WASHINGTON, DC—Last week, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) honored Virginia ‘Ginny’ Oliver by recognizing her in the official Congressional Record. At 101 years old, Oliver, sometimes called “The Lobster Lady,” is Maine’s—and perhaps the world’s—oldest lobster harvester.
“In Maine we take great pride in our strong work ethic, and Virginia Oliver, The Lobster Lady, is a bright example of why that pride is well-placed,” said Congresswoman Pingree in her remarks.
Pingree’s Extension of Remarks honoring Oliver’s contribution to Maine’s heritage lobster industry was submitted to the Congressional Record on Thursday, September 30, 2021, which can be read online here or below.
Ms. PINGREE. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor Virginia Oliver, who at 101 years old is Maine's, and perhaps the world's, oldest lobster harvester.
Known as Ginny to her friends, and affectionately called "The Lobster Lady'' by us at home, Mrs. Oliver has been hauling traps off and on since the age of seven, a decade before World War II and at a time when few women were working on the water. When asked recently how much longer she'll continue lobstering, she shared that she has no plans to stop.
Three long days a week, May through November, Mrs. Oliver and her son Max tend their traps off Rockland, working one of the most hazardous jobs in the country. She pilots the boat named after her, cleans and fills bait bags, and measures and bands lobsters.
In Maine we take great pride in our strong work ethic, and Virginia Oliver, The Lobster Lady, is a bright example of why that pride is well-placed. I am honored to recognize this Mainer's contribution to our heritage lobster industry.
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