Ever wonder about the history behind the iconic Coleman Camp Stove? Here's the story, plus you get a peek inside the factory to see just how the famous camp stove is made.
William Coffin Coleman founded the Coleman Company back in 1900. The inventive businessman started by selling gasoline pressure lamps in Oklahoma, before moving to Wichita, Kansas, in 1902. The company headquarters is still located in Wichita.
The pressure lamps were very popular with the public. Interestingly, Coleman lamps provided the lighting for the first night football game west of the Mississippi River.
Coleman's big break came during WWII, though, when the U.S. government asked the company to come up with a small, portable stove for American soldiers. The G.I. Pocket Stove was the resulting product and Coleman made a couple million of them.
While the Camp Stove predated the Pocket Stove, it wasn't until the war ended that the product really gained widespread public attention. Post-war Americans began camping and exploring the countryside more than ever, and they took the Coleman stove with them.
The now-iconic, two-burner, suitcase-style Camp Stove has become a mainstay for campers around the world. It's still a hot seller today, with a few modifications and variations.
The most interesting part in the manufacturing process of the camp stove is the painting of the fuel tank. The video explains this process and the special paint used. It's probably why you have your parents' or grandparents' still-functional Coleman stove in your garage or basement. The things are almost indestructible.
Plus, the stoves are made in America. Bonus!
Like what you see here? You can read more great articles by David Smith at his Facebook page, Stumpjack Outdoors.
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