Monday, April 24, 2017

We used to make things in this country. #258: Coleman Lamp & Stove Company, Toronto, Ontario



I recently photographed this old No. 4A kerosene iron at a local historical society's open house.  Although it's difficult to make out, the badge reads, "Coleman Lamp & Stove Company Limited, Toronto, Canada."  The exhibitor told me it was a remarkable advance over the old sad irons, which had to be laboriously heated and re-heated on the wood stove, and which would leave black carbon marks on white shirts.  Still, the kerosene ones could catch fire (look at the bottom of the wooden handle on the example above) and even explode!  To watch one of these things in action, go you YouTube.  Ironing in those days was clearly not for the faint-of-heart!

Below, from Waymarking.com:
Coleman's relationship to Toronto began in 1925 when he opened a plant there. Sheldon Coleman (the founders son) worked at this plant. And it was the Toronto division of Coleman that created the miniaturized gasoline pressurized stove, the Model 222, in 1976. That stove became the backbone of the Peak 1 line of Coleman products.
The Canadian company made a huge variety of lamps and stovesAccording to the Canadian Science & Technology Museum, Coleman manufactured in Canada up until the 1960's.

Google Streetview:  Queen Street East and the Don Valley Parkway

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