Centuries before baskets were considered works of art, they were utilitarian vessels. As we know, almost since the beginning of mankind, humans have woven grasses and split wood fibers to create containers for storing and carrying the materials that made life possible. Hats and articles of clothing were made using similar processes. Even chest plates for protection during battle have been found with fibers so tightly and intricately woven that arrows couldn’t pierce them.

On April 6 at the Mattapoisett Free Public Library, the art and science of basket weaving was on view when Melanie Dupuis and Rick Padelford of East Freetown demonstrated the art of basket weaving.

Finished works were on display as the couple chatted with those in attendance about the skills and materials required to make baskets. Surrounding the table were baskets large enough to be made into a coffee table or lamps, while smaller woven beauties were ice buckets, vases, and even an urn. “I make quite a few urns now-a-days,” said Dupuis, as cremation has become a preference.

Padelford explained that today’s basket weaving methods require a variety of tools, but that in ancient times people used stone and bone implements to cut strips of wood into staves and grasses into long strings known as “weavers.”

And there on display was the most famous of all baskets, the Nantucket Basket, also known as the Nantucket Purse.

Dupuis referred to a man whose name has become synonymous with this style of basket: Jose Reyes.

Reyes came from the Philippines in the early 1900s, was educated, fought for the United States in WWII, married Mary Ham of Massachusetts and eventually, through a series of unhappy yet fortunate events, settled with his family in Nantucket.

It is a rags-to-riches story in many ways. From poverty to success, in his lifetime Reyes would become famous for his Nantucket friendship baskets. Those baskets would eventually be modified. Reyes invented a cover, adding decorative elements such as precious woods and ivory, to embellish the small baskets into handbags or purses for ladies. Today, examples of his work retail for thousands of dollars and many others have become parts of museum collections.

Back at the library, Padelford wove the bamboo weavers between the wooden staves and discussed the intricacies of making such seemingly innocuous materials into works of art.

Dupuis said she had been a cobbler for many years, but her job was eventually outsourced leaving her without employment. Not unlike Reyes’ story, she has found her way to success through basket weaving. “I must have 200 baskets in my home,” she laughingly said.

When asked how much time and what costs are involved in the creation of a small purse, Dupuis said, “I’m not going to lie; the materials and lessons cost about $450.” She said it takes about two months to complete a handbag. But, she points out that in the end you have a beautiful basket.

Padelford said men are once again becoming interested in basket weaving. In fact, the established history of Nantucket basket weaving points primarily to men who during long sea voyages made baskets to pass the time.

Brad Smith of Mattapoisett recently took up basket weaving to make his wife decorative items. A retired ship captain, Smith acknowledged the time investment required to make Nantucket baskets – truly a labor of love.

If you are interested in the history of Nantucket baskets, including Reyes’ importance to the craft, you may visit www.nantucketlightshipbasketmuseum.org, or his granddaughter’s website www.korenreyes.com. You may also contact Dupuis and Padelford at 508-763-3216 to learn more about weaving.

By Marilou Newell

When she joined the Sea Scouts in 2012, Emily Newell had just finished the eighth grade. Junior high school had proven a bit difficult given her acknowledged lack of self-confidence, but all that would change. Today, Newell is the Sea Scout Boatswain for the New England Flotilla and was recently named ’Scout of the Year’ for her local ship.

Sea Scouting, a branch of the Boy Scouts of America, is a coed program for young people from the eighth grade to age 21. Whereas Boy Scouts groups are called troops, Sea Scout groups are called ships. The homeport for Newell’s ship is Falmouth where the Scouts meet weekly.

In spite of New England’s seafaring history, there are fewer than 200 members in the scouting branch in this area. If Newell has her way, however, that will change.

“I want to get all the ships more involved with one another and build up the program during my time as boatswain,” said Newell.

To clarify what a boatswain is, Newell explained that the B.S.A. equivalent is “senior patrol leader.” As the New England Flotilla boatswain, Newell’s responsibilities include event programming, social media management, and marketing.

“It’s important that I represent the program well, but I also want to represent women and girls,” said Newell. “Let them know a program like this is available to them, too.”

Through the years, Newell has come to believe that being a Sea Scout has allowed her to not only learn maritime skills, but it has also inspired her in all areas of personal growth and exploration.

In 2014, Newell was selected to participate in the B.S.A.’s National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) program. This intensive program takes place for one full week during the summer. Topics such as ethical decision-making, vision and focus, and communication skills are part of the training these Scouts must embrace to pass the course.

During NYLT, Scouts are trained in the EDGE method for team development. This method helps teens to develop coping skills by engaging one another in meaningful nonjudgmental ways. EDGE stands for the four elements of putting together a cohesive team where once stood a group of strangers by, “…Explaining, Demonstrating, Guiding, and Enabling one another,” Newell said. “It’s hard work,” she confirmed, adding with a chuckle, “But we laughed a lot, too.”

Having successfully completed NYLT, Newell was tapped to be a staff member in 2015 – a position she continues to hold today. As a staff member, she has held such jobs as troop guide, quartermaster, photographer, and presenter. Public speaking has proven the most challenging for Newell.

“In eighth grade, I had to give a presentation in class. I was shaking uncontrollably,” Newell said quietly as she seemed to relive that dark moment. “I just did my senior project today, and I didn’t think twice about being in front of my class,” she laughed.

She credits her experiences and training in both Sea Scouts and NYLT for helping her gain self-assurance, self-awareness, and a sense of accomplishment. And scouting has done even more by giving Newell the tools for academic success.

“I know how to collect data, source materials, plan, and organize myself better now,” Newell said.

When asked what challenges she thinks females face in B.S.A. coed programs, Newell said, “Well, I think it’s harder for girls in leadership positions to be considered a good leader. You can’t act too bossy or like you want attention, or even that you are smart. Like the real world!”

Newell is candid about challenges she has faced and hopes that her story will benefit others. “I’ve dealt with ADHD my whole life,” she said. She also concedes that, without scouting, she might not know what career path to take. “I want to go into park and forestry management,” she said, “with a concentration in social science.”

With less than a week left in her senior year at Old Rochester Regional, Newell is looking forward to prom and graduation. But she has some advice for teen girls graduating from eighth grade.

“If I was telling a girl about Sea Scouts, I’d tell them that I used to be super socially awkward. Now I find it easier to talk to people and make new friends, try new things, put myself out there.”

In July, Newell will travel to West Virginia to participate in the Boy Scout Jamboree and then it’s off to college. She’ll begin her studies at Bristol Community College and then transfer to one of several schools she’s earmarked.

And finally, adding a grace note to Newell’s success, she earned highest honors in the third quarter of her senior year. That, too, she attributes to skills she learned in the Sea Scout program.

By Marilou Newell