"Lobster Lady" subject of children's book by Biddeford author

BIDDEFORD — When Barbara Walsh saw the story of then 101-year-old Lobster Lady on television news show 207, she knew she had to meet her and tell her story.

Walsh, a Pulitzer-prize winning journalist who had previously penned four children’s books contacted Virginia Oliver, who at 102 is the oldest lobster trapper in Maine, and possibly the world. Oliver, who had become somewhat of a national celebrity, was very gracious and welcoming and invited Walsh to come up to her home in Rockland.

“Talking with her is like talking to your grandmother. She’s delightful – she’s always smiling and laughing,” said Walsh.

Walsh’s book “The Lobster Lady: Maine’s 102-year-old Legend,” published earlier this year, tells Oliver’s story. It’s a children’s book, illustrated by Shelby Crouse, but Walsh said it can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

Oliver, who is known as Ginny, began lobster trapping as a young girl. After raising four children with her husband Bill, she began working at a paper mill, but found herself drawn to the sea. She quit the factory job and joined her lobsterman husband.

When her husband died, Oliver was 86-years-old, an age when most people think of retiring. Oliver couldn’t stop doing what she loved, and started going out to trap lobsters three times a week with her son Max.

Oliver has no intention of slowing down, said Walsh. She still lobsters three times a week with her son, and in the winter she does a lot of cooking and will often drive in her truck to the local Hannaford just to walk around. Walsh said she frequently jokes with Oliver, asking her to see her birth certificate, because she seems so much younger than 102.

People often ask Oliver when she’s going to stop lobstering, said Walsh, and Oliver tells them “I’ll stop when I die. Why stop doing what I love?”

“She receives letters from around the country. People write her and say she’s an inspiration,” said Walsh. “She doesn’t think it’s a big deal. She just loves getting out on the water.”

Barbara Walsh is currently scheduling book signings and events. To schedule Walsh, email her at mainescribe@gmail.com.

Publisher Liz Gotthelf can be reached at newsdesk@sacobaynews.com.