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LeRoy Graber
German-Russian Willow Basketry
LeRoy Graber of Freeman carries on a craft that was brought
to this country over 125 years ago by his grandfather Jacob, a German from
Russia, who was seeking freedom to practice his Mennonite faith. Willow baskets
were a necessity for carrying and storing all sorts of things, from farm produce
to clothes. When LeRoy was about ten, he showed an interest in his
grandfather’s work, and was told, “LeRoy, you’re old enough to do this.”
“That was more of a command than a suggestion,” LeRoy recalls, so he sat
down with Jacob and learned the intricacies of gathering, preparing and weaving
willows. LeRoy has taught a number of apprentices this rare art
form. In 2001-2002, it was Lori Wood, a woman from Sioux Falls who sought him
out because of her interest in traditional hand crafts. And in 2002-2003 it was
his son Kim Graber, who was never particularly interested in basketry when he
was growing up, but recently has come to realize the importance of the tradition
in his family. Kim and LeRoy also started a willow patch at Kim’s farm, rooting cuttings of different kinds of local willows so they will have easier access to basket materials.
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