These 17 Rare Photos Show Massachusetts' Fishing History Like Never Before

Massachusetts isn’t called The Bay State for nothing. This place has a rich and storied seafaring history, and much of the state’s early economy was based around the fruits of the ocean. From whaling days to modern fishing operations, Massachusetts owes so much of its heritage to the sea. Take a look at this collection of rarely seen photographs that illustrate our deep connection to the ocean.

1. Two tuna being hauled on board. (1937)

2. Fisherman repairing nets in a harbor shack. Men would often develop "fishermen's cancer" from holding the coal tar-coated net twine in their mouth while mending tears. (1937)

3. These repair sheds were once plentiful, but are now hard to find. Still, some have found new life as beach cottages.

4. A fishing boat in front of the S.S. "Romance," a tourist boat which used to sail between Boston and Provincetown and has since sunk in Boston Harbor. (1937)

5. A skate nailed to a post and named "Popeye." This was likely done to amuse tourists from Boston.

6. Fishermen and tourists mingling on shore.

7. Nets such as this one would drag in the water for about an hour before being hauled aboard.

8. Fishermen playing cards in Gloucester.

9. The beach has always been a favorite haunt of locals and tourists alike.

10. The weathered hands of a fisherman in Truro. (1940)

11. These fishermen have been out on the water for five hours, and they're returning home for the day. The time? Just before 8 a.m. (1937)

12. Locals watching the tourist ships sail in. Some of us probably know how they're feeling.

13. Art students using the sea as inspiration.

14. Manuel Zorra was known as one of the best fishermen on the Cape. He captained a small boat, and frequently went out by himself.

16. An aerial view of Provincetown. Everything looks so serene and charming. (1940)

17. A fisherman up to his knees in the catch of the day.

So much of our history is tied to the sea. If you’re looking for another blast from the past, read about this little-known, hidden bunker with a dark purpose beneath a Massachusetts mountain.

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These 17 Rare Photos Show Massachusetts' Seafaring History Like Never Before

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