Port Norris Legends

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Captain James Elwood McBride
b.1913 – d.1963

The only African American man to own and operate a fleet of oyster boats in the State of New Jersey, along with his wife, Lucy M. McBride

Civic Contributions:
• A philanthropist
• Friend and supporter to those in need

Church Positions:
He was devout supporter and member of John Wesley United Methodist Church

Political Positions:
Work Experience: Entrepreneurs in the McBride commercial oyster and clam enterprises

Organizations:
A Master Mason

Personal Information:
Captain McBride joined Mrs. McBride to pursue a business venture in the Shell fishing Industry in Port Norris in 1945.

Mrs. Lucy M. McBride
(1916 – 1989)

Business Affiliations: Along with her husband, Captain James Elwood McBride, she supported her husband’s operation of a fleet of oyster boats in the State of New Jersey.

Civic Contributions:
• She was instrumental in the creation of subsidized housing for Commercial Township
• A former secretary and treasurer of the New Jersey N.A.A.C.P
• Past President of the Commercial Township Parent Teachers Association (PTA).

Church Positions:
• She was devout member of John Wesley United Methodist Church
• A leader in the United Methodist Women’s Organization
• President of the church’s former Flower Committee, now known as the Altar Guild.
• Member of the “Challengers of the Cross” Play
• Chairwoman of Annual Charity Event: “Evening in Paris” Fashion Show and Revue

Political Positions:
Work Experience: Entrepreneurs in the McBride commercial oyster and clam enterprises

Organizations:
• Past Grand Worthy Matron of the Order of the Eastern Star

Personal Information:
Mrs. McBride joined Captain McBride to pursue a business venture in the Shell fishing Industry in Port Norris in 1945.

Other:
After her husband’s tragic death, she served as Chief Executive Officer of the McBride commercial oyster and clam enterprises.

Mc Bride Family at Legends Dinner, December 2, 2012