The best shuckers could produce two gallons of oysters an hour

5,500 BC: Shells of Ancient History

ByDarci Smith Hours
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Chesapeake is derived from a Native American word meaning “the great shellfish Bay.” J.C. Lore & Sons Oyster House (1934-1961) in Solomons follows the rise and fall of oyster fortunes. When the Civil War struck, the oyster market crashed. Watermen made more money smuggling than oyster farming.  In 1885, Chesapeake Bay’s oyster harvest climbed to its highest point as 15 million bushels.

Shuckers were paid by the weight of oyster meat produced – $0.24 (1924) to $1.50 (1974) per gallon
In 1607, oysters were so numerous it took 3 to 5 days to filter all Chesapeake waters. Today it takes over a year to complete the task. Each oyster filters about 50 gallons of water a day.

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