The History of Your Local Seafood Store

The year was 1948 when a local man named Clarence F. Gilbert and his wife, Ellen, decided that the Boyertown area needed a seafood supplier. They opened C.F. Gilbert Seafood at 106 E Philadelphia Ave., Boyertown. It was back in the “milk-man” days of old. He would take orders, and after a trip to The Serf City Fishery in Long Beach Island, NJ, he’d return and deliver his goods from house to house. Their business could also be found at the local farmer’s markets (Zern’s, etc). During the summer months, they would have “ox roasts” which were a combination of meat roasts and clam bakes. It was at such events where Ellen Gilbert would sere homemade Manhattan clam chowder out of a large iron kettle, a recipe which is used to this day. The Gilberts had two daughters that worked with them, Betty and Joyce.

In 1963, their son-in-law, Ralph C. Haas, and his wife, Betty, took the reigns of the growing business. They built a shop located at 618 N. Reading Ave., New Berlinville, which has been functioning ever since. R.C. Haas Seafood established a retail store as well as a wholesale delivery service. With their homemade products and a larger variety of seafood, they supplied many of the area restaurants, firehouses, churches, and farmer’s markets. Ralph and Betty worked very hard and raised a family of six children.

In 1977, their son, Eugene A. Haas, and his wife, Teresa, took over the business. E. A. Haas Seafood continued to provide quality products and services to the area. The seafood was brought in fully processed, scaled, filleted, and shucked. This allowed more time for expansion. They had four children and they built an addition on the retail store, doubling its size. The New Berlinville location served as a hub for other business ventures. E. A. Haas Seafood has had a retail shop at each of the following: Zern’s Farmer’s Mkt (1983-1995), Pottstown Farmer’s Mkt (1986-1997), and for a short while: Morgantown Farmer’s Mkt., Gilbertsville, and the Coventry Mall.

As of Jan. 1, 2009, their son-in-law, Flint A. Staton, and his wife, Anne, have taken over the family business. Staton Seafood will continue to provide the Boyertown area with fresh, quality seafood. In the years to come, they plan on updating the facility and expanding their trade wherever possible. Staton Seafood would like to thank the many family members who have helped throughout these 60 years, and a special “thank you” to the public for all its support.