Mammoth Cave Basket Makers

"Born the fourth of 16 children to Henry L. and Ella Mae Puckett Trulock. I was raised in Cub Run, Hart County, Kentucky. In 1945, at age 18, I was married to Elza Waddell and had five children, 3 sons and 2 daughters. My husband passed away in 1979. After his death, I began making baskets on a more regular basis."

"I first learned the basic techniques of basket making from my mother when I was approximately nine years of age. I then developed my own style of baskets."

"As a child, we made the baskets and traded them to a local merchant in exchange for food. We also sent baskets to many Northern and Western states in exchange for boxes of clothing. Later, me baskets were purchased by Curtis Alvey and sold to many upscale stores in New York. My baskets have been purchased by many individuals throughout the United States and many foreign countries."

"My baskets are made from white oak timber. The tree is cut, then split into smaller and smaller pieces. The splits, hoop, handle and ribs are then whittled out with a knife. Once this process has been completed, the process of putting the basket together begins. The approximate time in completing a basket is about one week."

"Those wishing to purchase a basket may contact me at the phone number listed above".

Leona Waddell

Paul Rich passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, March 12, 2017. Paul will be missed.

Paul Rich of Mammoth Cave Kentucky pictured left with his father Rex Rich with baskets Paul made.

"My name is Douglas Paul Rich. I live in the Mammoth Cave Area. I have been making baskets for about 14 years. Tony Waddell, who is now deceased, taught me how to make oak baskets. My grandfather Reverend Ralph Burba would make baskets and take them to the store to trade for groceries."

"Two of my favorite styles of baskets are wall baskets and egg baskets. I have come up with new ideas in making different baskets that are unique."

"I was born in Edmonson County in Kentucky. I am a code welder at Campbell Hausfeld making air compressors. I have done basket demonstrations at Civil War Days at Munfordville, Ky, The Heritage Festival at Horse Cave KY and at Mammoth Cave National Park."

"I do have baskets for sale. I would make and ship a basket for someone."

Paul Rich

"I think to become a good basket maker you have to like working on baskets. For myself, it relaxes me. Our baskets are all a little different. It is difficult to make them all alike. I hope that the tradition continues to be passed down in the family." - Charlene Long

Charles and Charlene Long of Upton, Kentucky make willow and honeysuckle baskets. Charles has been making baskets off and on for almost 50 years. He learned the craft as a child, from his parents. His family members have been making baskets for five generations. Charlene learned how to make baskets about 20 years ago from her husband.

Basket making is a tradition that has been passed down in most families. Years ago, most people would only teach members of their own family because they didn't want others knowing their distinctive style secrets. Now that is changing and the basket makers actively promote their craft in the community so that the art of basket making is kept going.

The Longs demonstrate for schools and also for groups that are interested in basket making. They are actively involved in the Mammoth Cave Basket Makers Guild. The Guild promotes traditional basket making in the south-central Kentucky region. The Longs, and many other Guild members, use only natural materials that they gather themselves in the production of their baskets.

In addition to the willow and honeysuckle baskets, Charlene is learning to make white oak baskets from fellow Guild member Leona Waddell.

We mourn the loss of Willard Glass who passed away Saturday December 16, 2006. He was a farmer and licensed electrician and a member of Cherry Springs Missionary Baptist Church. He served as Deacon for over 20 years. He and his wife Frances enjoyed making white oak baskets. Willard will be missed.

Mark Dewayne Childress age 56 of Cub Run ,Ky departed this earth for his heavenly home on March 28th, 2021 after a long, hard fought battle with cancer.

Born October 14th,1964

Mark was a very talented craftsman, making unique and beautiful White Oak baskets. Mark was well known for his basket creations, teaching family and friends the craft as well. Mark had been a farmer, a master logger, a carpenter, and most of all a help to family and friends, never turning anyone down that needed his help. Mark loved his family with all of his heart, and was proud of his grandchildren. Mark was a member of Macedonia Baptist Church.

Preceded in death by a sister, Vickie Sue Childress, his father Clevie Childress

Survived by his wife of 37 years, Malinda Shewmaker Childress, Sons, Matthew (Natasha) Childress, Jeremy Childress, Fiancé Billie Jean Blair, Jared Childress, Marcus Childress, all of Cub Run, Ky; Grandchildren, Kaelynn Childress, Lauren Childress, Brian Childress: Mother, Darlene Childress: Brothers, Mike Childress (Boneda) Bobby Childress: Sisters, Vanessa Burd ( Bob) of Glasgow, Ky, Malinda Carroll ( Gary) of Cub Run, ky, Angela Rosser of Cub Run ,Ky

Mark had many friends, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. He loved them all.

Interment will be at Macedonia Cemetery, Cub Run, KY.

Condolences may also be expressed online at www.brooksfuneralhomeky.com.