The Scottish immigrant William Mills first came to Long Island in the late 19th century. Tote-bag afficianados, thank your lucky stars; without him, the company Wm. J. Mills & Co. wouldn't exist. While the company began making sails in Greenport, Long Island, today they're better known for their beautiful bags and for their canvas accessories made for Boston Whalers, a motor boat of which my family used to be a proud owner. RIP Steve (yes, that was the boat's name). The company still has the largest sail loft on Eastern Long Island, and it's still all in the family five generations later (more after the jump).
Obviously I love the company because of it's nautical origins, but I wouldn't be so quick to post about it if it weren't for it's beautiful products, too. For some reason, while I'd seen these bags around a lot, I'd never taken the time to research the company; I did today, and now I'm obsessed. These would be the perfect bag for a weekend on a boat, for a quick get-away to a cabin in the woods...I mean, I'd take it anywhere. I'd put myself in it and have someone carry me around. I'd bring useless stuff places just to use the bag.
Bottom line, these bags are the real deal. How killer is the label, too? Here are some of my favorites:
Sea Anchor Series
Cargo Bag
Seersucker Series
Laptop Carryall