Springbar: Difference between revisions

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'''Springbar''' is an American brand of [[canvas]] [[tent]]. The original Springbar tent dates back to 1961, when Arthur Jack Kirkham Sr. created the first Springbar tent design, which he sold through his company AAA Tent & Awning Co. The Springbar tent design has remained largely unchanged over the years and has inspired a number of other Springbar models.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |date=2021-02-26 |title=Filson x Springbar Outfitter Tent — Handcrafted in Utah |url=https://www.filson.com/blog/materials-and-gear/filson-x-springbar-outfitter-tent-handcrafted-in-salt-lake-city-utah/ |access-date=2023-04-26 |website=The Filson Journal |language=en-US}}</ref> Kirkham's design was intended to allow for easy setup and, enhanced durability and comfort.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":5">{{Cite book |last=Netherby |first=Steve |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5sFwGxiDXVAC&pg=PA111&dq=springbar+tent&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwisuZLPqrb-AhVWFVkFHRH0Ch44KBDrAXoECAQQBQ#v=onepage&q=springbar%20tent&f=false |title="Backing Up" |date=November 1978 |publisher=Field & Stream |year=1978 |pages=111 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Inc |first=Active Interest Media |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7d8DAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA59&dq=springbar+tent&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiAw9HBqLb-AhUhFlkFHSrvBP8QuwV6BAgHEAY#v=onepage&q=springbar%20tent&f=false |title=Backpacker |date=1978-06 |publisher=Active Interest Media, Inc. |language=en}}</ref> It is defined by a support system that combines tension and flexibility, which includes pole reinforcements and tension rods made with [[spring steel]], andas awell as its mid-century style.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web |last=Fly |first=Chase |date=2022-10-03 |title=Springbar Classic Jack Canvas Tent Review (Hot Tent Ready) |url=https://outdoorempire.com/springbar-classic-jack-tent-review/ |access-date=2023-04-26 |website=Outdoor Empire |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Singer |first=Emily |date=2017-06-16 |title=A Mid-Century Car Camping Icon Is Being Revived |url=http://gearpatrol.com/home/a365227/springbar-canvas-tent/ |access-date=2023-04-26 |website=Gear Patrol |language=en-US}}</ref> The tent’s exterior is made of 100 percent [[cotton duck]] canvas exterior, a heavy woven fabric known for being more tightly woven than plain canvas, and features lap-felled seams.<ref>{{Cite web |title=A Golden Era Car Camping Tent Is Back and Better Than Ever |url=https://www.insidehook.com/article/gear/buy-springbar-camping-tents-highline-or-american-made |access-date=2023-03-16 |website=InsideHook |language=en-US}}</ref>{{TOC<ref left}}Springbarname=":5" tents/><ref arename=":6" hand cut and sewn in the company’s [[Salt Lake City|Salt Lake City, Utah]], factory as well as its partner factory in China./><ref>{{Cite web |last=Donvan, Burbank |first=John, MaggieMensGear |date=May 26, 20092017-06-27 |title=MadeSpringbar inHighline theCanvas U.S.A.; Sold ... Nowhere?Tent |url=https://abcnewsmensgear.go.comnet/Nightline2017/story?id=7679584&page=106/springbar-highline-canvas-tent.html |access-date=2023-04-2126 |website=ABCMen's NewsGear |language=en-US}}</ref>{{TOC The left}}Springbar brandtents hashave been ownedwidely bycited Dwellfor Outdoorstheir LLCfunctionality sinceand 2019versatility —and have been popular whenover the companyyears nameamong wasbackwoods alsoand changedcar tocampers, Springbar.outfitters Itand ishorse onepackers.<ref ofname=":4" the/><ref oldestname=":7">{{Cite canvasweb tent|last=Coolector [[Manufacturing|manufacturers]],first=Leo asDavieLeo wellis asthe oneowner of oldestThe outdoor|last2=Loves equipment|first2=Writes manufacturersAbout inthe [[Utah]].<ref>{{CiteStuff webHe |lastlast3=UniversityLikes |firstfirst3=UtahSome StateStuff That He Merely |date=2022-10-11 |title=History6 of Gearthe Series:best tents from Springbar® Tentsfor Fall Camping |url=https://caaswww.usuthecoolector.educom/news/springbar6-of-the-best-tents-from-springbar-for-fall-camping/ |access-date=20222023-1104-2926 |website=caas.usu.eduThe Coolector {{!}} Online Men's Lifestyle Magazine {{!}} Design, Gear & Fashion |language=en-US}}</ref> They have been known for their ability to withstand the elements, including strong winds, rains and snow.<ref name=":5" /><ref name=":6" />

