Record #:

8679

Author(s):

Angell, Lou

Abstract:

For over 125 years, a porpoise fishery operated on Hatteras Island. After capturing and killing the animals, fishermen cut away the blubber and sent it to the porpoise factory to be processed for oils and hides. The oils were used in a variety of trades, including firearms, and watch and clock making. One kind of oil was used in lighthouse clocks used to control the lanterns. Once a highly lucrative venture, all porpoise operations in North Carolina ended in 1929 due to a downturn in profits.

Source:

The State (NoCar F 251 S77), Vol. 49 Issue 5, Oct 1981, p19-23, 39, il

Subject(s):

Fisheries--Hatteras Island; Porpoises

Record #:

29890

Author(s):

Gray, Landry; Umphlett, Ralph

Abstract:

Damon Gray spent several years as a porpoise fisherman on the North Carolina Outer Banks. Men would gather in dories to surround the porpoise schools, and oil from the jawbones was used to make machinery and watches.

Source:

Sea Chest (NoCar F 262 D2 S42), Vol. 4 Issue 3, Spring 1978, p38-41, il, por

Subject(s):

Porpoises