Grassy Creek Handcrafted Brooms
After leaving their Forest Service jobs in Washington State to live a simpler life, the Lovensteins settled on 59 secluded acres along Grassy Creek in Stone County. Through an apprenticeship program offered by the Ozark Folk Center and funded by the Committee of 100, Jerry learned the old fashioned hand-tying method of broom making. By late 1978, they established the family business, Grassy Creek Handcrafted Brooms. For over 40 years, the family has recreated the traditional forms influenced by the Shakers and Puritans and handed down for generations. Traditional broom making has now become a third generation family craft with their grandson River learning the craft and continuing the tradition. Inside the studio, amid the aroma of fresh cut sassafras and broomcorn, brooms are tied using a homemade broom table and tools from the late 1800’s. Each broom is individually handcrafted – a signature that is impossible for the machine. River invites you to take a closer look at the common broom and venture “off the beaten path” to their homestead studio. You will see sassafras growing as well as his collection of broom making tools. Up three stairs and inside the air-conditioned studio, your senses are filled with the aroma of fresh cut sassafras and broomcorn. Watch as the saplings and broomcorn are transformed
into functional forms.
Directions: From the Court Square, take Highway 9 south. Turn left on Luber Road at the top of Dodd Mountain. Approximately 4 miles after the pavement ends you will cross a low water bridge (a cement slab). Continue up the hill and stay to the left, towards Signal Hill, approximately 4 more miles on the gravel road. Our driveway and mailbox (#2807) are on the right. The one lane drive is 3/4 mile long-follow the signs to our studio. The driveway is not recommended for very low clearance vehicles. There is plenty of parking available in the field. There is uneven terrain and steps so the area is not handicap accessible. An indoor restroom is available.