Springbar tents are hand cut and sewn in the company’s [[Salt Lake City|Salt Lake City, Utah]], factory as well as its partner factory in China.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Donvan, Burbank |first=John, Maggie |date=May 26, 2009 |title=Made in the U.S.A.; Sold ... Nowhere? |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Nightline/story?id=7679584&page=1 |access-date=2023-04-21 |website=ABC News |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":8">{{Cite web |title=Salt Lake Tribune {{!}} 1994-07-24 {{!}} Page 61 |url=https://newspapers.lib.utah.edu/details?id=29396065 |access-date=2023-04-26 |website=newspapers.lib.utah.edu |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Salt Lake Tribune {{!}} 1972-02-29 {{!}} Page 6 |url=https://newspapers.lib.utah.edu/details?id=26590514 |access-date=2023-04-26 |website=newspapers.lib.utah.edu |language=en}}</ref> Springbar is one of the oldest canvas tent [[Manufacturing|manufacturers]] in the U.S. and is one of the oldest outdoor equipment manufacturers in [[Utah]].<ref name=":4" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Salt Lake Tribune {{!}} 1986-05-18 {{!}} Page 103 |url=https://newspapers.lib.utah.edu/details?id=29260431 |access-date=2023-04-26 |website=newspapers.lib.utah.edu |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":8" />

== History ==

Springbar began as AAA Tent & Awning Co. in 1944, when Arthur Jack Kirkham Sr. purchased the company upon his return to Salt Lake City after serving as a Naval draftsman in the [[U.S. Military|U.S. military]] during World War II.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Aaa Tent & Awning Co - Company Profile and News |url=https://www.bloomberg.com/profile/company/0395906D:US |access-date=2023-0104-2026 |website=Bloomberg.com |language=en}}</ref> when Arthur Jack Kirkham Sr. purchased the company upon his return to Salt Lake City after serving as a Naval draftsman in the [[U.S. Military|U.S. military]] during World War II.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=June 20 |first={{!}} Posted- |last2=P.m |first2=2008 at 1:14 |title=Utah outdoor store founder dead at 89 |url=https://www.ksl.com/article/3579580/utah-outdoor-store-founder-dead-at-89 |access-date=2022-11-29 |website=www.ksl.com |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":8" />

In the 1950s, as [[car camping]] began to grow in popularity, Kirkham Sr. began working on a tent design that would be easier to set up than the traditional pole-and-rope style tents of the time and would provide ample space.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Salt Lake Tribune {{!}} 1994-07-24 {{!}} Page 63 |url=https://newspapers.lib.utah.edu/details?id=29396067 |access-date=2023-01-23 |website=newspapers.lib.utah.edu |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Singer |first=Emily |date=2017-06-16 |title=A Mid-Century Car Camping Icon Is Being Revived |url=http://gearpatrol.com/home/a365227/springbar-canvas-tent/ |access-date=2023-04-21 |website=Gear Patrol |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":5" /> He invented the original “Springbar” canvas tent in 1961, which was easy to pitch yet durable and had a spacious interior.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Robison |first=Jonna |date=2021-07-03 |title=Springbar, Maker of Renowned Canvas Tents |url=https://theloadedtrunk.com/springbar-maker-of-renowned-canvas-tents/ |access-date=2023-04-26 |website=theloadedtrunk.com |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":9" /><ref name=":5" /> He received a patent for his design in 1964.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tent |url=https://www.freepatentsonline.com/3128781.pdf |access-date=2022-11-29 |website=www.freepatentsonline.com}}</ref>

