Photographs from Spinner People and Culture in Southeastern Massachusetts Volume I chapter “Finest Kind: Commercial Fishing in New Bedford.” Read the story here.
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- Photo by Joseph Thomas
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- A pioneer in the technology of fishing, Captain Dan Mullins introduced beam trawling, otter trawling, the double-headed winch and the Mullins freezer to the New Bedford industry. “An Irisher with Daydreams,” as he once called himself, Mullins built several of his own boats. Pictured here is “The Mary,” his 81’ schooner built for dragging in 1919, lost at sea with all hands in 1934. Illustration by Elizabeth Rososky
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- The “otter doors” lower the net to the ocean floor. Principle of the otter doors was brought from Europe by Scandanavian fishermen. Note the gallows frame set inside the rail fore and aft to hook up the doors when they are hauled in. Illustration by Elizabeth Rososky.
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- Paul Hirth, fisherman aboard the “Christina J,” wrestles “shack” fish from the net. Photo by Joseph Thomas
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- Fisherman Paul Hirth operating winch to lower “otter doors” which will spread the net on the ocean floor. Photo by Joseph Thomas
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- The “eastern rig” sets and hauls the net from the side of the boat. Photo by Joseph Thomas
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- The “otter doors” lower the net to the ocean floor. Principle of the otter doors was brought from Europe by Scandanavian fishermen. Note the gallows frame set inside the rail fore and aft to hook up the doors when they are hauled in. Photo by Joseph Thomas
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- New Bedford fishermen leaving for Washington D.C. to testify in front of the Ways and Means Committee on the merits of British and American twine. Captain Mullins is third from left. April 20, 1933.
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- Photo by Joseph Thomas
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- Map of George’s Banks, one of the world’s most fertile fishing grounds and spawning area for over 25 species of the North Atlantic. Graphics by Pat Cave
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- The stern trawler is equipped with large spools, placed directly to the stern, which haul in the nets. Doors are used to sink and spread the nets. Photo by Joseph Thomas
2 Comments
Karen Vilandry · August 17, 2017 at 11:45 pm
Great idea! Do you have any photos of the New Bedford Continental Screw Co? I started a Facebook page for it but need some photos. We have a lot of interest in it. Thanks!
Daniel J Mullins · March 11, 2018 at 2:55 pm
Thank you very much for making this available. I had heard this interview existed years back but never could find it. The impact that his baby trawler had on the business as told in “Caught in Irons” is another great read. The Captain would’ve been proud (but the scowl would never show it).