Sam Wright

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Sam Wright (Black Sam)

Samuel WRIGHT, Baker & Brewer, has opened his house on Bank Street, second door above the Philadelphia Bank, Wilkesbarre. (June 29 1827)

Vitctualling House, And Confectionary.
The subscriber has taken the cellar, under the Tavern of C. L. Trewillager (formerly kept by Thos. Hutchins) Wilkes-Barre Borough, where he keeps for the accommodation of those who may call on him, Strong & Small Beer, and the necessary ingredients to making Lemonade, & Ice Cream: Crackers, Pies, Victuals, of various kinds and a variety of articles in the Confectionary line. He also intends keeping during the Summer, Pickled Oysters and during the Fall and Winter, Fresh Oysters, Bread and Cake will be furnished as usual. Ladies who may feel disposed to patronise the subscriber, and regale themselves of a warm evening on a bottle of pleasant Beer, &c can find good accommodations at his residence on Bank Street. Samuel WRIGHT. (April 30, 1830)

All Hail! Lovers of high flavored and well dressed Oysters (both fried and stewed) are requested to call at my old stand on the West Side of the Public Square, or at my new Oyster Establishment in the cellar of Major Portor's Hotel on River Street, where they will find Oysters an well as other refreshments served up at short notice. Samuel Wright.

"The compliments of Samuel Wright to Capt. H. B. Wright requesting the pleasure of his Company at his Old Stand on West Side of the Public Square," and how the tired and thirsty commander about to dismiss his company, construed the invitation in a most liberal sense and astonished the proprietor by ordering his line of march in full array to the place of entertainment.

1822 - This year Sam Wright emigrated from New Jersey to Wilkes-Barre.

Sam was a negro 4 feet 6 inches in height, and measured 9 feet in circumference. He was a proficient in the art of cookery, and on his arrival opened an oyster saloon for the accommodation of the lovers of the bivalve.

Oysters had been kept and sold for many years before in the cellar of the old courthouse, at Arndt's Tavern, and at one or two other places, but there had never been an eating-house or saloon established in the place, and conducted by a competent artist like Sam. Here good bread was baked and sold, and ginger cakes besides, together with mince pies, and tarts of a most delicious flavor and taste. Here mead, the best of mead, with its sparkling spray and foam, could be obtained. Ladies and gentlemen of a former generation assembled here to partake of the delicacies which Sam's rare skill prepared.

But Sam has been gathered to his fathers, and his suppers are like the memory of joys that are past. No stone marks the spot where Sam is laid, and in memory of the excellent baker and oysterman, we insert his old advertisement :

"Sam Wright, by day and by night,
Will serve up fine oysters you know;
I have 'era on hand, and more at command.
On the square and at Porter's below.
If you call for a heart, or even a tart,
I'll furnish them both if you please;
Mince pies I have too, or plum pudding in lieu,
As well as dried beef and good cheese."
(Stewart Pearce)


I remember him well as a popular and favorite proprietor of a restaurant, in one of low old buildings on the west side, of Public Square, more than 50 years ago. Every body large and small, old and young knew Sam, and he was respected by all who knew him. He was a member of the Methodist Church and a devoted Christian man. Many a time have I heard his sonorous voice raised in devout prayer at their meetings and I remember his fondness for joining in the singing, which as a boy amused me; as his voice was a good imitation of the Scotch bag pipe; and can imagine I hear it now ringing in my head. Sam was a character and was never boycotted on account of his sable color. I have a vivid recollection of getting the most delicious peach pie and soft ginger cake at Sam's saloon that any boy ever got at any other. So much for my memory of Sam Wright. (S. Pettibone)