InThe thefirst 1950sSpringbar tent model, which is still known as [[carthe camping]]“Traveler,” beganwas to10 growby in10 popularityfeet, weighed 60 lbs and cost $83.<ref name=":0">{{Cite newsweb |last=YoungGifford |first=Phoebe S. K.Bill |date=20212022-0507-0826 |title=CampingHow Was So Popular ItSpringbar Became Basic and Nearly Ruined the ‘Outdoors’Airstream |language=enTrailer |work=Theof Daily BeastTents |url=https://www.thedailybeastoutsideonline.com/outdoor-gear/camping/springbar-wascanvas-so-popular-it-became-basic-and-nearly-ruined-the-outdoorstents/ |access-date=20232022-0111-2029 |website=[[Outside (magazine)]] |language=en-US}}</ref>, Kirkham Sr. beganimproved workingupon onthe a tentSpringbar design thatover wouldthe beyears easierand, tofrom setit, upcreated thanmodels theof traditionalvarying sizes pole-and features — from a two-ropeperson styletent tentsto ofa large modular tent called the timeLeisure Port, which campers could add rooms onto.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=SaltDeseret Lake TribuneNews {{!}} 19941976-0706-2428 {{!}} Page 6341 |url=https://newspapers.lib.utah.edu/details?id=2939606726351929 |access-date=2023-01-23 |website=newspapers.lib.utah.edu |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":9">{{Cite webnews |last=SingerRees |first=EmilyClaire F. |date=2017-06-16April 1972 |title=A Mid-CenturyNew CarConcept CampingIn IconTents Is|language=en Being|pages=184 Revived|work=[[Field & Stream]] |publisher= |url=httphttps://gearpatrolbooks.google.com/home/a365227/springbar-canvas-books?id=Dh5jqjxIb5UC&pg=PA184&dq=Springbar+tent/ |access-date&hl=2023en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjevtPFmLb-04-21 |websiteAhWRK1kFHaCrDlM4MhDoAXoECA4QAg#v=Gear Patrol |languageonepage&q=en-USSpringbar%20tent&f=false}}</ref> He invented the original “Springbar” canvas tent in 1961, which was defined by a support system that combined tension and flexibility — a design he patented in 1964.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=Robison |first=Jonna |date=20212008-07-0306 |title=Springbar,Kirkham's Makergenius ofgave Renownedus Canvas Tentscomfort |url=https://theloadedtrunkwww.deseret.com/springbar2008/7/6/20262467/kirkham-makers-ofgenius-renownedgave-canvasus-tents/comfort |access-date=20232022-0111-2029 |website=theloadedtrunk.comDeseret News |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=TentDeseret |url=https://www.freepatentsonline.com/3128781.pdfNews |access-date=2022-11-29 |website=www.freepatentsonline.com{{!}}</ref> The1971-05-15 first Springbar tent model, which is still known as the “Traveler,” was 10 by 10 feet, weighed 60 lbs and cost $83.<ref name=":0">{{Cite!}} webPage |last=Gifford |first=Bill |date=2022-07-26 |title=How Springbar Became the Airstream Trailer of Tents24 |url=https://wwwnewspapers.outsideonlinelib.utah.com/outdoor-gear/camping/springbar-canvas-tentsedu/details?id=26389764 |access-date=20222023-1104-2926 |website=[[Outside (magazine)]]newspapers.lib.utah.edu |language=en-US}}</ref>

