What was a Fish Trap Watchman’s lifestyle?

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A fish trap watchman lived on the fish trap, without going home, for 3 ½ months.  His job on the fish trap began in June, and ended in the middle of September. That was a long time to be on the trap!

The watchman lived in a tiny “trap house” right on the trap platform. The trap house was only big enough to sleep in and to stand up. It contained a coal stove in the corner, a table, and a bunk. Sometimes there were two watchmen. In that case, there were two bunks in the trap house, with just enough room to walk between the bunks. The trap shack was built high up on a platform that was supported by piles, with a ladder leading up to it. The stovepipe stuck out of the roof. Supplies such as coal and groceries were delivered to the watchman by boat.

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Image Credit: Microsoft Clip Art Gallery