Basket on display

Picnics are a popular activity during the summer.

To celebrate warmer weather and sunshine, this month’s artifact is a picnic basket. The word “picnic” has strong French origins, but it is difficult to pinpoint an exact origin of the word. However, the concept of picnics evolved from medieval hunting feasts, renaissance banquets, and victorian garden parties. In the United States, picnics can be defined as an event outside that involves food. The event may be potluck style or provided solely by the host of the picnic.

As for the picnic basket, it allows for mobility and many baskets often have storage for place settings. Traditional picnic baskets are woven, and the style of weave and material used varies in durability. However, baskets made of natural materials are susceptible to foul weather. Today, synthetic materials are commonly used, which are more weather resistant.

Picnics can be simple, informal and impromptu gatherings with friends and family and can also be extravagant events planned well in advance. An article from the Rock Springs Miner, dated June 27, 1895, described a picnic between the Danish Brotherhood lodges in Rock Springs and Green River. The event was a food fest, but also proved to be a friendly competition between the two town’s lodges:

“Lodge No. 48 of the Danish Brotherhood, of Rock Springs, met Lodge No. 68, of Green River, at the grove west of the toll gate in Green River, last Sunday, and spent the day in healthful recreation.

They had an elaborate programme and entered into its enjoyment with great spirit. The most prominent events were: - shooting at a target, 5 aside, prize won by Green River; tug of war, 7 aside, won by Rock Springs; foot race, married women, won by Rock Springs; foot race, young unmarried men, won by Rock Springs; foot race, young unmarried ladies, won by Green River.

Tables were set and good things were heaped upon them. Liquids were as plentiful as solids. Every thing was nicely prepared and success crowned every effort of the Green River lodge, who spared nothing in entertaining their guests. The picnic was held in a well-shaded grove on the banks of the river.”

The picnic basket will be on display at the Sweetwater County Historical Museum throughout June. The museum is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m., to 6 p.m.