Pasty History

Rich Pasty History

East Vulcan Mine 1892

The history of the pasty in the United States began when Cornish immigrants came to work in the mines of the US. They brought the pasty with them. The Upper Peninsula is rich in iron ore used to make the early railroad rails and later in cars. The first Ford Plant was built in Kingsford/Iron Mountain, MI, in order to be close to the wood supply used in the original cars. This is The Pasty Oven owner’s hometown. The miners took these Cornish meat pies into the mines as a hearty hot meal. They ate by holding the pasty by the crust rather than using plates and utensils. The picture depicts a miner heating the pasty on his shovel. Pasties have remained in the region as a tradition and part of the heritage that makes this mining/lumber country so unique.

Big JohnFor mining tours check Iron Mountain Iron Mine by going to the website for schedules and more history.


Pasties are now being spread throughout the Upper Midwest as a modern precooked meat and potato pie. The Pasties are usually found in the local Ma and Pa shops providing a variety of special touches to the pasty tradition.
The Pasty Oven pasty has expanded distribution to 11 states; where now pastys can be a consistent, wholesome, large, 30% meat, convenient, delicious, precooked meal. Find them in your grocery store in the meat, frozen or deli departments. Food from the past fitting perfectly in our fast paced future. The Pasty Oven pasty is food your mom would make. Pasty, pronounced Past-EEE. Ask for them in your local grocery store.