Williston, once the "Clam Capital of the World," has a long history of working the water. Fishermen, boatbuilders, tug boat operations and seafood processing facilities have been part of this community's history for generations.
The former name of Williston was “Springfield” and was changed when the US Post Office was established by John Williston.
Williston was a prominent boat building center in the late 1800s – early 1900s. Many sharpies were built during this time and used for oystering and the menhaden fishery. Some of these were the Regulator (1882) the Manteo (1890) and the Sickle (1910). Notable boatbuilders from this period were Elijah W. Piner and Abner D. Willis.
Hi-Tide Boatworks was located in Williston during the 1950s - early 1970s. Operated by NC Heritage Award winner, Julian Guthrie (from Harkers Island), he built workboats, yachts, and skiffs at this facility located at Elmer Willis’ clam house and general store. This was the original site of Jarrett Bay Boatworks. (The boathouse was located on Jarrett Bay.)
Willis Brothers Seafood was owned and operated by Elmer “Clam King” Willis. Willis Bros. specialized in clams and was one of the largest suppliers of clams to the Heinz Food Company. Four North Carolina Governors attended Clam Bakes at Elmer Willis clam house. Elmer and his wife Pearl helped local schools raise money by holding clam bakes at the schools.
Another well known boat builder from Williston was Elmo Wade who built menhaden boats and other vessels.
There were several grist mills located in Williston and saw mills that supplied local boat builders.