In Philadelphia, Thomas oystered, was a valet, met and married Rebecca West, and opened his first oyster joint. Thomas joined the army and followed it to Philadelphia at the end of the War of 1812. Wise who would become Governor of Virginia (1861-1865). Their children were educated by the same tutor as their neighbors’ children, including Henry A. His hospitable parents welcomed their wealthy neighbors into their home. They made extra money by selling a variety of shoreline animals, including terrapin, clams and oysters. This income made it possible for them to buy some land where they and their children provided for themselves. The Captain, John Downing, set up a Methodist Meeting House and Thomas’ parents, who had adopted his name, became the paid caretakers of the property. His parents had been enslaved by a sea Captain who released them from slavery when he realized that owning slaves was counter to his Methodist Faith. Thomas Downing was born in Chesapeake Bay oyster country, specifically on Chincoteague Island, on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. He was also a tireless abolitionist who was barred from citizenship until the Civil Rights Act of 1866 became law, the day before he died.
He only served the best oysters from each day’s catch and his establishment was famous the world over. He innovated by welcoming wives and even children when accompanied by their husbands and/or fathers, of course. He turned his into one of the fanciest eating establishments in New York City. Thomas Downing (1791-1866) made oyster cellars respectable. Did you know that most oyster cellars were owned and operated by African Americans? The most famous of these proprietors was a man named Thomas Downing, who at the time of his death was one of the wealthiest men in New York City. The only women welcome in these establishments were prostitutes. These cellars were distinguished by the red lanterns hung above the cellar stairs.
Did you know that in the 1800s oyster bars in New York City were located in the basements of buildings? They were called oyster cellars, refectories (a room for communal eating) or dives (presumedly for diving down the stairs).
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