This week's "Turnback Tuesday" features a photo of a basket made by Molly Hatchett. She was one of the last known surviving members of the Paugassett tribe in Derby. When she was alive, Hatchett was well-known for her baskets.
Leman Stone, agent for the land reservations in Derby, personally contracted her hut to be built. One account states that "she was a favorite among the people, and was looked upon with sad sympathy. The children in the streets flocked to meet her, and the old folks always paid her deference. A hundred families or more she visited once or twice a year, selling her little fancy stained baskets" (Orcott).
Molly died on Jan.17, 1829 and although her exact birth is unknown, she was said to have been nearly 100 years old when she died.
The basket shown here is currently on display in the Library's main level showcase.
[First posted on this date in 2016.]
Thanks goes to Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting local history each week.
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