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Period: Nov 14, 1440 to
Transatlantic Slave Trade
Enslaved West Africans brought to Carribbean and American plantations. These people orginated from a variety of cultures, bringing these heritages with them (including the basket) -
Period: to
Plantation Economy
Plantation economy produced indigo, cotton but greatest was rice. Fanner baskets were necessary for winnowing the rice, and basket making was a valued skill in slaves. In Nov 1861 Northern forces occupied Sea Islands and plantation owners fled.Freed slaves often worked on same farms they were previously enslaved to. -
The Penn School est
The Penn School on St Helenas Island est in 1862 and then reorganized in 1904, and Native Island Basketry was added to the curriculum. Penn School bought baskets from sewers -
Clarence Legerton begins selling baskets
Had a wholesale trade in baskets, owned a shop on King Street as well as through catalogs. Bought directly from the sewers very cheaply. -
First Stands
Highway 17 paved for first time and the first Cooper River Bridge was built. This began era of 'show' baskets. The first stands were just a sheet over a chair or box. Soon became posts with wood between. Started by Betsey Johnson or Lottie Winee Moultrie Swinton. This brought about 'Sweetgrass Revolution'- artistic freedom -
31 Stands counted
along 2 miles stretch in front of Christ's Church--Grassroots -
Started selling downtown
corner of meeting a broad -
Bulrush reintroduced
Also became an artistic form rather than just a utilitarian craft -
McKissick Sweetgrass Conference
After conference the steering committee became sweetgrass makers association -
Hurricane Hugo
Lowcountry hit by Hurricane Hugo, all stands knocked down. 1989/90 Mary Jackson received a grant to rebuild damaged stands. -
Stands move north
Stands previously were in a fairly small area. In the 90s began to move as far north as McClellanville -
Historical Marker
hwy 17 -
First SCAFA festival
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Gullah Geechee Corridor
Gullah Geechee Corridor designated -
Gregorie Ferry Project Scheduled
**add detail -
60 stands occupied
As a part of the Environmental Assessment for the construction stands were documented and occupants asked their opinions of the construction project. -
Sweetgrass Cultural Arts Pavilion opens
Area of Waterfront Park in Mount Pleasant with information about baskets and a place for people to sell -
Construction Starts
hwy 17 widening begins -
Award
Construction wins award -
Sweetgrass Basket Overlay District
Sweetgrass basket Overlay Zoning District designated: outlines building codes for Mt P that are specialized in the basket making area**