Dave Longaberger
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David H. "Dave" Longaberger (1934 – 1999) was a businessman and the founder of The Longaberger Company, makers of handcrafted maple wood baskets and accessories. Dave has two daughters, Tami Longaberger, who is CEO of The Longaberger Company, and Rachel Longaberger Stukey, President of the Longaberger Foundation.
Longaberger grew up in a poor family of 14. He suffered from a stuttering problem and epilepsy, both of which he overcame.
[edit] Dave Longaberger - Legacy
Dave Longaberger was not just a businessman interested in making money. He was also a great philanthropist and his concern for his community was evident in the money, effort and time he donated to his community in and around Dresden, Ohio. Dave gave millions of dollars to the local community, schools and provided much needed services to the community. He was interested in history, when he first started selling baskets he made a deal with historic Roscoe Village Coshocton Ohio, to sell them there. Knowing that hand crafted baskets fit nicely into the historic nature of the non-profit organization that maintained and operated Roscoe Village Coshocton Ohio, it was a perfect fit.
Later, after he became prosperous Dave's love of history came to the surface as he undertook the restoration of many local historic buildings in the Dresden, Ohio, area. Some of the buildings he saved were:
The Captains House (1850), The Dresden Hotel (early 20th century), The Dresden Iron Mill (circa 1880), The Dresden Woolen Mill (circa 1890), The Prospect Place mansion (1856), The Cox House, Trinway (circa 1900), The Dresden railway station.
Dave also purchased and refurbished many other historic buildings on Main Street in Dresden, Ohio. This spurred a restoration boom as private owners then began themselves to look at their old homes and started restoring them as well. Dave's good works will not soon be forgotten by the Dresden community who still remember the “ten cent millionaire” with admiration and respect.
