JHS to present Rhode Island clam shacks

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What and where is Rhode Island’s oldest operating clam shack?

For that answer, as well as any other information about one of the state’s most popular eateries, you might want to take in the Johnston Historical Society’s general meeting that’s scheduled for next Wednesday evening, June 28, at the award-winning non-profit’s Museum Barn at 101 Putnam Pike.

Next Wednesday’s meeting, which will begin at 7:15 p.m., will be preceded by a mini-cookout featuring hot dogs, soda and watermelon, and will make the final summer session for the JHS that closes down for its annual summer hiatus in June and July.

But if you’re planning to travel around the Ocean State this summer and want to enjoy chowder, clam cakes and other seafood, the JHS meeting might be a good place to start planning your road trip.

Christopher Martin, the JHS’ corresponding secretary and David Norton Stone will be the night’s speakers and will discuss Rhode Island Clam Shacks, which also happens to be the subject of a book the two men wrote and printed through Arcadia Publishing.

Martin and Stone’s book has 127 pages with over 200 vintage photos replete with captions, and has five special sections, many of which Martin and Stone will speak about next Wednesday evening. They’ll also speak about the history and tradition of clam bakes in Rhode Island as well as Shore Dinner Halls including such former landmarks like Fo’c’s’le, Mrs. Gus’s Doughboys, Emery’s Clam Shack, Dead Eye Dicks and Flo’s Drive-In.

Martin, who is the curator for his information filled website, Quahog.org, that takes in “other fishy concerns” and has miscellaneous photos having to do with fishing, shell fishing, oyster houses, fish markets and clambakes, will also have the book people can purchase next Wednesday night. The website, which also offers information about the definitive state road trip, was judged Rhode Island Monthly’s Best Ocean State Website for 2007-2008.

Although neither Martin nor Stone would offer a hint or preview of the June 28 presentation, they did say “there’s no charge for next Wednesday night’s program.”

The JHS Museum Barn is located adjacent to the Elijah Angell House and next door to the Johnston Fire Department’s sub-station at 101 Putnam Pike.

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