The Bivalve Trail Sat, 07 Mar 2026 13:20:26 -0500 http://www.chincoteagueca.org/bivalvetrail.html en-us © 2026 The Bivalve Trail yes Eastern Shore of Virginia, VA, USA e38a7a88-8152-5477-93d4-fed6f5fa2778 The Chincoteague Island Theatre Company serial false Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) history, theatre, virginia, oysters, local history The Chincoteague Island Theatre Company https://storage.buzzsprout.com/aq9hjf0hfhezjs3xpkqjvbq2typ9?.jpg The Bivalve Trail http://www.chincoteagueca.org/bivalvetrail.html The Sinking of the SS Marine Electric The Sinking of the SS Marine Electric Episode 8 dives into the story of the bulk carrier vessel, the SS Marine Electric, who tragically sank during a winter storm 30 miles offshore from Chincoteague Island on February 12, 1983. Only 3 men survived, 31 lost their lives in the frigid Atlantic. The subsequent investigation into the authorities in charge and the US Coast Guard was almost as turbulent as the storm. Despite the positive and lasting effects and reforms, the sinking of the SS Marine Electric never should have happened.

THE BIVALVE TRAIL is researched, written, and narrated by Lexi Hubb. Voice acting by Justin Aruck, Bill Troxler, and Thom Nolan. Recording and post-production by Longtayle Studios. Music by Bill Troxler. Podcast artwork by Angela Heady.

For sources used and photos: https://www.chincoteagueca.org/bivalvetrail.html

]]> Episode 8 dives into the story of the bulk carrier vessel, the SS Marine Electric, who tragically sank during a winter storm 30 miles offshore from Chincoteague Island on February 12, 1983. Only 3 men survived, 31 lost their lives in the frigid Atlantic. The subsequent investigation into the authorities in charge and the US Coast Guard was almost as turbulent as the storm. Despite the positive and lasting effects and reforms, the sinking of the SS Marine Electric never should have happened.

THE BIVALVE TRAIL is researched, written, and narrated by Lexi Hubb. Voice acting by Justin Aruck, Bill Troxler, and Thom Nolan. Recording and post-production by Longtayle Studios. Music by Bill Troxler. Podcast artwork by Angela Heady.

For sources used and photos: https://www.chincoteagueca.org/bivalvetrail.html

]]> The Chincoteague Island Theatre Company Buzzsprout-12222645 Fri, 10 Feb 2023 04:00:00 -0500 3189 2 3 full false Grace Sherwood: “The Witch of Pungo” Grace Sherwood: “The Witch of Pungo” Episode 7 takes us off of the Eastern Shore but stays in the Tidewater region. Introducing  Grace Sherwood, a farmer, healer and midwife who lived in Colonial Virginia. Grace was accused of practicing witchcraft, and had to endure multiple "tests" to prove she was a witch.

THE BIVALVE TRAIL is produced by the Chincoteague Island Theatre Company and the Chincoteague Cultural Alliance. Researched, written, and narrated by Lexi Hubb. Sound design by Bill Troxler, post-production by Longtayle Studios. 

For sources used and photos, go to https://www.chincoteagueca.org/bivalvetrail.html

]]> Episode 7 takes us off of the Eastern Shore but stays in the Tidewater region. Introducing  Grace Sherwood, a farmer, healer and midwife who lived in Colonial Virginia. Grace was accused of practicing witchcraft, and had to endure multiple "tests" to prove she was a witch.

THE BIVALVE TRAIL is produced by the Chincoteague Island Theatre Company and the Chincoteague Cultural Alliance. Researched, written, and narrated by Lexi Hubb. Sound design by Bill Troxler, post-production by Longtayle Studios. 

For sources used and photos, go to https://www.chincoteagueca.org/bivalvetrail.html

]]> Buzzsprout-9945699 Tue, 25 Jan 2022 05:00:00 -0500 2142 2 2 full false William Major Parker and the Lighthouse William Major Parker and the Lighthouse Episode 6 dives into the life of William Major Parker,  one of the very few men of color employed by the United States Lighthouse Service.  He was appointed as Head Lighthouse Keeper at Killick Shoals Lighthouse in 1886. Killick Shoals stood off the western coast of Chincoteague Island in the middle of the channel. 
Lighthouse Keepers faithfully maintained  lighthouses where they worked and made sure the light shined nightly,  keeping mariners and sailers safe at sea and aiding their navigation. 

THE BIVALVE TRAIL is produced by the Chincoteague Island Theatre Company and the Chincoteague Cultural Alliance. Researched, written, and narrated by Lexi Hubb. Podcast artwork by Angela Heady. Recording and post-production by Longtayle Studios. Music by Bill Troxler.

For sources used and photos, go to https://www.chincoteagueca.org/bivalvetrail.html

]]> Episode 6 dives into the life of William Major Parker,  one of the very few men of color employed by the United States Lighthouse Service.  He was appointed as Head Lighthouse Keeper at Killick Shoals Lighthouse in 1886. Killick Shoals stood off the western coast of Chincoteague Island in the middle of the channel. 
Lighthouse Keepers faithfully maintained  lighthouses where they worked and made sure the light shined nightly,  keeping mariners and sailers safe at sea and aiding their navigation. 

