We delight in the collection of oyster related objects
but often do not give recognition to those who have had great
influence in the oyster business. On January 13th, 1997 the west
coast lost a person who had no equal when it came to his depth of
devotion to the shellfish industry. To those of us who have
connections with the oyster business, William Arnold Waring was the
leader, the historian, the representative, and always the friend. His
life was oysters and it was successful. Arnold was 83. Mention will
be made here of a few high points of Arnold's career and combine
these with a couple of oyster cans which historically were probably
his doing and very much a part of his life.
After a short time at Willamette University he
started working for Haines Oyster, became manager and in
1942 bought the company.
In 1945 Arnold founded Coast Oyster Company which today
is one of the largest oyster companies in the world. He sold Coast
Oyster in 1947.
In 1953 Arnold Waring became the manager of the just
formed United Oyster Producers Cooperative. This Co-op was composed
of many of the oyster producers in Washington and for several years
had a strong marketing influence. The following images are from the
can used by the United Oyster Producers during this period. The Co-op
name and certificate number 71 are embossed in the metal (just above
my label on side of can).
Arnold was president of the Pacific Coast Oyster
Growers Association (PCOGA) for many years. His ability to work with
all parties, with often divergent views, coupled with his strong
desire for and effort devoted to industry success was always present.
Dick Steele, a long time oysterman, put it well when he stated that
the work that Arnold did was of "public service to the oyster
industry".
Arnold was also very active in community affairs such
as the YMCA, Rotary Club, and groups working to improve water
quality.
The bottom line is that a lot of people, and not only
those in the oyster industry, have lost a person who brought dignity
and success to the tasks that he undertook. Arnold Waring 'The Oyster
King' will be missed.
