Thoughts from Minnie at the PACC

By Minnie McCormick

May baskets, a thing of the past? Not at the Piscataquis Area Community Center with Minnie McCormick. Originally they were a romantic gesture.

As a youngster we hung May baskets a lot for fun! We would choose someone to “hang” one on. That person wasn’t in on the planning. My sister and I would make the basket by using an old shoebox and crepe paper. 

At that time a nickel would buy a lot of candy, so with 8-10 kids it would pretty much fill the box. A house in the “know” would father (on foot) near the recipient’s house. Someone here would put the basket at the front door and yell “May basket to ……” That person had to come find us. When caught they helped find the others. If they couldn’t be found, one would holler “ally-ally is free”. When we were all found we got to eat the candy and play games. 

A few years ago when I was president of GFWC/MIOSAC Club I made small baskets, put in a Hershey Hug & Kiss with some nice words like love, caring, thoughtful, hope, etc. and hand delivered them to all the members. One member wasn’t home and couldn’t think who had left it! She had never had a May basket before.

For some years after that we made small baskets, added candy and took them to the nursing home.

“In the good ol’ days” 

On April 21 at  the PACC we made May baskets for fun. All materials were provided.

I still make them every year!