The J.W. Longaberger Basket Collection . . . and more Monopoly

With their dark navy accent weaves, brass tags, and traditional shapes, the baskets of the J.W. Longaberger collection are useful ones while serving as Longaberger's premiere collectible basket series.  Twelve basket forms created by J.W. Longaberger were chosen for the series, each a useful size with a history.

Several generations of Longabergers have been involved with basket weaving in Ohio, beginning with "Daddy John" Longaberger, whose son J.W. became a very talented weaver.  J.W. created and sold ware baskets to the potteries in Ohio while also supplying baskets for all sorts of needs in his small Ohio town of Dresden.  J.W.'s son Dave created the Longaberger Company as we know it.


The twelve baskets chosen for the J.W. Collection were sold one per year (available during a summer month) from 1983 through 1994.  Later, a series of miniature baskets were created to match, and a hardcover book telling the story was available as the collection came to a close.  Custom cardboard boxes, navy plaid fabric liners, and plastic protectors were available in the later years.


Since my J.W. Collection Baskets are displayed on high shelves running around my office, they must hold Monopoly games and collectibles.  You'll see various Monopoly games, Johnny Lightning Monopoly series vehicles, a chocolate Monopoly, Monopoly cereal, a puzzle, pen, bobblehead, and more in these photos.  Remember, if you double-click on the first photo to enlarge it, you can then progress through them by clicking on the little thumbnail photos at the bottom.


Most longtime Longaberger collectors have J.W. Collection Baskets and use them faithfully.  Although I love them all, my very favorite is the beautiful Banker's Waste Basket, second from the left in the first photo.  Which is your favorite?