The tales of seafarers have fascinated and defined Long Islanders for years, marking a tradition of hard work and innovation. On Wednesday, April 16, Bob Doxsee Jr. visited Connetquot Public Library to discuss his family legacy in the fishing and clamming industry.  The first Doxsee, Thomas, arrived from England in 1743. His son Archelaus moved to a 400-acre farm in Islip, where Bob Doxsee’s great-grandfather, James Harvey Doxsee, was born.  Under James’s tutelage, J.H. Doxsee & Son, founded in 1865, produced canned clam chowder, whole clams, and clam juice under the moniker “Doxsee’s Pure Little Neck Clams,” thus beginning 150 years of a generational enterprise.

A group of new and old friends joined Bob Doxsee Jr. on a journey through his family tree, with a PowerPoint presentation and a room full of black-and-white photos chronicling the lives of his legendary family. In 1900, one branch of his family moved to North Carolina, while John Doxsee, Bob’s grandfather, established the Deep Sea Fish Co., operating ocean pound fish traps in the Fire Island Inlet.  Claiming that clam juice was a cure-all for many common ailments, including indigestion, was part of their advertising.  After serving in France during World War I, Bob Doxsee Sr. and his brother, Spencer, moved the business and the family to Meadow Island, eventually renaming it Bright Eyes Fish Co.  Bob Doxee Jr. explained that fresh fish have bright eyes, hence the name. Bob Doxsee Sr. also served as the mayor of Freeport in the late 1940s. 

While Meadow Island was occupied by bay houses, Bob Doxsee Jr. and his family lived in a cottage.  He recalled his father’s strong presence and work ethic and the first time they went on a boat together.  He shared memories of his innocent adolescent mischief, swimming with friends, Uncle Spencer’s adventures, rum runners, and the unique cast of characters that touched his life.  His meticulous descriptions of life on the ocean, from the “steering the scow,” the operation of nets, and the clamming industry, evoked fond memories for many.  For the novice, it was a cultivating glimpse into local maritime history. 

In 1944, the Doxsee brothers formed a partnership creating the Long Island Sea Clam Company.  Two major hurricanes, one in 1938 and one in 1944, destroyed the family’s nets, and the enterprise focused solely on clamming.  In 1960, Bob’s father turned over the business to him entirely.  It was one of nature’s meteorological anomalies, Superstorm Sandy, that destroyed the remaining operation of the Doxsee Clam Company. Still, it could not erase the memories, nor its historical significance to Long Island.

Cherished friends offered their own recollections of time on the ocean and their unbreakable bonds. These fond memories, Bob’s generosity, his poetry, and reverence for his family’s indelible mark in maritime history remain.  As the library celebrates its 50th year, we are committed to preserving local history and thank Bob for sharing his distinguished life.