NORWALK, CT – Calling all oyster lovers! The Norwalk Historical Society is hosting a virtual chat with photographer, Bill Whitbeck about his new book, “Oystering in Norwalk, Connecticut”. The free virtual event takes place on Thursday, March 4, 2021 at 5:30pm (Eastern Time) via Zoom. This illustrated talk will highlight photographs from Mr. Whitbeck’s book as well as rarely-seen images from his personal collection. Join us as we explore a brief history of oystering in and around Norwalk and learn of Mr. Whitbeck’s reminiscences about growing up in East Norwalk and his love of oystering, his relationship with the Bloom family, and stories about his old photography business that was housed in the Radel oyster building. Learn how his waterfront studio allowed him to photograph every aspect of oyster and clam harvesting in the waters surrounding the Norwalk Islands. Q & A will follow the lecture.
This virtual event is free but registration is required. Register at: www.norwalkhistoricalsociety.org Once registered, the Zoom link will be included at the bottom of your confirmation email. It will also be emailed to you 24 hours and 1 hour before the event. Help the Norwalk Historical Society continue its community programming with a donation: https://norwalkhistoricalsociety.org/join-donate/.
Mr. Whitbeck’s book, “Oystering in Norwalk, Connecticut”, is a photographic collection that includes over 100 historical maritime photographs of oystering in Norwalk, Connecticut. Bill Whitbeck took the photos during the time he had his photography business in the old Radel oyster house in South Norwalk. Anyone who is interested in maritime history and nautical photographs will enjoy this book! The book can be purchased locally at Copps Island Oysters in Norwalk, CT: http://www.coppsislandoysters.com/ or online through blurb.com: https://www.blurb.com/b/10472959-oystering-in-norwalk-connecticut
About Bill Whitbeck: ‘Oyster Bill’ Whitbeck is a Seattle based photographer and writer. Originally from Norwalk, Connecticut, he became interested in shellfish farming while operating a photography studio in an old oyster house on Long Island Sound. It was during the 1970s and early 1980s that he photographed every aspect of oystering in Connecticut. After moving to the Seattle area in 1977, he found himself becoming more and more involved with the Northwest shellfish scene, and co-authored “The Joy Of Oysters- A cookbook and guidebook for shucking, slurping, and savoring nature’s most perfect food”, which was published in 2001. In October 2017, Bill retired from Taylor Shellfish Farms as their Seattle area sales manager, where he coordinated the sales and deliveries of fresh shellfish to roughly 200 restaurants. His direct contact with Seattle area’s best chefs and restaurateurs made for a very enjoyable job! In addition to his involvement with Seattle’s bustling food community, Bill continues living life to the fullest as a photographer, writer, and musician, having performed at New York’s Carnegie Hall in 2006. He is also a seasoned mariner, holding a US Coast Guard 100-ton Captain’s License. Bill received a BS in Photo-Illustration and Journalism from Kent State University in Ohio.
For more information on this event and the Norwalk Historical Society visit www.norwalkhistoricalsociety.org, e-mail info@norwalkhistoricalsociety.org , or call 203-846-0525. The Norwalk Historical Society is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
