Interviewer(s): D. Austin. Bayou Vista, LA

Affiliation: University of Arizona

I met Fannie Hobbs at the Morgan City Archives when I was reviewing back issues of the Morgan City Review. As I talked with Fannie about the offshore history study, she informed me that she had worked for several oilfield companies. I asked her if she would be willing to be interviewed, and she consented. I met her at her home for the interview.

Fannie Hobbs was originally from Texas, but she moved to Morgan City, Louisiana in 1963 when her husband, Barney, got a new job as Port Steward for a catering company. At the time, Fannie and Barney had four children and another one on the way. Barney was responsible for providing crews for seven rigs but soon his responsibilities grew and he was in charge of 53 rigs, a situation that Fannie is certain contributed to his massive heart attack in the late 1960s. Because of her husband's disability, Fannie had to go to work to support the family. She worked for Avondale Shipyards, Diamond M Drilling Company, Cactus International, and several other companies. She joined the Desk and Derrick Club in 1970 and served as the chapter president in 1980-1981.