Light on the Farm with Coleman Lanterns

By Fred Hendricks
Published on September 10, 2012
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This group of six lanterns spans more than a century of Coleman lantern production. From left: the first Coleman lantern model produced, 1905; a poultry house lantern, produced between 1921-26; a Model 237, 1941; a Model 427, 1926-30; a Model 220 military lantern, 1943; and a Model 200A, in production from 1952-83. 
This group of six lanterns spans more than a century of Coleman lantern production. From left: the first Coleman lantern model produced, 1905; a poultry house lantern, produced between 1921-26; a Model 237, 1941; a Model 427, 1926-30; a Model 220 military lantern, 1943; and a Model 200A, in production from 1952-83. 
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This arc-style lantern represents Coleman’s entry into the market in 1905. Designed primarily for home use, the lantern was produced in a run of 5,000. 
This arc-style lantern represents Coleman’s entry into the market in 1905. Designed primarily for home use, the lantern was produced in a run of 5,000. 
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A group of decorative early American Coleman lanterns designed for home use. 
A group of decorative early American Coleman lanterns designed for home use. 
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Coleman began manufacturing poultry house lanterns in the 1920s. The inscription on the tank of this one reads, “The Hens That Lay Are The Hens That Pay.” 
Coleman began manufacturing poultry house lanterns in the 1920s. The inscription on the tank of this one reads, “The Hens That Lay Are The Hens That Pay.” 
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An all-purpose Coleman Model 237 (first made in 1928) was a farm mainstay, often found where cows were stabled and milked. 
An all-purpose Coleman Model 237 (first made in 1928) was a farm mainstay, often found where cows were stabled and milked. 
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In 1965, Coleman entered into a marketing agreement with Sears, Roebuck & Co., manufacturing this all-purpose Ted Williams lantern.
In 1965, Coleman entered into a marketing agreement with Sears, Roebuck & Co., manufacturing this all-purpose Ted Williams lantern.
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Forerunners to today’s camp stove: a stove from 1930 (left) and one from 1956.
Forerunners to today’s camp stove: a stove from 1930 (left) and one from 1956.
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The white gas iron came on the scene shortly after Coleman introduced its first lantern. Coleman produced its first iron (left) in 1917. The Model 4 (right) was made from 1967 to 1983. 
The white gas iron came on the scene shortly after Coleman introduced its first lantern. Coleman produced its first iron (left) in 1917. The Model 4 (right) was made from 1967 to 1983. 
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An early Coleman promotional sign. 
An early Coleman promotional sign. 

Before the advent of electricity, lanterns powered by oil or white gas were the most common source of artificial light. As electrical distribution systems were improved and expanded, lanterns were quickly discarded for a more convenient and brighter source of light. The Amish, however, continue to use lanterns.

Ed Erb of Holmes County, Ohio, maintains his Amish lifestyle with lanterns throughout his home and outbuildings. But his lanterns are a notch above the utilitarian. Ed has amassed a remarkable collection of old Coleman lanterns and anything manufactured or marketed with the iconic Coleman Co. name.

“We remain steadfast to our Amish way of life,” he says. “We have great respect for our lifestyle. We hold true to the biblical commandment to be in the world, but not of the world. Living a plain life provides humility. So living by gas-lighted lanterns in our home is very adequate.”

Evolution of a Coleman lantern collection

Ed’s Coleman Co. collection evolved by chance. “Malinda and I were married a short time when we needed a gas range,” he recalls. “With help from my uncle’s plumbing business, we converted a natural gas range to one using white gas (a flammable substance) and I found working on appliances to be of my liking.” In 1982, Ed bought an appliance sales and service business. “Working in this business got me interested in collecting old relics,” he says, “especially Coleman lanterns.”

Coleman’s reputation as a source of sturdy, long-lasting gas equipment is well founded. Many items in Ed’s collection are more than 100 years old. “Those old Coleman lanterns, irons and stoves were built tough, but they could be cleaned up and ready for use in no time,” he says. “And parts were simple and easy to find, so it made collecting them enjoyable.”

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