Coleman products are part of camping history

Every camper knows about Coleman products, it might be a camping stove, lantern, tent or even a canoe. This week I received a 2007 outdoor products catalog and it is filled with products designed to make camping and other outdoor excursions more efficient and more comfortable.

The Coleman Company had humble beginnings starting with W.C. Coleman establishing a lighting service in Kingfisher, Okla., back in 1900. Having purchased a large amount of inventory, Mr. Coleman finds that he is unable to sell the product (due to a poor product sold in the area prior to his arrival), so instead he sells a light service. Customers love the idea and he was soon servicing areas as far west as San Diego.

The next year Coleman buys the patent for the efficient Lamp and soon sets out to design an even better product. At the same time, he moved to Wichita, Kan., to expand his territory.

In 1903, Coleman began to manufacture his own lamps and changes the name to the Coleman Arc Lamp. In 1912 Coleman continued to enjoy success with his lamps and changed the company name to the Coleman Lamp Company and the Coleman Company tradition blasts off.

The launch of the lantern that started it all provided more light than any other product on the market. The Coleman lantern made an impact on the country as the first outdoor all-weather gasoline lantern and it became the genesis of Coleman's camping business.

The lantern proved so popular that the U.S. government declares it an "essential item" of World War I. There were more than 70,000 lanterns distributed across the nation, allowing farmers and workers to extend their hours and produce items critical to the war effort.

By 1920, the factory in Wichita employed more than 200 people and went from making 120 lamps in 1909, to 50,000 in 1920.

In 1923, the company expanded its product line and the Coleman Camp Stove quickly became a hit with people all over the country.

The Coleman lantern made many international trips, from expeditions across the Sahara Desert to Admiral Byrd's journey to the South Pole. They even guided aircraft to safe landings in the Andes Mountains. The lantern evolution continued with more user friendly features.

In 1925, Coleman opened a plant in Toronto, Canada. Sheldon Coleman, the founder's son, entered the family business, joining the new plant in Canada.

In the 1930, the Coleman products appeared in many Hollywood productions including the campstove's appearance with Rin Tin Tin in a 1933 feature film, "Night Cry." Celebrities, including the kids from "Our Gang" appeared in marketing materials promoting Coleman lanterns and stoves.

The competition and the Great Depression forced the company to diversify its products -- creating new items such as gas floor furnaces and oil space heaters. This diversification became a hallmark of the company's success.

The company continued its role in providing essential products during wartime in 1942. Upon government requests, it developed the G.I. Pocket Stove. Soldiers rank it as one of the most important non-combat pieces of equipment to come out of the war.

After the war, Coleman focused even more on the outdoors. Americans became increasingly interested in recreation, traveling by car to see the country. Roadside parks and campsites cropped up everywhere. The company slogan. "The Greatest Name in the Great Outdoors," served it well as it expanded its product line.

In 1950, Sheldon Coleman took over as president of the company. Soon after the company manufactured its first cooler, which paved the way for many generations of coolers and jugs.

The Coleman Company marked the passing of W.C. Coleman in 1957. He is remembered as the founder of the company, champion salesman, philanthropist and entrepreneur.

In 1962, tents and sleeping bags joined the growing line of outdoor recreation products.

A new era began in the 1980s. Electric and battery-powered lights were introduced by Coleman and they enjoyed a resounding success across America and abroad. In 1986 the company celebrated the production of its 40 millionth lantern. Two years later, in 1988, Sheldon Coleman died at the age of 86.

In 1990, product expansion included the addition of camping furniture, a full line of accessories, butane-powered appliances, innovative tent designs and other soft goods.

Sunbean Corporation (which changed its name to American Household in 2002) purchased the Coleman Company in 1998.

The company celebrated its centennial birthday in 2001.

In 2005, Coleman was purchased by Jarden Corporation, a leading provider of niche consumer products used in and around home.

New products for 2007 include several tent models that feature framed, hinged doors; a new Even Temp Propane stove that features a middle burner between the two primary burners to provide more even heat distribution for griddles and large pots or skillets. It solves an age-old problem. Goodbye cold spot. Coleman is back in the PFD business after a 15-year absence. The new Transmit model incorporates a two-way radio into the vest's left lapel for one-handed operation. It's an industry first.

As we enter prime camping time in Missouri, Coleman products are as popular as ever and there seems to always be something new to make it easier and more comfortable.