Lobster's journey, from prison food to prized delicacy

Lobsters, once considered the poor man's food, were abundant in early America and used as fertilizer and prison food. By the mid-1800s, with the advent of canned food and railroads, lobsters were shipped to middle America, and their popularity surged. By World War Two, lobsters had become a luxury delicacy.

In the early 16th century, why did settlers in America start to dislike lobsters?

• They were considered a luxury item.

• They were overconsumed and became tiresome.

• They were too expensive.

• They were too difficult to catch.

What unusual use did lobsters have after being deemed undesirable?

• They were used in construction.

• They were used as a form of currency.

• They were used as fertilizer and fish bait.

• They were used to make jewelry.

What was the purpose of the law enacted regarding lobsters and inmates?

• To ensure lobsters were only served on special occasions.

• To prevent inmates from being fed lobsters too frequently.

• To mandate the humane treatment of lobsters.

• To regulate the fishing of lobsters.

How did the perception of lobsters change in the mid-1800s?

• They became popular due to canning and tourism.

• They were banned from being served in restaurants.

• They became a staple food for the poor.

• They were used primarily for scientific research.

By World War Two, what was the status of lobsters?

• They were still considered a poor man's food.

• They had become a pricey specialty.

• They were only used for bait.

• They were no longer available due to overfishing.