A Good Night's Sleep: The Pacific Coast Feather Story

The story of how Pacific Coast Feather Company became a leader in the international bedding industry spans more than 120 years and four generations of family ownership. Since entering the feather business in Germany in 1884, the Hanauer family has overcome obstacles through perseverance and the unique abilities and goals of each generation.

Duck and goose feathers were traditionally utilized for manufacturing bedding and furniture in Europe, and the trade remained essentially unchanged for centuries. The Second World War, the outdoorrecreation boom of the 1960s, and the concurrent discovery and embrace of the down comforter beyond northern and central Europe ignited the industry. The sourcing of bedding materials evolved into a global enterprise, while down has become universally recognized as the premium ingredient for comfort.

Pacific Coast Feather Company not only took advantage of industry change but also instigated new thinking and played a fundamental role in shaping the bedding industry of today. This process was neither easy nor smooth, as each generation of leadership faced significant challenges. The story of how Pacific Coast Feather met these challenges offers insight into how the company evolved by incorporating accident, chance, long-standing continuities, and radical new ideas.

The Pacific Coast Feather Story contains rare historical images as well as striking black-and-white art photography by award-winning photographer Sue Leland.