Jose Reyes on Nantucket Lightship Baskets, with Dror Kahn
Jose Formoso Reyes (1902-1980), iconic lightship basket maker, talks about his life and experiences. Born in the Philippines, he was educated in the United States, eventually receiving a M.Ed. from Harvard University. He automatically received his U.S. citizenship in 1947 after his discharge from the U.S. Army with a rank of Captain. That year he was invited to vacation on Nantucket and never left.
After a number of odd jobs on Nantucket, Reyes was drawn to basket making applying the weaving skills he learned in the Philippines. Befriended by basket-making legend Mitchy Ray, Reyes' new career was launched. In 1948, he created the now sought-after "friendship basket" pocketbook and became well known for his innovative style and unique designs. It's estimated that in his lifetime, he made over 5,000 baskets. Today, a Jose Reyes basket is a valuable and prized possession.
This interview was conducted by Dror Kahn in 1975 for the Nantucket Historical Association.
Пікірлер: 8
I am so glad to have found this! Lolo (Grandpa) Joe is the eldest brother of my Lolo Samuel F. Reyes. I had the honor of meeting Lolo Joe in Nantucket when I was 8 years old, the Spring before he passed away. Thank you for having this video on your channel.
@jeselinecastaneda7728
5 жыл бұрын
Tanya Reyes-Juliano ACK baskets made by your Lolo Jose Reyes can fetch up to 5k. Michael Kane makes them now in ACK and it cost about 2.5k.
@tanyareyes-juliano3043
3 жыл бұрын
@@jeselinecastaneda7728 Hi, just saw your response now. It's amazing how a simple addition, made this bag into a fashion icon.
Thank you for sharing & uploading this gem of a video. My sister discovered this video & shared it with our big family years ago. Lolo (grandfather) Joe was the eldest brother of my Lolo Samuel Formoso Reyes. I think my Lola (grandmother) had 2 or 3 of Lolo Joe’s excellently handcrafted Friendship Baskets. Warms my heart you are honoring Lolo Joe as part of Nantucket’s history. According to one of my aunts, my Lolo Samuel (along with my Lola & aunts) hired a private plane to visit our Lolo Joe a few months before he passed away.
Just wondering how Jose Formoso Reyes is related to my grandfather Narciso Reyes, who, like Jose was born in Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur. When my son joined a training in Harvard some years ago, I asked him to sort of trace the roots of lakay Jose, and its this skill in basketry that he found out.
I am doing research on the life of Mr. Reyes. I would like to be in touch with any of descendants. If you are one of them or know of them, kindly have them contact me using this posting. Thank you.
@tanyareyes-juliano3043
7 жыл бұрын
Hi Mr. Garcia, I read your article on Lolo Joe a few days ago. I was recently searching for him to show my husband who he is as he has heard stories fr myself and my family. As, I recently found a photo of he and 3 of his brothers (including my Lolo) that made me tear up. It was the last time they saw each other, as it was taken the Fall before he passed away. Again, I am glad I stumble upon your article.