Pawley's Island HammocksPawleys Island hammocks have been one of the world's favorites for a very long time, often featuring at the top of various best seller lists. They are most famous for what is now known as "The Original Pawleys Island Rope Hammock", which has an interesting history.Pawley's Island is thought to be the oldest hammock manufacturer in the United States. Way back in 1889 there was a riverboat pilot named Captain Joshua Ward. The summer nights in South Carolina were far too hot, so Captain Ward decided to replace his grass-filled mattress with something cooler. Rope hammocks are particularly well-suited to hot climates as they are very well ventilated, and the fresh air helps to cool you down. It took several attempts, but eventually a suitable design was constructed. The important breakthrough was using wooden spreader bars without knots. These help to spread the rope evenly for maximum stability and comfort. Amazingly, the design has not changed in any significant way over the last hundred years. You can still buy one today, recognizable by the metal tag that confirms its authenticity. What has changed is the range of products available. The original hand woven design is not only available in natural cotton, but also a soft spun polyester. There are luxurious quilted fabric hammocks, a range of stands and many different accessories to choose from. There are also different sizes, from the standard single person model to oversized hammocks that can hold several people. |
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