Dan's Papers - June 22, 2007 - Wm. J. Mills To Offer New Canvas Bags

"Canvas is our product and Mills makes it best" is the slogan of the prestigious Wm. J. Mills & Co., located in historic Greenport. This family owned thriving business has been around since 1880 serving sailors and the community with quality, detail and hand craftsmanship. There's hardly a boat around that hasn't one time or another been artfully draped in Mills' canvas.

Wm. J. Mills & Co. came to Greenport in the late 19th century. According to family history, William Mills, who was a Scottish immigrant, moved from Northport, then to Patchogue, and then to Greenport. A big growth spurt in New York City led to a very large demand for fish and the shipping industry was thriving. Greenport experienced a boom and became the desired place to be for many great recreational and "commercial water-related activities."

The company is owned and operated by the two Mills brothers, Wm. J. III (Jamie) and Robert L. II (Bob) who are President and Vice President. Their wives (Maureen and Carol) also work in senior administrative positions. The patriarch of the family, Wm. J. (Bill) Mills II, who is over 80 years young, still comes to work everyday. Bill's knowledge, expertise and attention to detail truly inspire those around him. Bob mentioned that his dad "puts everything to good use" and "rarely throws anything out." "He's a big time, "let's fix it" type of guy.

The company is renowned as the original sail makers for the Boston Whalers and now sell "as far away as Hong Kong, England and Sweden" and as local as our own backyard. You can easily go to a Hamptons home and find Mills' canvas awnings on some of the luxurious homes, or their array of colorful canvas encasing local yachts. Ever enjoy seafood and dockside music at Claudio's? The restaurant is encased in Mills beautiful awnings. The Mills' are constantly looking to progress and grow along with industry, business and the community. Bob said that they do a "tremendous amount of custom work" and spend a great deal of time listening to what the consumers need. Advertising manager Larry Mannino commented that, "It's just amazing to see this level of craftsmanship in this day and age."

Recently the Mills' company expanded their array of products and are featuring a multi-colored canvas bag line. The bags are available in an array of bright rainbow colors and are so durable that "you could carry a 50 pound bowling ball in one and it would hold up." Would you doubt it? These bags are made with the same canvas that protects a boat in a raging storm. They'd definitely hold up to the elements of a college campus or a mother's outing with her kids. Sticky lollipops are no match for the canvas on these bags.

The line includes the Tote Bag, The Ice Bag and The Gear Bag. The bags are sewn with the same thread that is used on their awnings and billed "to stand the test of time." According to Bob, "The Ice Bag was originally designed to carry 50 pound blocks of ice and has now become a sort of fashion statement."

The bags are $55 and are 18" long x 9" wide x 14"deep. The Ice Bag is large enough for storing plenty of goods for an overnight sail or a day of camping on the beach. The Gear Bag is 13" long x 8" wide x 10.5" deep. It costs $45 and is perfect for the mom on the go or the weekender looking to cram a few items in a durable bag. The tote is 10" long x 10" wide x 7" deep, costs $35 and is just perfect for everyday use.

Just as exciting as the tote, ice and gear bags is the Duffel Bag line. With clever names like: The Montauk, The Sag Harbor, The Shelter Island, Gardiner's Island and the Fisher's Island, these bags come in a variety of sizes ranging from 33" x 12" to 12" x 7". Prices range from $53.95 for the largest bag down to $33.95 for the smaller duffel. You cannot do better then a handcrafted custom made bag in the color of your choice that is more durable than anything around.

For more information on Wm. J. Mills & Co. and information on ordering the quality bags visit www.millscanvas.com or call the Mills family at 1-800-477-1535. You truly can't get any better then Mills.