Shucking Collection

Husking Bee, Island of Nantucket, 1876. Creator: Eastman Johnson
Husking Bee, Island of Nantucket, 1876. Dozens of figures in a brown field filled with discarded corn silks form two rows and sit across from each other husking corn, a farm in the background

Oyster Woman, 1843-47 (salt paper print from calotype negative) (see also 224278, 224280)
STC224279 Oyster Woman, 1843-47 (salt paper print from calotype negative) (see also 224278, 224280) by Hill, David Octavius (1802-70) & Adamson

Shucking Bucket, 20th century. Creator: Unknown
A cylindrical metal shucking bucket. The bucket has a welded seam along the bottom. The top edge of the bucket is rolled outward to form curved a rim

Oyster knife, 20th century. Creator: Unknown
A wood handled oyster knife. The handle of the knife is pear shaped and completely covers the knifes tang, which inserts into the handle. The blade is flat and dull and terminates in a curved point

The Speculator, 1852. Creator: Francis William Edmonds
The Speculator, 1852

Holding oyster shell in white towel and using knife to sever oyster muscle

Shucking a cherrystone clam (hamaguri), cloth wrapped around shell

Maize Hungary 1891
Shucking indian corn (maize) on a Hungarian farm

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Step back in time to the Island of Nantucket in 1876, where Eastman Johnson captures the essence of a Husking Bee in his painting 'The Shuckers.' In this communal event, friends and neighbors gathered to open bushels of freshly harvested oysters using simple tools like oyster knives and shucking buckets. Fast forward to the 20th century, and the process remains much the same, as seen in the unknown creator's Shucking Bucket and Oyster Knife. But let's not forget the humble Cod and Oysters, a classic New England dish that was once a staple of these gatherings. And for those brave enough to try, the cherished Cherrystone Clam, or hamaguri, can be shucked with a cloth-wrapped hand and knife, much like the oyster. So, grab a bucket, some tools, and join the tradition that began over a century ago. Just remember, practice makes perfect, as even the most experienced shucker, like the figure in Francis William Edmonds' painting 'The Speculator,' can attest.