The Bivalve Trail The Chincoteague Island Theatre Company

Episode 6 dives into the life of William Major Parker, one of the very few men of color employed by the United States Lighthouse Service. He was appointed as Head Lighthouse Keeper at Killick Shoals Lighthouse in 1886. Killick Shoals stood off the western coast of Chincoteague Island in the middle of the channel. Lighthouse Keepers faithfully maintained lighthouses where they worked and made sure the light shined nightly, keeping mariners and sailers safe at sea a...

Episode 7 takes us off of the Eastern Shore but stays in the Tidewater region. Introducing Grace Sherwood, a farmer, healer and midwife who lived in Colonial Virginia. Grace was accused of practicing witchcraft, and had to endure multiple "tests" to prove she was a witch.THE BIVALVE TRAIL is produced by the Chincoteague Island Theatre Company and the Chincoteague Cultural Alliance. Researched, written, and narrated by Lexi Hubb. Sound design by Bill Troxler, post-production by Longtayle...

Episode 8 dives into the story of the bulk carrier vessel, the SS Marine Electric, who tragically sank during a winter storm 30 miles offshore from Chincoteague Island on February 12, 1983. Only 3 men survived, 31 lost their lives in the frigid Atlantic. The subsequent investigation into the authorities in charge and the US Coast Guard was almost as turbulent as the storm. Despite the positive and lasting effects and reforms, the sinking of the SS Marine Electric never should have happened.TH...

Our story begins in 1791 on Chincoteague Island, Virginia - on the Eastern Shore and just off the Delmarva peninsula. We meet a local African American boy named Thomas Downing. As the child of emancipated slaves, he grew up working on the water and tonging for oysters. But, that's only the beginning.THE BIVALVE TRAIL is produced by the Chincoteague Island Theatre Company and our parent organization, the Chincoteague Cultural Alliance. Podcast artwork by Angela Heady. Recording and post-produc...

It's now 1820, Thomas Downing is working in New York City as a registered oysterman, selling his crops to local businessmen for their oyster cellars. Oyster Cellars were seedy and vulgar; pickpocketing was common, male patrons were disorderly and obscene. Thomas wanted to make oysters a luxury food and serve them in a business of elegance and class. He revolutionized the oyster industry and became a local and international sensation in the process.Additional vocals in this episode are from Bi...

By 1842, the oyster industry in New York City was generating annually around $6 million. Thomas Downing is a local and international sensation and Downing's Oyster House is the most favorite resort of the distinguished and influential in society. Downing used his wealth from supplying oysters in every style to help African American charities and promote social change for a more equitable America. THE BIVALVE TRAIL is produced by the Chincoteague Island Theatre Company and parent organiza...