W.C. Coleman could see the light for the darkness. The young salesman was taking a stroll after a hard day’s work selling typewriters, and spotted a new type of lamplight in a drugstore window in Brockton, Alabama. This new light burned with a strong, steady white flame and was fueled by gasoline. The standard lamp of the era burned kerosene and produced a smoky, flickering, yellowish light. W.C. was stricken with very poor eyesight, and was very interested in this new, steady white light that enabled him to read even the smallest print in books and on medicine bottles. Coleman saw potential in the new light, and through his vision a new company was born that would put America’s farms and ranches in a new light, and would eventually make his name synonymous with outdoor fun.

FIRST LIGHT (1900 – 1929) 
In 1905, W.C. Coleman wanted to demonstrate just what his new gas lamps were capable of. 
Find Out More 

ESSENTIAL EQUIPMENT (1930 – 1945)  
Less than twenty years later, World War II swept across the globe. 
Find Out More 

HAVE COLEMAN, WILL TRAVEL (1946 – 1953) 
When the war ended, Coleman's business boomed. Car camping was all the rage. 
Find Out More 

THE BUBBLE (1954 – 1999) 
In 1954, if you had a cooler it was made of steel.Find Out More 

A BIG TENT (21st Century)  
The Coleman Company, Inc. added many recognizable brands to our family of goods after the dawn of the new century. 
Find Out More