THE BIVALVE TRAIL is produced by the Chincoteague Island Theatre Company and the Chincoteague Cultural Alliance. Researched, written, and narrated by Lexi Hubb. Podcast artwork by Angela Heady. Recording and post-production by Longtayle Studios. Music by Bill Troxler.

For sources used and photos, go to https://www.chincoteagueca.org/bivalvetrail.html

]]> Buzzsprout-8807493 Sun, 04 Jul 2021 03:00:00 -0400 1857 2 1 full false Painting Pictures with Sound: Behind the Music of The Bivalve Trail Painting Pictures with Sound: Behind the Music of The Bivalve Trail Podcast writer and narrator Lexi Hubb chats with Bill Troxler; composer, performer, and sound designer for The Bivalve Trail to discuss the meticulous scholarship and creativity that went into engineering the sounds that accompanied the storytelling of Thomas Downing. Soundscapes were created to illustrate to the listener where Thomas Downing is and  also the environmental sounds around him.  Music was selected to reflect the time period and create dramatic effect. The idea for this interview derived from wanting to bring listeners into understanding the painstaking effort that went into designing the sounds that underscored the story of Thomas Downing. 

THE BIVALVE TRAIL is produced by the Chincoteague Island Theatre Company and the Chincoteague Cultural Alliance. Researched, written, and narrated by Lexi Hubb. Podcast artwork by Angela Heady. Recording and post-production by Longtayle Studios. Music by Bill Troxler.

For sources used and photos, go to chincoteagueca.org/bivalvetrail.html 

]]> Podcast writer and narrator Lexi Hubb chats with Bill Troxler; composer, performer, and sound designer for The Bivalve Trail to discuss the meticulous scholarship and creativity that went into engineering the sounds that accompanied the storytelling of Thomas Downing. Soundscapes were created to illustrate to the listener where Thomas Downing is and  also the environmental sounds around him.  Music was selected to reflect the time period and create dramatic effect. The idea for this interview derived from wanting to bring listeners into understanding the painstaking effort that went into designing the sounds that underscored the story of Thomas Downing. 

THE BIVALVE TRAIL is produced by the Chincoteague Island Theatre Company and the Chincoteague Cultural Alliance. Researched, written, and narrated by Lexi Hubb. Podcast artwork by Angela Heady. Recording and post-production by Longtayle Studios. Music by Bill Troxler.

For sources used and photos, go to chincoteagueca.org/bivalvetrail.html 

]]> The Chincoteague Island Theatre Company Buzzsprout-8131136 Sat, 13 Mar 2021 04:00:00 -0500 1763 1 5 full false The Life of Thomas Downing Chapter 4: The Oyster King of New York The Life of Thomas Downing Chapter 4: The Oyster King of New York The finale to the tale of Thomas Downing, the son of emancipated slaves from Chincoteague Island on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. He lived a life of hard work, fierce determination, and a hunger for redefining what proceeded him. Thomas had something in common with the all-in-one filtration system that is the little oyster; he left the world a better place than he found it.

THE BIVALVE TRAIL is produced by the Chincoteague Island Theatre Company and the Chincoteague Cultural Alliance. Project partner is the Museum of Chincoteague Island. Researched, written, and told by Lexi Hubb. Podcast artwork by Angela Heady. Recording and post-production by Longtayle Studios. Music by Bill Troxler.

Vocals from James Rich, Cliff Murden, Thom Nolan, and Bill Troxler.

For sources used and photos, go to chincoteagueca.org/bivalvetrail.html 

]]> The finale to the tale of Thomas Downing, the son of emancipated slaves from Chincoteague Island on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. He lived a life of hard work, fierce determination, and a hunger for redefining what proceeded him. Thomas had something in common with the all-in-one filtration system that is the little oyster; he left the world a better place than he found it.

THE BIVALVE TRAIL is produced by the Chincoteague Island Theatre Company and the Chincoteague Cultural Alliance. Project partner is the Museum of Chincoteague Island. Researched, written, and told by Lexi Hubb. Podcast artwork by Angela Heady. Recording and post-production by Longtayle Studios. Music by Bill Troxler.

Vocals from James Rich, Cliff Murden, Thom Nolan, and Bill Troxler.

For sources used and photos, go to chincoteagueca.org/bivalvetrail.html 

]]> The Chincoteague Island Theatre Company Buzzsprout-7508368 Wed, 27 Jan 2021 08:00:00 -0500 1824 1 4 full false The Life of Thomas Downing Chapter 3: A Man Who Knew Not Tire The Life of Thomas Downing Chapter 3: A Man Who Knew Not Tire By 1842, the oyster industry in New York City was generating annually around $6 million. Thomas Downing is a local and international sensation and Downing's Oyster House is the most favorite resort of the distinguished and influential in society. Downing used his wealth from supplying oysters in every style to help African American charities and promote social change for a more equitable America. 

