HISTORY OF THE
OYSTER RIVER SHANTIES

Back in the day, when life was simpler....

1930's

These shanties have seen Mother Nature at her best and her worst. Hurricane winds and tides that are blown in from the south of Monomoy end up here in the river. It has been over 50 years since these buildings have seen this much water....

1950's

Postcard published by L.A. Webster, Chatham, MA
Postcard published by L.A. Webster,Chatham, MA		Postcard published by Charles W. Cartwright, Chatham, MA

1960-1980's

Current Project 2008:
Chatham Kayak Company Oyster Shanty

She's going up again!

Mr. McGrath is in the process of rebuilding the foundation that once held the building to its full 2-story height. It was knocked out from underneath the building by a hurricane tide that enabled a town float to break free from its roped position across the river. With the high course tide, the float found its resting spot well above the concrete platform used for parking on the shanty property, while riding out the weather of the storm. With the combination of wind and tide, it chipped away at the cinder block foundation until it crumbled an entire wall out from under the building.

The town and conservation regulations have changed over the years with the intent to improve our surroundings. It is the hope of the Chatham Kayak Company that we can stay not only within the guidelines of the rules and regulations, but also to keep it in keeping with the history of its neighboring buildings — and the history in the making of the graciously inherited Gould Shanty.

Special Interest:

In 2007 the town of Chatham was host to moviemaker and director Daniel Adams, who made a film based on a story written by the famous novelist Joseph C. Lincoln. This location in Chatham was also part of the filming in the movie. Hurrah for Oyster River Shanties...you made the big time!