When I lived in Buffalo, NY for 2.5 yrs, my next door neighbor used to get a netted bag of 250 clams for $28/bag (30 yrs ago but still a great price). We'd get 2 bags and have one hell of a block party. Clam chowder (started the night before. Actually a 2 day party). Barbecued clams (grilled). Barbecued roast beef. And beer. Plenty of beer. Fun times.
The smoked clams sound interesting. Bookmarked.