John and Sarah “Sally” Dodson Gay moved to South Bristol in the early 1950s where John began the life of a commercial fisherman. He fished first for Burley Staples and Corliss Farrin as a purse seiner, later fishing for himself as an independent lobsterman. He owned two boats, the “Doris E.” and the “Pelican”. John also had a blasting and well digging business with Roland McFarland for a time. During this period, John and Sally started their family, having three daughters together. He served the town of South Bristol on the Board of Selectman and Board of Assessors. Around 1960 John went to work for Vast, Inc., later to become Tracor Marine. John’s wife Sally was known for her generosity and warm hospitality. She touched the lives of many, giving her time and resources to her family, the Union Church and her community. Sally also served as Chairman of the South Bristol Planning Board.

The photos in this gallery date from the 1950s and 1960s and have been kindly donated to SBHS by John and Sally’s daughters: Margaret, Sarah, and Deborah.