Shell, White River Button Industry

 
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Shell, White River Button Industry
Shell, White River Button Industry
Shell, White River Button Industry
Shell, White River Button Industry

Shell, White River Button Industry

Object number2012.218.17
Date1880-1940
Mediumshell
Dimensions2 1/4 x 2 1/2 in. (5.7 x 6.4 cm)
Credit LineOld State House Museum Collection
DescriptionMussell shell from the White River used to make mother of pearl buttons.

In the late 1800’s and early 1900’s, people along the White and Black Rivers in Arkansas sold pearls found inside mussel shells. It became such a lucrative business, that it was referred to as the “Pearl Rush”. After a number of years, a market opened up that allowed people to use the discarded shells as well as any pearls found. The inside of the mussel shells were “mother of pearl” and could be used to make buttons. The button making industry boomed in Arkansas until World War II when the production of plastic began and then the mussell shell industry faded away altogether.

Two punched holes.
Status
Not on view
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