 | Herb Ebendorf
Historian, The Coleman Company, Inc. A longtime resident of Wichita, Herb Ebendorf graduated (BA) Washburn University in 1932 and came to Wichita in 1934 to take a position with Farm Credit Administration. He joined Boeing Public Relations Department as Editor of Employee Publications. When the Second World War ended he accepted the position of Publications Manager for the Coleman Co. He served in various capacities as publicity writer, editor of employee and dealer publications, advertising, sales promotion and public relations. Herb is active in American Red Cross, United Way, National Conference of Christians and Jews, Wichita Chamber of Commerce and Industrial Editors Association. His special interests are early Wichita history, its pioneers, entrepreneurs and civic leaders. You may contact Herb at the Coleman Factory Outlet and Museum, 235 N. St. Francis Wichita, KS 67202 (316) 261-334 |
Outdoors
2002-08-01 12:54:00
Tell me about the Coleman Reading Lamp?
Answer: The idea for a portable table lamp was conceived about 1907. After two years of experimentation the lamp was put into production. Designated the Model "R", the Coleman Reading Lamp consisted of a nickel plated brass fount, standard, a generator tube, valve, air intake and burner assembly, two inverted mantles, shade, shade holder and heat bell. To light, the lamp fount was filled with gasoline and air pressure added by means of a small hand pump. A forked torch made of felt and wire was then dipped in alcohol, ignited with a match and held beneath the vaporizing tube. After a few seconds of pre-heating, the valve stem was opened causing the fuel, vaporized by heat, to ignite. This lamp was improved later and called the 'No. 3'. It was a safe, sturdy lamp, difficult to upset yet easy to handle. No chimneys to clean or wicks to trim. It burned a vaporized mixture of gasoline and air and produced up to 300 candlepower of a light at a cost of less than 1 cent per hour of use.
