North Mason Chamber of Commerce :: Harry Martin, Patriarch of NM Chamber Grilled Oysters

A plate of Harry's World Famous Grilled Oysters

"Get 'em while they're hot ... get your grilled oysters here ..." calls out the friendly voice of Harry Martin, 90-year-old patriarch of the most successful fundraiser ever undertaken by the North Mason Chamber of Commerce.

He's referring to the chamber's "world famous" grilled oysters, sold twice a year at two Mason County festivals and always in high demand by a hungry and loyal public.

As Harry tells the story, back in 1986 he and Carol Wentlandt, another chamber volunteer, were searching for a fundraising idea that would benefit the chamber, and also the chamber's many activities in the community. In the course of a rapid-fire brainstorming session, Carol raised the question "What is this area known for?" Without a moment's hesitation, Harry shot back with a resounding "OYSTERS!" and history was suddenly in the making.

The next day Harry gave his friend Bill Taylor of Taylor United Shellfish a call and worked a deal for the chamber to purchase 3,000 fresh oysters at a special wholesale price. Now Harry and Carol had to figure out how to prepare these oysters for the mass market.

As Hood Canal residents for years, the two had access to dozens of favorite oyster recipes. They decided to blanche, bread and grill the oysters, a combination they believed was hard to beat.

Harry and Carol rounded up a grill and other essentials, and together with their spouses Jane and Sandy, opened the chamber's first grilled oyster booth at the 1986 Skookum Rotary OysterFest. At that time in its fourth year, OysterFest was and continues to be held the first weekend of October in Shelton. Only non-profit organizations can participate and one-third of each booth's proceeds is returned to the Skookum Rotary for its many community projects.

That first year, the North Mason Chamber's grilled oyster booth was completely sold out, well before the end of the two-day festival. At times, there were upwards of 80 people waiting in line. Harry and Carol just looked at each other, nodded their heads in agreement and said "We're on to something good here!"

By the next year, Harry had pulled a few more strings, this time procuring (at no charge to the chamber) several cases of Krustaez Coating Mix, the breading used for grilling the oysters. Krustaez officials were pleased to donate and appreciative of the chamber's advertising of their product. The company has carried on the tradition to this day, donating 25 cases to the chamber's effort at OysterFest this year. "A box of that stuff sells for $2.62 at QFC!" Harry points out. "And they gave us 25 cases at 10-12 boxes to a
case, for free!"

Last year, the chamber netted $6,100 from Harry's grilled oyster fundraiser. The all-time record stands from 2001, when the chamber sold 16,000 oysters in two days. Over the years, Harry estimates that the chamber has sold a grand total of over 240,000 oysters, all grilled to perfection and dished up in tasty trios at three bucks a plate. Do the math, and it's easy to see why the chamber has nicknamed these delicious bivalves "Harry's World Famous Grilled Oysters."

There are other notables worthy of mention in writing about this 19-year-long saga of grilled oysters. Harry proudly states that the chamber's crew has only received one demerit from the health inspector, "and that was because somebody left a cup of coffee above the grill," he chuckles.

And finally, there are those customers who return faithfully, year after year, to stand in line for Harry's world famous oysters. "There's the raw oyster lady," says Harry, "a little short gal who likes to eat them RAW. We give 'em to her for the same price!"

And every year, too, there's always a husband and wife who come by for the first time - "he likes them and she doesn't" says Harry. "I give her a free sample, and she becomes an instant convert!"

Harry Martin accepts the Presidential Volunteer Service Award from Lt. Gov. Brad Owen at the Nov. EDC luncheon in Belfair. The chamber's grilled oyster story is just one of Harry Martin's many legacies. His energy, ideas and dedication to North Mason are unrivaled. He is truly one-of-a-kind. Harry will always be remembered as someone who lives the belief that it's vitally important to give back to your community. And for that, Harry, we thank you.
- Pam Merrill