David Morse came to the Siuslaw area in about 1879 to homestead, as did many of our early pioneers who were driven by a sense of adventure. Originally from the East, Mr. Morse adapted to his new life, but soon yearned to expand his sources of food. He learned large clams grew in the mud flats of Coos Bay, and heard they were very good tasting. As he pondered this welcomed news, thoughts of a possibility came to mind.
Years later, hogs from Captain Cox’s Berry Creek property wandered to the Siuslaw River. While scavenging to fill their bellies, they came upon clams and took a serious liking to their new found food source. As the Captain’s hogs were sold, folks soon discovered and (likely complained), that its meat suddenly had an undesirable flavor. There’s no record of Captain Cox offering any type of refund to these customers. However, it can only be assumed from then on, that his hogs were kept closer to his own property and prevented from consuming any more clams.
Today, clamming along the river remains a popular activity and is managed by the Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife with established regulations and licensing requirements.
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Story by Deb Lobey
Oral History Project