Eugene Boesch

Mahopac, New York

Oyster

The oyster has been a food source in the New York area for over 6,000 years. Native Americans used it producing large shell middens many of which are still visible. The bivalve was perhaps the most important industry for Europeans from the 17 to the early 20th centuries. During the 19th century it was shipped far and wide. Many landmarks in the area are or were named after the shell fish