The History of the Beloved Oyster

Oysters have existed for thousands of years and they thrive in areas where saltwater and freshwater meet. Ironically this also happens to be the same area where people tend to settle, which disrupts the oysters' habitat. Oysters have been eaten by man for many years and were a popular treat during ancient Greek and Roman times. When the Romans invaded Britain in 55 BC they fell in love with the oysters found in the British Coastal Waters. They sent hundreds of slaves to harvest the oysters and ship them to Rome at a great expense. Oysters were served in unbelievable quantities at Roman banquets; a single diner might consume six dozen oysters in one seating!

Native Americans ate Oysters on a daily basis and often settled near large oyster beds where the water was a perfect balance of salt and freshwater. When Europeans landed in the New World they harvested oysters in all areas of the East Coast.

Oysters were first served to the public in America in 1763 when a primitive Oyster Saloon opened in a New York City basement.

In the 19th Century, the American people were in an Oyster craze! In every town there were oyster cellars, oyster saloons, oyster bars, and oyster houses. Oysters were enjoyed by all classes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Hundreds of Oyster Houses lined the city streets in all parts of the Delaware Valley. The Jurors that reported to duty at the Chester County Courthouse were given credits to use at several of the Oyster Houses that existed in West Chester. If you look closely at the antique pictures, papers and plaques on the wall you will find courthouse receipts for Oyster Houses in West Chester from the late 1800's.

We hope you enjoy our authentic, vintage Oyster House as a tribute to this romantic time in American History.