Legacy of Croatian coal miner in America preserved in unique ring

(PhotoS: Nikki Cvitanovic)

In the quiet corners of one Croatian-American’s family history, there lies a story woven into the fabric of coal mining, resilience, and the Croatian spirit. 

The legacy of Vidoje Prkacin, a Croatian immigrant to the US who was a coal miner in Washington state, is now preserved in a unique ring.

Born in Pjesevac in 1889, Vidoje entered at Ellis Island in 1909 before he got to Washington State to Tacoma, Washington and then to Spiketon to work in a coal mine. He worked in 18 mines and had 8 children.  

Ante Cvitanovic, who is the husband of Vidoje Prkacin’s great granddaughter Nikki Kanani Cvitanovic, has crafted a unique Lump of Coal ring for Beverly Prkacin Read, Vidoje Prkacin’s daughter, with a lump of coal she provided. 

The original coal the ring was made from (Photo: Nikki Cvitanovic)

The Lump of Coal ring holds more than its glimmering surface might suggest. It encapsulates a narrative that stretches back to the early 1900s when the Prkacin family embarked on a journey from Croatia to Washington state, enticed by the beckoning promise of coal mining prospects. 

This ring, crafted from a lump of Black Diamond coal, stands as a tangible link to a bygone era.

Beyond being a mere accessory, the ring is a profound testament to the unyielding spirit of my family. It symbolizes tenacity, hard work, and enduring love. 

Ante Cvitanovic at the lathe (Photo: Nikki Cvitanovic)

Vidoje Prkacin devoted his life to carving a path for his family in a new country, navigating the challenges of a demanding profession to secure a brighter future. 

This ring serves as a heartfelt reminder of the sacrifices the Croatian immigrant made and the struggles he overcame.

“This ring is more than just a beautiful accessory; it’s a heartfelt reminder of where she came from and the tireless efforts her father devoted to ensure a better life for their family. It symbolizes the resilience, hard work, and unwavering love that define her family’s story. To me, this ring is a celebration of “RememoRing” — a term we coined to encapsulate the essence of remembering and honouring the love for our roots, our family, and the unique journey that shapes us,” Ante Cvitanovic said. 

The coal ring (Photo: Nikki Cvitanovic)

The ring speaks of the courage it took to leave one’s homeland, the aspirations that fueled the journey, and the indomitable spirit that propelled his family forward. It is a reminder not only of the personal history but also of the heritage that ties them to Croatia.

Family photo: L-R Kasimir Lovric, Ante Cvitanovic, Nikki Kanani Cvitanovic, Beverly Prkacin Read, Josip Cvitanovic. *Note: Kasimir & Josip are my great grandsons and Vidoje Prkacin’s great great grandsons (Photo: Nikki Cvitanovic)

You can follow Ante’s work at @RememoRing