Toward an oral history of Cape Ann: OH 45, CD 67-CD68 : Wonson, Carlton

TRACKS: CD67: 1. Development of State Fish Pier

2. Rival site advocates, private ventures, 1930-31, Mr. Wonson's role as private counsel for Five Pound Island site

3. Description of Five Pound Island

4. Method of filling Pier site

5. Conflict between public funding and private corporation

6. Financial difficulties

7. Political role of Weston U. Friend

8. Reorganization as public institution, public funding

9. Construction of Pier and facilities, quality of fill

10. Turnover ceremony, management responsibilities, early fiscal dilemma

11. Lack of tenants; proposition of John Ryan to underwrite Pier expenses and assume control of entire Pier, our benefactor

12. Original leases advantageous to tenant

13. Interests of John Ryan

14. Pier becomes self-sustaining, revision of leases

15. Initial skepticism of waterfront industries, eventual role of Pier in bringing fresh fish industry from Boston to Gloucester

16. John Ryan takes it off our hands

17. Original support from independent vessel owners

18. Conversion of stalls originally designed for saltfish processing to secure tenants for fresh fish business

19. Effect of Depression and changing tastes on fishing industry

20. Site selection process, contrasts with Urban Renewal Program, disinclination then to tear down existing facilities. CD68: 1. Description and acquisition of Five Pound Island

2. Boon of government assistance to Gloucester

3. Trends in philosophy and policy of Pier, difficulties stemming from political changes to Board

4. Wharf policy of Pier, operation of fish dehydration business

5. Pier users predominately from out of Gloucester

6. Freighters at Pier

7. Fuel facilities, accommodation of vessels, raison d'etre

8. Lack of wharf space in Gloucester

9. Ethnic groups in fishing

10. Fisherman's Institute

11. Changes in fishing industry

12. Government involvement in fisheries.