72 East Street, the “Clam Shell”

Images confirm that the house at 72 East Street started out as a clam shack. The two parcels were joined in 1947, purchased by David R. and Pauline Claxton, one lot from Joseph F. Claxton Jr. and Eva M. Claxton, who had bought it in 1916, and the other from the neighbors Warren H. and Olivia Towne. Both parcels were sold “with buildings thereon.” The deed refers to modular or portable buildings, and the purchase included any refrigerators, stoves, etc. The Claxtons operated the “Clam Shell” out of this location. The wharf across the street was a busy place at that time, filled with automobiles waiting for the Carlotta to take tourists to Plum Island, Grape Island, and Little Neck. Going further back, the 1910 map shows the two parcels owned by Mrs. A. J. Worth.

Poor's Clam Shell — The dunes behind Poor’s Clam Shell in this early photograph suggest it was probably at Crane Beach. The two public telephone signs are the Southern New England Telephone’s 1921 design. It is unknown if this business was related to the Clam Shell on East Street.

The next address for a business named the Clam Shell was at 68 East Street. The address was changed to #72 with Enhanced 911 calling.

In 1947, the lots at today’s 72 East St. were purchased by David R. and Pauline Claxton and the building was converted into a small residence.

A second floor was added, along with a rear ell. A bay window was installed where there was once a front serving counter. The concrete patio is still there, in front of the house.

Across the street, clammers came in with the tide with their bushels of clams each day. In 1898, dealers who bought their clams included Joseph Foster Claxton, who paid $1.50 a barrel. In the 1930s Joseph F. Claxton Jr. served as a Selectman and lived at 4 Water Street.

This photo is from “Ipswich” by Bill Varrell, who wrote that the Claxton family leased the town-owned building and converted it into a summer seafood restaurant. Alonzo’s Restaurant was constructed around 1930, near the present west end of the Town Wharf parking lot. The building was owned by the town, which received rent from the proprietors. At the beginning of WWII, it was the River View Cash Market, owned by Fred Cronin. The building was taken down in 1958 and the town built the present sewer pumping station on that location.

1947 deeds of this property to the Claxtons:

1 thought on “72 East Street, the “Clam Shell””

Am always happy when I see one of your new blog listings pop up in my email. What you do is so important. What’s sad though is the structure you so thoroughly illustrated is completely unrecognizable except for the chimney and concrete patio. Unfortunately along the way, The Clam Shell has lost its charm.