Bruce Thurlow with lobster traps, Scarborough, ca. 1953

Contributed by Scarborough Historical Society & Museum

Bruce Thurlow with lobster traps, Scarborough, ca. 1953

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Description

Bruce Thurlow of Scarborough, at age 16, stands by a pile of his repaired lobster traps. These were 36-inch round wooden traps with nylon heads and rope, ready for spring setting in 1953. These traps contained three permanent bricks designed to hold the trap on the ocean floor. However, as each trap was initially set, another three loosely laid bricks were added, allowing the trap to sink. It would not be hauled for two to three days until it had "soaked up" and sank only with the permanent bricks in place.

Most boys who grew up in Pine Point in Scarborough followed in their father's trade, and it was quite common to become a lobster fisherman. Many learned the trade by hauling traps by hand and getting to strings (a string would be anywhere from 2-10 individual traps placed in a lucrative lobster territory) of traps in 16 foot skiffs propelled by outboard motors.

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About This Item

  • Title: Bruce Thurlow with lobster traps, Scarborough, ca. 1953
  • Creation Date: circa 1953
  • Subject Date: circa 1953
  • Location: Pine Point, Scarborough, Cumberland County, ME
  • Media: Photographic print
  • Object Type: Image

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For more information about this item, contact:

Scarborough Historical Society & Museum
PO Box 156, Scarborough, ME 04070-0156
(207) 885-9997

This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. No Permission is required to use the low-resolution watermarked image for educational use, or as allowed by the applicable copyright. For all other uses, permission is required.

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