Feather Beds
It is believed that feather beds originated in
Feather beds were commonly made of goose feathers. As geese were a major part of the food supply in early times, there was an abundance of feathers available for making into feather beds and pillows. Today, feather harvesting remains a valuable income source, and is common where geese are bred for the table.
Prior to more modern techniques for harvesting and processing goose feathers and down, the new feather beds were known to have a definite odor. Some processors began airing and storing goose feathers in a warm and dry place to reduce odor and moisture content. Feathers and down plucked "dry" from the goose are considered more valuable. Later, the feathers were processed with a steam cleaning to remove odor and fluff up the feathers.
Some people believed that feather beds were not healthy. A feather bed could be considered to be too hot for comfortable sleeping, especially in days before modern air conditioning. Of course this was a distinct advantage in cold winter climates.
In the past, feather beds were considered a great luxury and only the few truly wealthy people possessed real feather beds. This type of bedding was passed on in the family from generation to generation, often as provided in the person's will. When a feather bed owner moved or immigrated the bed went with them to their new home.
Feather beds are often laid on top of a more firm mattress of man made materials. The feathers are sewn into a fabric bag to make the feather bed. The fabric of the feather bed bag is called a "tick", and was sewn shut tightly to prevent the feathers from escaping the tick. Over time feather beds were constructed with the ticking sewn in blocks to help keep the feathers from all bunching up in a few places in the tick.