As meals are being prepared to celebrate Thanksgiving, the Botetourt Museum of History and Culture is highlighting this local basket. It was hand made from coiled rye straw and measures 4” high by 11” in diameter. It was woven so tightly that it was used by the Trevey family as a bread-rising basket. The weave would show when the risen dough was turned out and baked. The inside shows the wear on it from constant use. Bread recipes today can also be found that use a bread-proofing basket. Mary Harris Bishop donated her family’s basket where it can be seen in the Museum at 26 East Main Street, Fincastle.
~ Botetourt County Museum of History & Culture