The History of the Longaberger Basket

Longaberger baskets are produced by the Longaberger company in Newark, Ohio. The family owned business originated in Dresden, Ohio and was started by J.W. Longaberger in the early 1900's. In 1919, J.W. Longaberger was doing and apprenticeship with the Dresden Basket Factory when it was forced to close during The Great Depression. His love of basket making continued as he honed his craft by working to make baskets on weekends. Longaberger and his wife eventually raised enough capitol to purchase the former Dresden Basket Factory.

J.W. and his wife originally named the new basket business The Ohio Ware Basket Company. The original company did well but did not start to prosper until the early 1970's. This is around the same time that J.W. Longaberger passed away at the age of 71. Dave Longaberger took over where his father left off and originally marketed the handmade basket business that his father began as J.W.'s Handwoven Baskets. In 1978 Dave found success by selling theLongaberger line of baskets through home shows. The home consultants were coached on the Longaberger family history as well as the fine craftsmanship of the handmade baskets.

The Longaberger Company is as well known for it's baskets as it is for it's basket shaped building that is the home of the companies headquarters. TheLongaberger company headquarters is located on State Route 16 in Newark, Ohio and is one of the areas largest tourists attractions. J.W. Logaberger's son Dave Longaberger wanted all company buildings to be in the shape of the notorious "Medium Market Basket" but this plan was not carried forward by his daughters that are now at the helm of the family run business.

The Longaberger baskets are handcrafted of maple and are sold today through more than 60,000 independent consultants at home parties and in small gift shops throughout the country. While the Longaberger Company saw it's peak sales in the late 1980's, it's products have declined in popularity in recent years. Many sales consultants were forced to take a reduction in commission in 2004 and the company is said to be considering going to Internet based sales only. Sales have increased with the addition of what the company calls the "lifestyle products" that includes items such as pottery and other gift items.

In recent years, the Longaberger Company has started offering a wider variety of items at it's home based parties as well as on the company web site. Their are several different varieties of accessories to accompany theLongaberger baskets but also such items as gourmet food mixes and even jewelry items. The Longaberger Company hopes that the revamped line of offerings will in turn increase company profits. The Longaberger family business is now ran by Tami and Rachel Longaberger and they continue to carry on the family tradition of well made, quality products.

For more information on the Longaberger Basket Company you can check out their company website at http://www.longaberger.com/. They offer a wide variety of well made items on theirwebsite that most anyone would love to receive as a gift.