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Pawleys Island Hammocks
Named after one of the most prestigious summer resorts on the South Carolina coast, the Pawleys Island hammock was an ingenious invention of the late eighteen hundreds. A riverboat pilot by the name of Captain Joshua Ward was known at that time for transporting rice and supplies along the South Carolina coast. Captain Ward was believed to have slept on grass-filled mattresses, but much to his dismay, found them too stifling in the Southern heat. In wanting a much cooler place to sleep, and after many failed attempts, he was able to come up with a cotton roped hammock using wooden spreaders without knots. His creation remains a popular style today.
Construction
The Pawleys Island hammock is made from the highest quality of materials available, and still woven exactly like it was over 100 years ago. Thus, making it one of the most sturdy, durable and well-made hammocks available today. There are two types of rope used, the traditional all-cotton natural rope, known both for comfort and coolness, or the soft spun polyester rope, which is more weather resistant. The custom designed stretcher bars are crafted from seasoned Carolina red oak. The oak is then steamed, bent, drilled, sanded, and varnished, all to contribute to a rhythmic sway and to add to the stability by spreading the rope evenly.
Skilled Craftsman
If you ever have the opportunity to be in the weaving room, where a hammock is knitted, you will find yourself consumed by the rhythmic motion of the skilled craftsmen. As they work a needle of rope in and out, they create symmetric patterns and lend a touch of art to the unique and interesting craft. Once the body is woven, it is completed by connecting it to the strong, plaited ends strung through the oak stretcher bars and tied in knots to the body strands. Upon final inspection, each hammock is marked with the traditional metal tag to indicate its authenticity as an Original Pawleys Island. |
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