The Rise And Decline Of The Oly^mpia Oyster 



ous cross dikes and lower dikes of cement, and at least 

 one mile of creosote lumber dikes. 



I have given this rather in detail because it is my per- 

 sonal experience, and I know the facts. During this time 

 I was an official of the Olympia Oyster Growers Associa- 

 tion, made inspection trips to the beds of most of the 

 growers, and heard the experiences of others. This ex- 

 ample is typical of other growers experience and costs. 



LIFE OF AN OYSTERMAN — NOT AN EASY ONE 



The life of the oysterman, and especially the pioneer, 

 was and is a rugged one. When asked why I have stayed 

 with it, my answer is "because I love it." And I believe 

 that is true of every oysterman. Everyday there is a new 

 challenge in life; new problems to work out. The out-of- 

 door and on the water life is wholesome and healthful. 

 And most of all, the Olympia Oyster is a food one is hap- 

 py to produce. It has made millions of people delighted 

 and full of praise to those who produce it. I would not do 

 otherwise if I had it to do again; my life has been a happy 

 one, much more so than if I had been occupied in distaste- 

 ful employment, though I might have accumulated more 

 material wealth. I believe this feeling is shared by all 

 old timers in the oyster business. 



(40) 



