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ORAL HISTORY

Lynn Martina

Lynn's Quality Oysters

Born and raised in Eastpoint, Lynn Martina grew up in the seafood industry. Her parents, John and Sherrill Carroll, were in the business for almost thirty years. Lynn started shucking at her parents’ oyster house in 1973 at the age of nine. She would get out of school and head straight to the shucking stall. But after Lynn finished school, she got a job in banking. In 1997, though, Lynn’s parents were ready to retire. They sold Braxton and Carroll Seafood to their daughter. Lynn changed the name to Lynn’s Quality Oysters. In the years since, Lynn has made a name for herself in an industry dominated by men. Still, between the politics and Mother Nature, Lynn faces new challenges every day. Hurricane Dennis in 2005 practically destroyed her facility. Her employees are all locals, many of whom are of retirement age. But Lynn feels an obligation—an obligation to her family, to tradition, and to the people of Eastpotint.