Although National Oyster Day doesn't fall until August 5, the Original Oyster House will commemorate oysters beginning July 1 in an American Oyster Celebration which spotlights fresh Gulf oysters in a variety of delectable dishes. Many locals know the vital economic and environmental benefits oysters bring to our area, but what most oyster lovers may not know is the role they have in American History.
Recorded history of the New England settlements captured a passion for oysters. Oysters were so sought and plentiful in colonial times that they were shipped back to Europe from America. During the early 1800s, oysters were eaten by wealthier people except in local harvesting areas.
When production surged in the mid to late 1800s, all economic levels enjoyed oysters because they cost less than poultry and other meats. Love of oysters even inspired early Americans to transform them into culinary desserts. Mark Twain mentioned his favorite ice cream flavor was oyster ice cream in his book The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.
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