THIS OBJECT IS PART OF THE PROJECT 'A HISTORY OF CORNWALL IN 100 OBJECTS'.
KING EDWARD MINE. The Cornish pasty is an iconic object. When Cornish miners emigrated they took elements of their culture with them. This money box from Mineral Point, Wisconsin, is a variant on the typical Cornish pasty shape. Many Cornish emigrants lived here in Shake Rag Street, named after 'the pasty is ready' signalling system then in use.
Mineral Point in Wisconsin was a prime destination for Cornish miners. Founded in 1827 as a lead and zinc mine, it is now a tourist attraction. During America's first mineral rush 1836-48, Cornish miners and their families brought hard rock and deep mining know-how to Mineral Point. William Goldsworthy of Camborne was one of the founders and by 1845 about half the town's population were Cornish. Some of their one and two storey stone houses - including Pendarvis House and Trelawney House - survive thanks to a preservation society started by Bob Neal and Edgar Hellum in 1935.
Photo: Bernie Pettersen
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