A Deeper Dive
A Bygone Era of Wellfleet
While there are reminders of Wellfleet’s long history of oystering still in evidence throughout town, most of the old oyster shacks, where shellfishermen used to sort, shuck, and pack their harvest, are long gone. These vintage photos, courtesy of the Wellfleet Historical Society and Museum, help tell the story of this special place, where our delicious oysters have reigned supreme for centuries.

Higgins Shellfish Shop, familiarly known as the "Spit and Chatter Club"

Oyster houses and fish sheds.

Mayo Beach, with the Seal Shipt Oyster Company in the background. Wellfleet S.P.A.T. offers shellfish farm tours from this beach!

Oyster Houses, South Wellfleet

Wellfleet Harbor with Oyster Shacks (circa 1899)