DID YOU KNOW?  History reminds us that Wareham was an active industrial town in its early days, and fish and shell fishing were a major source of income.  Did you know that the Agawam Herring Run has been in operation since 1632?  In 1682, the herring rights were jointly owned and operated by Plymouth and Wareham and are jointly owned to this day.  Town meeting set the regulations for catching herring, and set the tax or “Bountey on each Barel for youse of ye town.”  The herring were salted, dried or smoked. A Herring Committee was appointed to make sure that the waters were running well and the fish were able to get into the ponds.

Oyster growing and collecting was also an important industry in Wareham. Before 1838, individuals were granted pieces of the shore to work the oyster beds and other shellfish for a fee. In 1860, the Legislature gave the Selectmen authority to grant oyster licenses, and the first one went to Jonathan Bourne. The sweet Wareham oyster was greatly sought after worldwide. By 1884, Wareham was unable to keep up with the demand of this delicacy.