The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1913-11-04
Stratford Oyster Co. Was One Of First
 In The Business
Especial to The Farmer.)

faculties of the Sealshipt Oyster conn pany have brought to mind the Strat- ford Oyster company which was merged with others to make what is known as the Oyster trust. The Strat- ford Oyster company was organized in 1881 with capitalization that was rtd1culously small when compared with the money invested in the bust- ness now. The original incorporators were F. J. Beards1ey, Ezra Whiting, Henry P. Stagg, Albert Wilcoxson, Charles B. Curtis Later H. J. Lewis the founder Of the H. J. Lewis Oyster Company, bought the interest of Mr. Curtis. Albert L. Judd acquired the interest of MT. Patterson. He was the father of Arden L. Judd of East Broadway. The company was a mon ey maker from the start. It acquired valuable oyster ground in the early days of oyster cultivation Only few oyster companies ante date this corporation. Oysters had been plant ed in a desultory way for years. The demand for this wholesome and pa1a- table food increased. Improved methods improved the quality of the product and also the quantity gath cred. In many of the years during the time the company was managed by local business men the profits were
 
 received an annual dividend equal to their first investment Naturally the stock was so valuable that it was eagerly sought but with the two ex- captions named it all remained in the hands of the original owners or their heirs until the whole was sold to. the Sea1shipt company in 1910. Of the original stockholders Henry P. Stagg only survives. F. J. Beards1ey, father of Frederick Starr Beardsley was the A 2 ter the death of MT. Beardsley in 1859, Eza Whiting was chosen head of the concern and Henry P. Stagg became it's manager. F. S. Beardsdey sue ceeded MT. Stagg as manager in 1904 and remained with the company in this capacity until a, year ago when he transferred his allegiance to the An drew Rade1 company.
 The amount the stockholders of the Stratford Oyster company received in 1910 for their stock when the com pany was merged into the Sea1shipt company has not been disclosed. They were offered cash or stock in the new company. It is believed that very lit tie of the Sealshipt stock is now own ed here.
 The profits in the business during the early years of the organization of the company were phenomenal. Many substantial fortunes in different parts
  the shape of oysters. Since that time the profits have dwind1ed on account of increased difficulties and the cost of maintaining the large and expen- sive equipment necessary to conduct the business. To supply the increased demand an enormous capital was necessary. The growers must wait at least three years before they could | market a. crop after it is planted. The natural enemies of the crop have in creased with the larger production and the cost of fighting them has in- creased many fold. When the Strat- 1 ford company was organized oysters | taken from the Sound and it's tribu- 1 taries were in fine condition for the l market when they came from the wa ter. The shell fish taken from the l Housatonic river were then consider ed as good any in the world. They l have since acquired color and flavor 1 which prevents their being marketed l until they are replanted and remain | for a year in some other waters. The great South Bay on Long Island and | the Narragansett Bay are the spots 1 oysters which are taken from the l beds, both natural and cultivated in 1 the Sound. Some are developed in | the clear waters of the north shore of | Long Island. Northport is the center | of the industry for that section. The
  of under water farming land in the Narragansett bay. Its whole history | was one of uninterrupted success.
 Charles s. Wheeler of this town has been made manager of the Sea1shipt | company by the receiver who has talk en the business in hand under an order from the bankruptcy court
 On Saturday night George Ashe and | Miss Gunda Benson were married at | the home of parents of the bride, MT. and Mrs. A T. Benson of Nichols ave- nue. The groom is best known as one of the stars of the Rambler bas- ket ball team. The bride is one of the most popular young ladies in the north end.
 The St. James football team defeat ed the Excelsiors at Know1ton park to 0.
 A shaft bolt in a carriage in which H. Wilcoxson and his family were riding dropped out Sunday afternoon on the Huntington road and allowed the shafts to fall on the horses heels The carriage veered into the ditch and was overturned throwing out three ladies and two children as we'll as the driver. The horse was caught by M. Finderak and George Kalso of Barnum avenue and they also extrf- l. cated the occupants of the carriage from underneath and helped right the outfit. Nh one was injured although all were badly frightened. It was a escape for all concerned. ID OnERNQ 00Hn