, bobbers were sealed glass bottles, usually beer or soda bottles, tied onto one-fathom lengths of rope fastened to the main line. Cork, such as used on nets, was also used. Styrofoam floats have replaced these … Continue reading

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Buoys

Equipment we used: Buoys: Cedar logs were used to make buoys. A lathe was used to shape a round buoy; a log cut in half with lathes nailed on each end made a “chopping-tray” buoy. No matter what shape, all … Continue reading

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Lobster Traps

Equipment we used: Lobster Traps: Most Pine Point lobstermen built and repaired their traps. Traps were made from oak. Bumpers were 3”x 2” oak-planked corners, the round-shaped traps had two bumpers on the bottom and three 1”x 1” oak bows … Continue reading

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