The design, developed in the late 1920s, has a high cane back, cane seat and steam bent back posts that curve around the back. It is set low for comfortable elbow support and has wide armrests for perfect balance. Also, the arm rests are lower than similar rockers, allowing the sitter’s arm to relax naturally at the sides of the body. The rocker seat and back offer firmness and natural spring through the use of tightly woven Malaysian rattan. Finally, the cane seat and back give firm, yet flexible support. Dr. Travell had commented in the past that she liked the rocker chair because of the bent back post, which makes the came back fit, the contour of a person's back. She also liked the Carolina Rocker because the armrests are not too high and the detachable seat gives more support. Also the height of the seat is such that it creates no undue pressure on the user's legs. The rocking motion is an aid to circulation and a reliever of tension.
So the “Carolina Rocker” also became known as the “Kennedy Rocker”. Over time, JFK accumulated at least fourteen of the P. & P. chairs, one of which even resided on Air Force One. His original Oval Office rocker is on permanent display at the JFK Library & Museum in Boston, Massachusetts. Two others from the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis estate were auctioned receiving $453,500 for one and $442,500 for the other.