More than 100 years of Dory Fishing
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Kris O’Donnell
In 1889, the beach cooperative known as the Dory Fishing Fleet was
founded in Newport Beach at what was then called McFadden’s Wharf. It
occurred when a dory man pulled his boat onto the sand and opened the
Dory Fisherman’s Market. Thus began a tradition that continues today
alongside Newport Pier.
It was during the 1890s that the custom arose of having the dory
men’s wives sell the freshly caught fish. The first booths were
beneath the wharf. Later, the women began to use the boats as shops
-- a tradition that continues today.
In 1939, the remnants of a hurricane necessitated the rebuilding
of the pier, as 500 feet of it was swept away. Today’s municipal pier
was built the year after the disaster.
With the exception of a mandated interruption of business in World
War II, dory fishers have continuously launched from the base of
Newport Pier.
The Dory Fleet fished off shore and on shore. Originally, oars
were used to breach the breakers -- overturned boats were
commonplace. Once through the breakers, small sails were used to
extend their reach out to sea, as it was a long haul to the fishing
beds. Fishing lines were, and still are, rigged according to the fish
they want to catch.
The original dories were about the same size and shape as they are
today, but they were cotton and treated with Tan Bark to keep marine
growth from rotting them.
Onshore Santa Ana Winds often impeded the return trip for the
rowing fleet. Today, oars have given way to outboard motors.
In 1967, according to the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum, the
Newport Beach City Council recognized the Dory Fleet as the last such
co-op in the U.S. The City Council deemed that the fish market
property should be preserved and given a sense of permanency.
At a cost of thousands of dollars, the city constructed a
protective screen of pilings around the marketplace, thereby securing
the property and enhancing the wharf-like appearance of the area.
In 1969, the Newport Beach Historical Society dedicated the Dory
Fleet and Fish Market as historical landmarks.
Therefore, it transpired that sons followed their fathers, who had
followed their fathers.
* LOOKING BACK runs Sundays. Do you know of a person, place or
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