Dave Longaberger

David H. "Dave" Longaberger (1934–1999) was an American businessman who founded the Longaberger Company, makers of handcrafted maple wood baskets and accessories. Dave has two daughters, Tami Longaberger, who was 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.

Legacy

Longaberger was also a philanthropist. His concern for his community was evident in the money, effort and time he donated in and around Dresden, Ohio. Dave gave millions of dollars to the local community and schools, and provided much-needed services to the community.

Longaberger was interested in history. When he started selling baskets he made a deal with historic Roscoe Village, Coshocton, Ohio to sell them there. Hand crafted baskets fit nicely into the historic nature of Roscoe Village. Later, after he became prosperous, Longaberger's love of history came to the surface as he undertook the restoration of many historic buildings in the Dresden, Ohio, area. Some of the buildings 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.

Longaberger purchased and refurbished many other historic buildings on Main Street in Dresden, Ohio. This spurred a restoration boom, as owners began to examine their old homes and started restoring them.