Tapping into America's outside interests.

The ability to sense trends and adapt to change, which had always characterized the company, would now propel it into the second half of the century. All signs said America was moving outdoors. And Coleman moved with it.

The lantern and the camp stove, both category leaders, became anchors for an expanded line of leisure products, beginning with a galvanized steel cooler introduced in 1954. Three years later, Coleman revolutionized the industry by developing a process to make a plastic liner for coolers and jugs.

With a clear focus on developing and marketing products to help people enjoy the outdoors, the company made several strategic acquisitions that allowed it to quickly add tents and sleeping bags to its growing recreation line.

By the time the '60s drew to a close, the company that began as a one-man light utility had become the biggest name in the camping business.