Huell Howser - California's Gold (Grass Valley Cornish Carol Choir) (VHS, 1991)

In the late 1840s, Cornish miners travelled to California in search of opportunity during the gold rush. Known for their skill and resilience, they carried with them not only mining expertise but also traditions that would take root in their new home. Among the most enduring was the singing of Cornish carols, a custom that has remained central to Grass Valley’s Christmas celebrations for more than 150 years.

The Grass Valley Cornish Carol Choir grew out of this heritage, performing traditional hymns across Gold Country and beyond. Once made up solely of men and boys, the choir now welcomes women while preserving the distinctive songs passed down through generations. Their history includes a landmark 1940 concert held 2,000 feet underground in the Idaho Maryland mine, broadcast nationwide, and later revived in other mines to honour their roots.

From festive gatherings on the steps of the old Union newspaper building to performances deep underground, the choir continues to link past and present. Their music, traditions, and even the Cornish pasty remain living reminders of the miners who shaped Grass Valley’s identity.

Presented by Huell Howser.