Pilot Whales Ashore At South Wellfleet Cape Cod MA

I've come across versions of this postcard a few times and have always wondered about the story behind it. Back in whaling days, fisherman drove the blackfish (pilot whales) ashore so the oil and meat could be harvested. It was a communal effort so the they all shared in the great bounty. This particular event took place in 1884 at Old Wharf Point. The 1500 whales were sold for $15,000 which was shared by 300 members of the community. Nowadays great efforts are made to save beached whales!

 This postcard can be found at auction right now on eBay: BLACKFISH ASHORE SOUTH WELLFLEET CAPE COD MA POSTCARD