A Pine Needle Basket is created.
Join the Newark Valley Historical Society on Wednesday, July 24, from 1 to 4:30 p.m. to learn the cultural background of pine needle baskets and create a simple coiled basket.
The workshop is open to adults and teens, and there is an $8 fee, $7 for Newark Valley Historical Society members. The instructor is Carol Lukovich.
The Seminole Indians of South Florida are thought to be the first ones to use pine needles in their baskets, sewn together with swamp grass and sisal (a fiber plant native to Florida). Modern day baskets may have begun during the Civil War when, because of the blockades, it was difficult to get supplies. It has been said that Mrs. Macafee of Georgia needed a bonnet so she made one out of pine needles sewn together with cotton thread. Pine needles can be found almost anywhere and part of the fun is looking for them when you are traveling. You are almost sure to find some and enjoy the outdoors and the beautiful scenery at the same time.
Carol Lukovich was taught basket making by her mother who had learned this art form while in Florida. She passed her knowledge on to her daughters.
A Pine Needle Basket.
Call 642-5412 to register by July 17. Scholarships are available.
The workshop is sponsored by the Newark Valley Historical Society, and will be held at the Bement-Billings Museum located on Route 38 in Newark Valley. Visit www.nvhistory.org to learn more.