Revised 9/21/06
Revised 9/21/06
When we were kids in the 40s it did not seem important to talk to the old timers about how they made their living working in the bays and waterways of South Jersey. This WebSite is an effort to make up for our neglect.
Don Cramer is sharing some of his family photographs with the public. They were taken during the the turn of the century. Please pass any information on to us that will enhance this website. Old pictures and negatives are needed. We need stories that you remember or that were passed on to you. Folklore about the area is welcomed also.
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The Morris Fish Farm (later named Anchoring Point)
shows the tanks and landing area. In the foreground is a 40' motor launch that
was used as a ferry to take the workers to the mainland of both Longport and
Somers Point. The landing in Somers Point was located near the old Shore Fast Line trolley bridge
that was later built in 1903.
The island had numerous houses, buildings, trees and the tanks that held the
"bunker oil" and "fish meal." The meal started out as a by-product and later
became an important livestock supplement and also an ingredient used in
fertilizer.
---Don Cramer 2002
This is the Lancaster "laying to" commencing to "scrap" or
"brail"
the bunkers aboard into the hold. The two seine boats are "made fast" at one
end next to the vessel. As the crew gradually takes in the lease and "cods" the
bunker together. The net is worked from a "whip" (a single block and tackle),
worked from a "niggerhead" (winch drum). Much similar to a large dip
net but capable of holding 1000 pounds at a time. In later years this was
done using hydraulic pumps and suctioned the catch into the holds.
---Don Cramer 2002
The two seine boats have encircled the school of menhaden and
have pursed the net around the fish. They are gathering "lease" ready for
the vessel to come alongside. Note in the upper right a single mast ship.
(She is possibly the Elizabeth C.) The "crows nest" is located at
the top of the mast. (Not seen in this picture.) Looking from the crows nest was the method used to locate the
bunker
schools. There is a "crows nest" on all "seine boats."
(There are actually four vessels in this picture.) One of
the vessels is "blowing his stack" (indicated by a rich dark smoke, emitting
from the smoke stack) or "poring on the coal."
This usually indicates
he sees a school of fish. He is attempting to get there ahead of his competition
and make a "set."
---Don Cramer 2002
Here are the two seine boats. They have cleaned out the nets, have brought it back aboard
and are waiting to be hoisted aboard. The
crews were predominantly southern blacks. The captain, mate
and engineer were always white. The crew was from 20 to 26 with a mess cook. This as most
other fishing and shell fishing was especially hard labor. It required a
concentrated effort to fish all day in extreme conditions. The captains
had to be a hardy breed to maintain discipline and order.
---Don Cramer 2002
Lower Away- The "purse boats" have been put over the side with the
"boat davits" shown on the stern quarters by the rear mast and boom. A large
circle of net will be run off around the "bunkers." Known to the New
Englanders as "pogies." The net was then "pursed."
---Don Cramer 2002
Looking northwest from the island is a rare photo of the reels at
the Morris Fish Farm. They were
located outside the net sheds where they were hung, (lead lines and corks
affixed) mended, over-hauled and stored. Toward the west the shore line is
believed to be Somers Point's Lousy Harbor (Bass Harbor).
---Don Cramer 2002
Captain Ben Cramer
Photo taken at the Somers Mansion 1917.
(Notice the railing on the mansion. )
Born in !852 in New Gretna, from ancestors who settled in West Jersey
in the 1600's. An old time sea captain and widely known blue water seafarer, he went to
sea as a cabin boy and followed the sea for over a half century. He
sailed in the West Indies trade and later in coastal schooners from Maine to
many southern ports of call. He was partners in the Morris Fish
Factories and later captained the Elizabeth, a one hundred foot, steam
driven Purse Seiner. The Morris Fish co. fleet of menhaden vessels "plied" the
Atlantic in search of menhaden, commonly known as bunkers and pogies. Which
were rendered for oil and feed.
The Morris Fish Factory, was located at the entrance to the Great Egg
Harbor, now referred to Anchoring Point. Later he sailed parties out
of Longport and Somers Point, and was president and commodore of the
Longport Yachting Association . After retiring from the sea, he became
involved with the trucking business and the Duntile Corporation.
In 1917 he became the first chief of police and swore in two sons Albert and
William as special officers. During this period he owned the Cramer Garage
across from the then, Point Tavern, with his son Albert for 25 years He
died in his Philadelphia residence in 1937 at age 85.
The above photo is Captain Ben. At over six foot six he walked the
town, with this nightstick and he sailed the sea, on many rough ships.
Wise men knew , you didn't give Ben any lip...!
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