James F. Oyster

James Frederick Oyster (February 14, 1851 – May 19, 1925) was an American politician and merchant who was a member of the District of Columbia Board of Commissioners, president of the D.C. Board of Education. During his time as a commissioner, Oyster helped enforce Prohibition and gambling laws in the District of Columbia and worked to remedy traffic issues in the city by establishing one-lane streets and block signal traffic lights.

Early life James Frederick Oyster was born on February 14, 1851, in Washington, D.C. He was educated in public schools and the Rittenhouse Academy.

Career In 1871, Oyster joined his father and brother in the butter and egg business in Washington, D.C. After his father's retirement in 1886 and his brother's retirement in 1889, Oyster led the business. In 1921, Oyster argued before the District of Columbia Public Service Commission for the merger of the Washington Railway and Electric Company and the Potomac Electric Power Company.

During his administration, Oyster supported the enforcement of the Prohibition Laws and the prosecution of gamblers. In 1923, Oyster filed complaints that prohibition agents weren't enforcing the Prohibition Laws. Oyster also worked to combat traffic issues in the city. He argued for lower speed limits in Washington, D.C. to help combat traffic issues in the city. He also led the effort to establish one-way streets in the city. In 1924, Oyster tested out block signal traffic lights within the District of Columbia to replace the hand-operated semaphores. Oyster was in favor of the District of Columbia having representation in the United States Congress. In 1921, Oyster was known for his campaign against weeds in Washington, D.C. and his goal to "make Washington a weedless city". He worked with the health and police departments to make it unlawful for weeds to grow longer than four inches.

Oyster operated the business James F. Oyster Inc. and Norman W. Oyster Inc. At the time of his death, the interest in his companies was shared between his son, daughter and Clark G. Diamond.

Personal life In 1900, Oyster built a summer residence in Bethesda, Maryland called Strathmore Hall. He sold the mansion in 1908 to Charles Corby.

Oyster had a son and a daughter: James F. and Helene. His funeral was attended by President Calvin Coolidge.

Legacy The James F. Oyster School opened in 1926, at 29th and Calvert Street NW in Woodley Park, Washington, D.C. It was named after Oyster. In the 1960s and 1970s, the school became bilingual with the influx of Spanish-speaking immigrants to Washington, D.C. It was later named Oyster-Adams Bilingual School.