century lobster had become the leading fisheries product. The peak value of total production came in 1881, but by the late 1880's

it was down to one half of that, and it remained remarkably even, fluctuating around one million dollars.for several decades. By

1901, the number of lobster canneries was recorded as being 227, with 4,653 fishermen engaged in the total fishery. By 1920, the number

of canneries had dropped to 183. Such tales of unbelievable abundance boggle the minds of today's citizen who pay from $6 to $10 for a single lobster. Wendell McKay, a member of the society, confirmed Leaming's story by telling us a story related to him by his father. When his father was growing up, if company arrived unexpectedly, the family would be mortified to be caught eating lobster. In those days, only the most poverty stricken families ate lobster!

- Kathy Martin Biology Department U.P.E.I.