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Woven in History:
The New Albany Box and Basket Company
September 21 -December 28, 2002
Click
HERE for our basket
weaving class schedule
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The Carnegie
Center for Art & History in New Albany, Indiana will present
a comprehensive exhibition on the history of the New Albany
Box and Basket Company. The factory opened in 1880 and remained
in operation until the latter part of 1996, producing wood veneer
boxes and baskets ranging from small strawberry baskets to bushel
baskets. The millions of boxes and baskets manufactured each
year were sold to farmers, greenhouse owners, candy companies
and more. Their markets were primarily within the surrounding
five- state region, but at times, the company shipped their
product as far away as California, Florida, New York, and Canada.
The New Albany
Box and Basket Factory was reputed to be the largest of its
kind in the United States and was an important part of New Albany’s
economy and manufacturing identity. It survived a number of
fires over the years, but the factory could not outlast the
appearance of cardboard as the preferred container for fruit
and vegetable packagers. Another contributing factor was the
decline of the small family farms that had been its principal
clients. When the factory closed on December 20, 1996, it was
the last such operation in the state.
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The
New Albany Box and Basket Factory remains a fond memory
for many residents of New Albany and surrounding areas.
The Carnegie Center for Art & History will tell
the story of the factory and the people who worked there,
using photographs, original documents, video footage
of the process from start to finish, factory equipment,
and, of course baskets of all shapes and sizes.
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The exhibit
will also feature a children’s interactive area, with
hands-on basket making activities, including our "Big Basket"
that young visitors can weave. The Arts Council of Southern
Indiana is sponsor of the interactive area.
The public
is invited to attend an opening reception for the exhibit
on Saturday, September 28 from 1:00-3:00 pm. Come enjoy children’s
activities, refreshments, and a chance to watch members of
the Derby Basket Guild in action as you explore the history
of the New Albany Box and Basket Factory.
This
exhibition was underwritten through the generosity of the
Caesar’s Riverboat Casino Foundation.
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In
conjunction with the exhibition, local and regional
basket makers will showcase their work in a basket bazaar
and sale. From 10:00 - 3:00 on the opening day, members
of the Derby Basket Guild will be demonstrating the
art of basket making.
Throughout
the fall, the Carnegie Center will off a full schedule
of basket-making classes and workshops. To receive a
schedule, please call (812) 944-7336.
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The Carnegie Center for Art
& History
201 East Spring Street
New Albany, Indiana 47150
(812) 944-7336
(812) 981-3544 fax
info@carnegiecenter.org
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