THE BIVALVE TRAIL is produced by the Chincoteague Island Theatre Company and parent organization, the Chincoteague Cultural Alliance. Project partner is the Museum of Chincoteague Island. Researched, written, and told by Lexi Hubb. Podcast artwork by Angela Heady. Recording and post-production by Longtayle Studios. Music by Bill Troxler.

The voice of Thomas Downing by James Rich. Additional vocals from Donna West, Thom Nolan, Bill Troxler, and Justin Aruck.

For sources used, please visit chincoteagueca.org/bivalvetrail.html 

]]> By 1842, the oyster industry in New York City was generating annually around $6 million. Thomas Downing is a local and international sensation and Downing's Oyster House is the most favorite resort of the distinguished and influential in society. Downing used his wealth from supplying oysters in every style to help African American charities and promote social change for a more equitable America. 

THE BIVALVE TRAIL is produced by the Chincoteague Island Theatre Company and parent organization, the Chincoteague Cultural Alliance. Project partner is the Museum of Chincoteague Island. Researched, written, and told by Lexi Hubb. Podcast artwork by Angela Heady. Recording and post-production by Longtayle Studios. Music by Bill Troxler.

The voice of Thomas Downing by James Rich. Additional vocals from Donna West, Thom Nolan, Bill Troxler, and Justin Aruck.

For sources used, please visit chincoteagueca.org/bivalvetrail.html 

]]> The Chincoteague Island Theatre Company Buzzsprout-7218670 Sun, 10 Jan 2021 11:00:00 -0500 1759 1 3 full false The Life of Thomas Downing Chapter 2: The World's Mine Oyster The Life of Thomas Downing Chapter 2: The World's Mine Oyster It's now 1820, Thomas Downing is working in New York City as a registered oysterman, selling his crops to local businessmen for their oyster cellars. Oyster Cellars were seedy and vulgar; pickpocketing was common, male patrons were disorderly and obscene. Thomas wanted to make oysters a luxury food and serve them in a business of elegance and class. He revolutionized the oyster industry and became a local and international sensation in the process.

Additional vocals in this episode are from Bill Troxler and Thom Nolan. 

THE BIVALVE TRAIL is produced by the Chincoteague Island Theatre Company and our parent organization the Chincoteague Cultural Alliance. Researched, written, and presented by Lexi Hubb. Recording and post-production by Longtayle Studios. Music by Bill Troxler. Artwork by Angie Heady. Project partner is the Museum of Chincoteague Island.

For sources used, visit www.chincoteagueca.org/bivalvetrail.html

]]> It's now 1820, Thomas Downing is working in New York City as a registered oysterman, selling his crops to local businessmen for their oyster cellars. Oyster Cellars were seedy and vulgar; pickpocketing was common, male patrons were disorderly and obscene. Thomas wanted to make oysters a luxury food and serve them in a business of elegance and class. He revolutionized the oyster industry and became a local and international sensation in the process.

Additional vocals in this episode are from Bill Troxler and Thom Nolan. 

THE BIVALVE TRAIL is produced by the Chincoteague Island Theatre Company and our parent organization the Chincoteague Cultural Alliance. Researched, written, and presented by Lexi Hubb. Recording and post-production by Longtayle Studios. Music by Bill Troxler. Artwork by Angie Heady. Project partner is the Museum of Chincoteague Island.

For sources used, visit www.chincoteagueca.org/bivalvetrail.html

]]> The Chincoteague Island Theatre Company Buzzsprout-6966800 Tue, 22 Dec 2020 17:00:00 -0500 1267 1 2 full false The Life of Thomas Downing Chapter 1: Where Stories Get Shucked The Life of Thomas Downing Chapter 1: Where Stories Get Shucked Our story begins in 1791 on Chincoteague Island, Virginia - on the Eastern Shore and just off the Delmarva peninsula. We meet a local African American boy named Thomas Downing. As the child of emancipated slaves, he grew up working on the water and tonging for oysters. But, that's only the beginning.

THE BIVALVE TRAIL is produced by the Chincoteague Island Theatre Company and our parent organization, the Chincoteague Cultural Alliance. Podcast artwork by Angela Heady. Recording and post-production by Longtayle Studios. Music by Bill Troxler.

For sources used, please visit chincoteagueca.org/bivalvetrail.html

]]> Our story begins in 1791 on Chincoteague Island, Virginia - on the Eastern Shore and just off the Delmarva peninsula. We meet a local African American boy named Thomas Downing. As the child of emancipated slaves, he grew up working on the water and tonging for oysters. But, that's only the beginning.

THE BIVALVE TRAIL is produced by the Chincoteague Island Theatre Company and our parent organization, the Chincoteague Cultural Alliance. Podcast artwork by Angela Heady. Recording and post-production by Longtayle Studios. Music by Bill Troxler.

For sources used, please visit chincoteagueca.org/bivalvetrail.html

]]> The Chincoteague Island Theatre Company Buzzsprout-6794602 Thu, 10 Dec 2020 21:00:00 -0500 1123 1 1 full false