Object Name:
Photograph
Date:
1952
Description of Object:
Shuckers watch from the end of Second Street as the skipjack dredge boat, "Anna & Helen", arrives. Circa 1952.
McNasby's hired both black and white employees, men and women alike, when many businesses would not hire black workers. All shuckers pictured above appear to be black men.
McNasby's hired both black and white employees, men and women alike, when many businesses would not hire black workers. All shuckers pictured above appear to be black men.
About the Object:
Interviews with former employees of the company describe a thriving business and focal point of the community. Many local children who 'weren't afraid to get their hands dirty' would work at McNasby's to earn pocket change, and would swim off the docks in the summertime.
More Information:
Workers were not segregated and and majority were African Americans who lived in Eastport or who were from the eastern shore, staying in the area for oyster season and returning to the shore to work in canneries. Eastport locals would work summers preparing the McNasby building for oyster season, or would find work in boatyards until winter came again.
For a few summers, the McNasby Company tried crab processing, but this only lasted a few seasons before it stopped altogether.
For a few summers, the McNasby Company tried crab processing, but this only lasted a few seasons before it stopped altogether.
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