Why is it called a tobacco basket? The tobacco companies purchased the baskets, and their names were stenciled on the rims. There was an art to packing a tobacco basket so that it presented the tobacco well, and so that it stayed on the basket.
What is a tobacco basket?
It is known throughout this region as a tobacco basket. The tobacco basket was used, until about 1980, to display tobacco taken to market. The crop is grown throughout North Carolina, primarily on family farms. According to the NC Dept. of Agriculture, North Carolina farmers today produce approximately 2/3 of the US crop of flue-cured tobacco.
What happened to tobacco baskets?
Tobacco baskets were used up until the 1980s to take tobacco to market. They have a huge history in North Carolina and with them rapidly disappearing, there is not much else to do but either buy a replica, or make on of your own.
What is the tobacco basket capital of the world?
There were at least six manufacturers of tobacco baskets in Yadkin County at one time, earning it the title of "Tobacco Basket Capital of the World." Tobacco was first exported from the colonies in huge wooden barrels called hogsheads. The barrels held about 1,000 pounds of the leaves.
What is a hand of tobacco?
A hand of tobacco is a group of leaves tied together at the stem end. The end is wrapped in another cured leaf. The hands were then laid in the tobacco basket in a circle with the stem ends pointing to the outside. The baskets were then loaded and taken to the tobacco warehouse where they were sold at auction.
What are tobacco baskets made from?
The tobacco baskets (40” x 40”) were made of oak that was split into strips. The oak strips were soaked in boiling soda water to make them bendable. The rim of the basket was fashioned with a double thickness Page 2 of the strips.
How do you clean a tobacco basket?
Step 1: Lay a tarp down on your work area surface and gather your supplies. Step 2: Gently clean your old tobacco basket with a brush or the brush attachment from your vacuum cleaner. I used a brush first, then followed up by using our Dust Buster just to make sure the tobacco basket was free from dirt and debris.
Can you stain a tobacco basket?
Paint or Stain the Basket Use the wood accelerator or your choice of stain and a Super Finish Max paint sprayer and Small Spray Shelter to stain the basket. Let dry completely before using.
How do you make a mini tobacco basket?
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How do I attach a tobacco basket to the wall?
First, place seasonal. Next, gently apply pressure as you stick it to the wall. If you have some small signs that don't have a home on tables, counters, or look too small on your wall, add them to a tobacco basket with hot glue or some wire… Hook basket onto both nails to hang (image 1).
What is a tobacco basket used for?
Tobacco baskets, a farmhouse home decor staple, is one that I personally love. They have a rich history and add a cool country yet modern vibe to any room. Tobacco baskets date back to the 1800s and were used to keep tobacco off the floor when storing the tobacco leaves in the warehouse.
How do you clean a hand woven basket?
Clean the wicker basket with the damp microfiber cloth, taking care to get into the weave and tackle the base of the basket. Wipe the basket down with a fresh microfiber cloth or let it air dry. Make sure the wicker is completely dry before placing any items back inside.
How do you clean a tobacco pipe bowl?
Every few or so bowl Ensure your pipe is completely cool. Then, use alcohol (rubbing alcohol works, but we prefer rum or brandy) to clean the pipe more thoroughly. Soak a paper towel in your alcohol of choice and rub it inside the bowl. Then, soak a pipe cleaner in the alcohol and run it through the stem a few times.
How do you clean a dirty wicker basket?
Mix a few drops of dish soap in a gallon of warm water. Moisten your cloth in the soapy water and continue to gently wipe down the wicker. A firm hand might rub away some of the wicker coloring. Air dry completely, outdoors preferably, before using again.
How do you care for a hand woven basket?
Never immerse a basket in water – this risks removing some of the patina. Soaking a basket can also result in swelling and popping of the weave. If a deeper cleaning is needed, use a damp, soft cotton cloth and gently blot the basket weave, then let the basket dry completely.
What is a tobacco basket?
The tobacco basket was used, until about 1980, to display tobacco taken to market. The crop is grown throughout North Carolina, primarily on family farms. According to the NC Dept. of Agriculture, North Carolina farmers today produce approximately 2/3 of the US crop of flue-cured tobacco. Tobacco is a very labor-intensive crop.
Who owned the tobacco baskets?
The baskets were owned by the warehouse or the Board of Trade, a consortium of tobacco companies. The company name was stencilled onto the edge of the basket.
How much does a hand of tobacco weigh?
A hand of tobacco weighed about 1 pound if made of tips or lugs and about 2 - 3 pounds if made from cutters. A hand of tobacco is a group of leaves tied together at the stem end. The end is wrapped in another cured leaf.
How are tobacco leaves picked?
Tobacco is a very labor-intensive crop. The leaves are picked by hand, starting at the bottom of the stalk. In the old days, the leaves were then carried to the tobacco barn where they were hand-tied onto to sticks about 3 feet long. The sticks were then placed in tiers in the tobacco barn. A fire was lit and the leaves were cured to a rich golden color in the barn.
Where were the hands laid in the tobacco basket?
The hands were then laid in the tobacco basket in a circle with the stem ends pointing to the outside. The baskets were then loaded and taken to the tobacco warehouse where they were sold at auction. The song of the tobacco auction is another story altogether.
Where are the tips on tobacco?
Tips are from the top of the plant; cutters, about half as long as your arm, are from the center of the stalk; lugs are from the bottom. There are 216 different grades of tobacco. After sorting and grading, the leaves were tied into "hands.".
Is tobacco a controversial topic?
We realize that tobacco is a controversial subject. We are not promoting the use of tobacco here, merely reporting on a type of basket which is fast disappearing and one which is an important part of history in North Carolina.
When were tobacco baskets used?
Tobacco baskets were used up until the 1980s to take tobacco to market. They have a huge history in North Carolina and with them rapidly disappearing, there is not much else to do but either buy a replica, or make on of your own.
Can you use scissors for hanging baskets?
You can easily used scissors for this. I wanted to make a large basket to hang above my bed, and sadly I did not measure out what size I wanted, so I will give you the measurements of what it ended up being.
Can you make your own tobacco baskets?
Did you know that you can make your own tobacco baskets? What if I told you that they could be made with a super inexpensive material, and that you probably have the tools you need sitting in your office! Try this super easy DIY tobacco baskets tutorial. Make them for a fraction of the cost that they are in the store!
Can you mold reeds in a basket?
Now, if your basket isn’t exactly square or needs a little coaxing, you can bend and mold the reed pieces while they are still slightly wet from the stain. You can also spray them with water before you stain them and do it then.
Who makes the tobacco baskets?
Bud Miller makes a small number of tobacco baskets and says that he might be the only person in the world who still makes them. He is the son of J. Anderson Miller, who started J.A. Miller Basket Co. in 1945.
Why did Yeargin think Yadkin became the center of basket making?
Yeargin thinks Yadkin became the center because the early basket-makers were from that area. Basket-makers depended on farmers to make the splits that they used to assemble the baskets, said Felix McKnight, who with his father and brother made baskets from 1947 as J.M. McKnight and Sons Inc.
