Subject: Wisconsin Pearls Date: Fri, 8 Aug 2008 11:13:21 -0500 Message-ID: <A526100B07BF7C4A97E9B219729FACA90211565C@MEWMAD1P0130.enterprise.wistate.us> From: "Koski, Ann L - WHS" <Ann.Koski@wisconsinhistory.org>
The Wisconsin Historical Museum is working w/ George Johnson who is
doing research on Wisconsin pearls. Did you know that there was a "Pearl
Rush" that lasted several years in the late 1800s - prior to the
establishment of the pearl button industry. The Rush was started by the
chance discovery of a beautiful pearl in a common stream mussel from the
Sugar River at Albany, WI in midsummer of 1889. Once word got out, the
rush was on, but was pretty much over several years later, as the
shallow clam beds were picked clean. Mr. Johnson is attempting to find
out more about this Rush and the pearls it produced. He is looking for
relevant letters, journals, photographs, and jewelry including Wisconsin
pearls. If you and/or your historical society can help, please contact
George at:
350 S. Hamilton Street #502, Madison, WI 53703. Phone: 608-663-0581;
email: geomarjo@tds.net
Ann L. Koski, Director
Wisconsin Historical Museum
30 N. Carroll Street
Madison, WI 53703
email: Ann.Koski@wisconsinhistory.org
phone: 608-261-9359