LITTLETON, Maine — In 1940, a laundry basket made by the late Mary Ann Silliboy of Littleton, made its way to the Henry and Sadie Carpenter family in Hammond Plantation.
It was not only used for laundry, but also as a baby’s bassinet by seven Carpenter children — Henry, Mary, Paul, George, Theresa, Margaret and lastly, Billy in 1949. Billy was also the last to leave the family home in 2017.
It was at that time that he decided the cherished basket might be appreciated by her son, Richard Silliboy and his family. He knew that it was made by Silliboy’s mother almost 80 years ago.
After receiving the basket, the Silliboy family decided to pass it on to the Southern Aroostook Agricultural Museum, where it would be on display and preserved for future generations to see. It will join the recently established basket display in the Grass Tool Room for the summer season.
Those interested in seeing the basket will have an opportunity on Saturday, March 10, from 4:30-6 p.m. as the museum hosts a baked ham supper. The cost is $9 per person and the museum will be open during that time to see the many historical items on display.
