The Rise And Decline Of The Olympia Oyster 



and others, had substantial oyster beds. These were 

 all progressive men, were co-operative with the other 

 growers and were members of and took a substantial 

 part in the work of the Olympia Oyster Growers Associa- 

 tion. 



It has been stated, by Dr. Trevor Kincaid, a recognized 

 authority, that in the earlier days Oakland Bay was the 

 most prolific oyster seed ground in the world. Transport- 

 ation from there to the packing plants in Olympia was 

 very difficult. Not long after the commercial value of 

 Olympia Oysters was discovered J. H. Deer built and 

 operated an opening and packing plant in Shelton which 

 met the need of the oyster growers in that locality. Later 

 D. R. Helser operated an Olympia Oyster opening and 

 packing plant in Olympia, which he supplied mostly 

 with oysters from his own beds in Oyster Bay. 



EXTENSIVE ADVERTISING PROGRAM USED. 



Another critical period in the history of the Olympia 

 Oyster had been reached, and as always, the old pion- 

 eers, through the medium of their representative organ- 

 ization, were about to meet it. 



During the year 1921 it became apparent that there 

 was a surplus of Olympia Oysters. Competition in the 

 markets was very keen, and in December, a drop in price 

 was threatening. Investm.ents had been very heavy and 

 cost of production increased so that a price war would be 

 disastrous to the industry. Dr. G. W. Ingham, President of 

 the Association, realized the situation, and this meeting, 

 held on the evening of Dec. 14, 1921, at the Shelton Hotel, 

 was called for the purpose of considering it. 



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