Here in Philadelphia, we like to celebrate Molly Pitcher for her taking up arms against the British in 1778 but Paul Pitcher is also interesting.  No, Paul was not Molly’s husband but none other than the Christian apostle “Paul” and Paul Pitcher Day is a Cornish celebration of the discovery of smelting (turning ore into metals). It was customary for tin workers in Cornwall to celebrate the eve of St. Paul’s Day (January 23) by set up clay water pitchers then pelt them with stones until they were demolished.

While the holiday supposedly commemorates the discovery of smelting, it was mainly an excuse to protest rules prohibiting alcohol at work. After the pitchers were broken, everyone would go to the pub, buy more pitchers, and use them to drink the rest of the night.   The tinners didn’t just toss out the old pitchers: after a night of revelry, they would toss them into every house where the door could be opened or had inadvertently been left so while exclaiming, “Paul’s Eve, and here’s a heave!”

So, CLOSE the Door on January 22nd!

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Published by Michael Carver

My goal is to bring history alive through interactive portrayal of ordinary American life in the late 18th Century (1750—1799) My persona are: Journeyman Brewer; Cordwainer (leather tradesman but not cobbler), Statesman and Orator; Chandler (candle and soap maker); Gentleman Scientist; and, Soldier in either the British Regular Army, the Centennial Army, or one of the various Militia. Let me help you experience history 1st hand!