Belt Fastener, White River Mussell Shell - Arkansas Button Industry
Object number2012.218.73
Date1880-1940
Mediumshell
Dimensions1 x 1 1/2 in. (2.5 x 3.8 cm)
Credit LineOld State House Museum Collection
DescriptionMother of pearl button belt fastener made from the interior of a White River mussell shell. 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.
Rectangular white mother of pearl belt fastener.
Status
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