The Rise And Decline Of The Ol^mpia Oyster 



men into an association which would be recognized as 

 the official representative of the industry for over fifty 

 years. That it would during those years be called upon 

 to help solve the problems of the "Rise and Decline" of 

 the industry, resulting in a Golden Anniversary Banquet 

 in honor of those present at that meeting, who would 

 then be called the "Old Pioneers." 



Mr. Kneeland called the meeting to order. He an- 

 nounced that many problems were confronting the 

 Olympia Oyster industry which presented a challenge to 

 the oyster growers, and which would require co-opera- 

 tion between the growers, and their united effort to 

 solve. Those present v/ere: W. H. Kneeland, George W. 

 Draham, J. J. Brenner, Dr. George W. Ingham, J. H. 

 Deer, U. G. Young, Thomas O'Neil and E. N. Steele. 



I well remember a little story told by George W. Dra- 

 ham which was a convincing argument in favor of 

 organizing. It had much to do with immediate action. 



A Southern darkey was driving his ox team along a 

 Louisiana road when he met a white friend who had 

 heard of his skill v/ith a black snake whip. "Pop that 

 lizard," said the white man, and zip, off came the lizard's 

 head. 



"There's a chipmunk," said his friend. A swish 

 through the air and the chipmunk's family were in 

 mourning. 



"Pretty good, Mose, that's picking them off. Now try 

 that hornet's nest." 



Mose grinned, "Nothin' doin', I knows when to quit — 

 them fellows is awganized." 



Those present unanimously decided to "awganize." 



(5) 



