December 13th, 2015
Sweetgrass Baskets, A Proud Tradition, Trudy Hicks Baskets, Charleston, South Carolina
I thought that on this second trip to Charleston I was going to again leave without a sweetgrass basket. I don’t know, to tell you the truth as I was passing plenty of weavers, none hit it where it should have….my heart. Except, that on my last day I grabbed a cup of coffee and went down the street by my hotel, The Vendue, towards the Waterfront Park, which is on Vendue Range. The photo above is exactly what I first saw. I have never met a stranger, so this time I stopped and engaged Trudy Hicks in conversation.
As it happened, Trudy is one of Charleston’s finest sweetgrass basket makers. She was taught as a child and she has passed this art form to her children, grandchildren and plenty of others that want to learn.
Many years ago, before she took over for her grandmother, Trudy had her own hair salon. She has a great spot on this street because the previous mayor of the City of Charleston awarded her this particular station because of her connection to Boone Hall Plantation. Her grandmother is the last living person that lived at Boone Hall. Her aunt had been born there, as well. Once she is finished for the day all she has to do is close the doors. The basket weavers in the market have to take everything down every day and take it home.
Trudy showed me photographs of her family. Also a photo of the first road stand in Mount Pleasant where the first baskets were weaved and sold.
Trudy gives back to the community. The flowers, wreaths, crosses made out of sweetgrass…proceeds go to The House Of Love. She takes children out on field days, and helps in every which way she can.
I think everyone in her family except one of the little ones know how to weave. She tells her daughter to get those little fingers ready!!
Sweet grass baskets are so easy to take care. Since the grasses are from swamps and marsh areas, water will not hurt them. To clean, just spray the basket with cold water and then let them air dry. That’s it. Trudy’s telephone is 843-460-0901. She also ships. So, next time while visiting Charleston stop by and say hello. She will give you a warm smile and plenty of hugs and will really make your day, I promise you, she will. She is one awesome lady.
Have a Good One!! TTYL
Tags: Activities, Charleston, Charleston's Sweetgrass Baskets, Historic Charleston, South Carolina, Sweetgrass Baskets, Sweetgrass baskets of Mount Pleasant, Trudy Hicks Baskets, Visit Historic Charleston
We happened upon Miss Trudy weaving one of her baskets and it was indeed a blessing to meet this sweet lady. She was very welcoming and stayed and talked to her and even received a big hug from her! This was the highlight of our first visit to Charleston and will never be forgotten!
She was amazing. So kind and so talented.
Isn’t she amazing. Sorry I have taken this long to reply. I bought a small basket and love it!!