Here on Long Island, Clam digging is a job that boys sometimes learn when they are growing up living near the water. Sometimes they go on to become clam diggers as their livelihood. Others do it as summer jobs to make money during the summers when they are going to college. It’s a great job! You are on the water, get a nice healthy tan, get strong when doing it, and make a lot of money!!! What could be better!!!
In 1950’s clams in Northport Bay/Harbor and Centerport Harbor were plentiful. After a day of digging you could make some serious money!!!
Brian was a clammer in the summer times while he was going to college. The requirement was a flat bottom clam (work) boat with an engine and a long handled rake that came in sections. Most of the time he clammed with a handle of about a length of 20 – 25’…. If Sue wanted to relax in the sun she would occasionally join him and sit in the boat while Brian clammed.
At the end of the day the clams would be put into a burlap bag (sold by the bushel … there were about 800 clams in a bushel)... they were usually sold to Bill Kelsey of Centerport. He was a distributor of clams to the restaurants and whoever.
It was an exhausting but exhilarating job too! You would be strong and tan and have a pocket of cash!!! …….Everybody was in awe of the clammers!!!
The summer of ’62 when Suzanne & Brian Asher became engaged, Brian bought the diamond ring with his hard earned money from Cally’s Jewelry Store down in Huntington. Mrs. Cally gave him a great deal! She also lived in Centerport and her son also attended Harborfields High School.
Everybody was in awe of the engagement and the ring!!! When they asked Brian how much it cost, he replied……….. “That ring cost me 40,000 clams!!!” That’s right!!! Clams were selling for a penny a piece, and the ring cost $400 dollars!!!
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