A Tisket, A Tasket — Willow Weaving History of CNY

A short article in the Dec. 9, 1869 Post-Standard noted that local salt boilers and barrel makers were turning to their winter work of weaving functional willow baskets. The article went on to state that in the past, over the course of the winter, $12,000 to $15,000 worth of baskets were usually created. These products were bought by other local businesses for resale purposes. Basket making using the thin willow reeds readily found surrounding the banks of Onondaga Lake soon became a major industry in the Liverpool area that lasted for more than a century.

From as early as 10,000 BC, evidence of willow weaving has been found in the form of stone carvings showing the use of willow containers lined with clay. Through time, items constructed from willow were used both in the home and around the farm. Different weaving techniques were developed throughout the world with the industry becoming an important one for many cultures. Willow weaving was not restricted to containers for storage and transport, however. Items ranged from simple food containers to woven fences and even houses. Other items included animal muzzles, fish traps, beer strainers, baby baskets and carriages, traveling trunks, hat boxes, umbrella holders, and even items of clothing. For the most part, it could be said, that anything found today made out of cardboard, plastic, or plywood was made from wicker many years ago.

Willow growing especially flourished during the Industrial Age, where large quantities of willows were required to meet the increased demand for useable containers. During the Victorian Era, wicker garden furniture woven from willow reeds became extremely popular. Numerous examples still exist today, attesting to their strength and enduring qualities. The willow industry acquired national importance, however, during the World Wars. Baskets made of willow were used to transport thousands of carrier pigeons. Ammunition shell cases and officer kits were primarily made of willow. Observation balloon baskets were constructed of sturdy willow and smaller willow baskets were used to air drop supplies of ammunition and food to the troops.

Closer to home, in Onondaga County, as the salt industry began to die out, willow baskets became the Liverpool area’s main source of income and for many years it helped to support that local economy. In the early 1850s, a German salt boiler by the name of John Fischer reportedly initiated the craft in Liverpool. The abundant stands of willow reeds surrounding Onondaga Lake reminded Fischer of those found in his homeland.

By 1870, the industry had grown considerably, using mainly German workers to weave both baskets and furniture. Land that would normally be inadequate for crops was planted with willow trees providing the area with an economic boost once provided by the salt industry. A local banker, Lucius Gleason, provided most of the capital needed to grow the business as he, too, saw its value. The industry peaked in the early 1890s when about 360,000 baskets were produced and shipped nationwide. The Great Depression during the 1930s brought the downfall of the business although some basket weavers continued through mid-century. 

Locally, Louis L. Thurwachter was long identified with the willow trade and recognized as another pioneer in the willow ware business. Originally born in Germany, Thurwachter moved to Syracuse in 1851 at age 14. Once he completed school, he apprenticed at a grocery store before establishing a store of his own. In 1869, Thurwachter sold the grocery business choosing instead to operate a store specializing in wooden and wicker ware. The store, located on West Fayette Street, quickly grew to become one of the most successful businesses in Syracuse at that time. His store was described as “a perfect bazaar for useful, desirable, and fancy goods, so that the taste and style of the most fastidious buyers can be pleased.” Thurwachter also had the distinction of being the first business owner to deliver his products via bicycle. He ran his store, plus one of the largest willow and wooden-ware warehouses in Onondaga County, for more than 50 years until his death in 1922.

The weaving of willow as an industry survived through the mid-20th Century. Basket weaving today, however, continues through the efforts of local artisans, while wicker furniture and similar items are manufactured using mostly synthetic materials.                                  

Karen Y. Cooney is the former support services administrator at the Onondaga Historical Association (OHA) in Syracuse. She retired in December, shortly after submitting this article for publication.

A short article in the Dec. 9, 1869 Post-Standard noted that local salt boilers and barrel makers were turning to their winter work of weaving functional willow baskets. The article went on to state that in the past, over the course of the winter, $12,000 to $15,000 worth of baskets were usually created. These products were bought by other local businesses for resale purposes. Basket making using the thin willow reeds readily found surrounding the banks of Onondaga Lake soon became a major industry in the Liverpool area that lasted for more than a century.

From as early as 10,000 BC, evidence of willow weaving has been found in the form of stone carvings showing the use of willow containers lined with clay. Through time, items constructed from willow were used both in the home and around the farm. Different weaving techniques were developed throughout the world with the industry becoming an important one for many cultures. Willow weaving was not restricted to containers for storage and transport, however. Items ranged from simple food containers to woven fences and even houses. Other items included animal muzzles, fish traps, beer strainers, baby baskets and carriages, traveling trunks, hat boxes, umbrella holders, and even items of clothing. For the most part, it could be said, that anything found today made out of cardboard, plastic, or plywood was made from wicker many years ago.

Willow growing especially flourished during the Industrial Age, where large quantities of willows were required to meet the increased demand for useable containers. During the Victorian Era, wicker garden furniture woven from willow reeds became extremely popular. Numerous examples still exist today, attesting to their strength and enduring qualities. The willow industry acquired national importance, however, during the World Wars. Baskets made of willow were used to transport thousands of carrier pigeons. Ammunition shell cases and officer kits were primarily made of willow. Observation balloon baskets were constructed of sturdy willow and smaller willow baskets were used to air drop supplies of ammunition and food to the troops.

Closer to home, in Onondaga County, as the salt industry began to die out, willow baskets became the Liverpool area’s main source of income and for many years it helped to support that local economy. In the early 1850s, a German salt boiler by the name of John Fischer reportedly initiated the craft in Liverpool. The abundant stands of willow reeds surrounding Onondaga Lake reminded Fischer of those found in his homeland.

By 1870, the industry had grown considerably, using mainly German workers to weave both baskets and furniture. Land that would normally be inadequate for crops was planted with willow trees providing the area with an economic boost once provided by the salt industry. A local banker, Lucius Gleason, provided most of the capital needed to grow the business as he, too, saw its value. The industry peaked in the early 1890s when about 360,000 baskets were produced and shipped nationwide. The Great Depression during the 1930s brought the downfall of the business although some basket weavers continued through mid-century. 

Locally, Louis L. Thurwachter was long identified with the willow trade and recognized as another pioneer in the willow ware business. Originally born in Germany, Thurwachter moved to Syracuse in 1851 at age 14. Once he completed school, he apprenticed at a grocery store before establishing a store of his own. In 1869, Thurwachter sold the grocery business choosing instead to operate a store specializing in wooden and wicker ware. The store, located on West Fayette Street, quickly grew to become one of the most successful businesses in Syracuse at that time. His store was described as “a perfect bazaar for useful, desirable, and fancy goods, so that the taste and style of the most fastidious buyers can be pleased.” Thurwachter also had the distinction of being the first business owner to deliver his products via bicycle. He ran his store, plus one of the largest willow and wooden-ware warehouses in Onondaga County, for more than 50 years until his death in 1922.

The weaving of willow as an industry survived through the mid-20th Century. Basket weaving today, however, continues through the efforts of local artisans, while wicker furniture and similar items are manufactured using mostly synthetic materials.                                  

Karen Y. Cooney is the former support services administrator at the Onondaga Historical Association (OHA) in Syracuse. She retired in December, shortly after submitting this article for publication.