THE HIBBARD BASKET WORKS

SOUTH BUTLER
WAYNE COUNTY, NY

One of the largest business enterprises in the history of South Butler, NY was the Hibbard Basket Works, which employed over 100 people. Hibbard baskets became nationally known for their neat appearance and durability.

The founder, Dr. Jerome Hibbard was born in 1830. He graduated from medical school in 1861, and served in the Civil War as an assistant surgeon. About 1870, he came to South Butler and founded the Basket Works. Legend says that he gave up medicine after the death of a patient through a medical error. Dr. Hibbard has been described as a mechanical genius, because he created all of the necessary equipment for his business. His son Fremont continued the business after his death in 1888. It operated into the early 20th century. None of the buildings survive today.

Load of Baskets from Basket Factory

Hibbard Basket Works. The bearded man sitting on the log car is said to be Jerome Hibbard, owner of the basket factory in South Butler, N.Y. Hibbard died in 1888.

1909 picture of the Basket Factory. Courtesy of Skip and Brenda Miller.

Hibbard Basket Factory in South Butler. Courtesy of Wayne County Historical Society.

These are a few of the over 100 photos of Town of Butler historic buildings and families that are available on a CD from Butler Historical Preservation Society.

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