The next year, AAA Tent & Awning began selling Springbar canvas tents through its catalog under its Skyliner brand. Kirkham Sr. continued to refine the design over the years, and the Springbar canvas tent became the company’s core product.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=Deseret News {{!}} 1976-06-28 {{!}} Page 41 |url=https://newspapers.lib.utah.edu/details?id=26351929 |access-date=2023-01-23 |website=newspapers.lib.utah.edu |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Rees |first=Claire F. |date=April 1972 |title=A New Concept In Tents |language=en |pages=184 |work=[[Field & Stream]] |publisher= |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Dh5jqjxIb5UC&pg=PA184&dq=Springbar+tent&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjevtPFmLb-AhWRK1kFHaCrDlM4MhDoAXoECA4QAg#v=onepage&q=Springbar%20tent&f=false}}</ref> From this design, he created versions of varying sizes and features — from a two-person tent to a large modular tent called the Leisure Port, which campers could add rooms onto.<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=2008-07-06 |title=Kirkham's genius gave us comfort |url=https://www.deseret.com/2008/7/6/20262467/kirkham-s-genius-gave-us-comfort |access-date=2022-11-29 |website=Deseret News |language=en}}</ref>

In 1966, [[The Coleman Company|Coleman Co.]] became the first brand to license to manufacture and sell its own Springbar canvas tents under a licensing agreement.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Salt Lake Tribune {{!}} 2001-06-24 {{!}} Page 62 |url=https://newspapers.lib.utah.edu/details?id=27840811 |access-date=2023-01-23 |website=newspapers.lib.utah.edu |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Salt Lake Tribune {{!}} 1969-05-11 {{!}} Page 42 |url=https://newspapers.lib.utah.edu/details?id=26523531 |access-date=2023-03-16 |website=newspapers.lib.utah.edu |language=en}}</ref> The company established the Springbar lightweight nylon tent [[wholesale]] program inIn 1976, with dealers in the U.S. That same year, the company entered into an agreement with British company KEB International to distribute Springbar tents.<ref name=":3" />

In 1998, Jack Kirkham Jr. purchased the business from his father. Jack Kirkham Sr. passed away in 2008 at the age of 90 after making significant contributions to the camping industry.<ref name=":1" /> He eventually held eight tent patents.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Provo Daily Herald {{!}} 2008-06-21 {{!}} Page 7 |url=https://newspapers.lib.utah.edu/details?id=23606628 |access-date=2023-01-23 |website=newspapers.lib.utah.edu |language=en}}</ref>

InThe 2019,company Dwellwas Outdoorsrenamed LLCSpringbar purchasedin the business from Kirkham Jr. — renaming it Springbar —2019 and moved it to its current ___location, in [[Millcreek, Utah]], just east of downtown Salt Lake City, where the company continues to manufacture Springbar canvas tents by hand.<ref name=":10">{{Cite web |title=Springbar |url=https://companyweek.com/article/springbar |access-date=2023-01-23 |website=CompanyWeek |language=en}}</ref>

Springbar canvas tents have been used on numerous outdoor [[expeditions]], including at Mount Everest base camps, and many have been purchased by the [[Utah National Parks Council]], as well as other adventure groups, over the years.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":7" /> In 1976, the company sent Springbar modular tents to the U.S. Bicentennial Celebration to house 40 UK Scouts for 14 days.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Sun Advocate {{!}} 1976-06-17 {{!}} Page 26 |url=https://newspapers.lib.utah.edu/details?id=25332223 |access-date=2023-01-23 |website=newspapers.lib.utah.edu |language=en}}</ref> Western River Expeditions offered 8-11 day trips to [[Micronesia]] in Springbar modular tents, beginning in 1978.<ref name=":2" />

During the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], in 2020, Springbar began [[sewing]] [[personal protective equipment]], including [[Medical gown|medical gowns]], for [[Health care|healthcare]] workers treating [[COVID-19]] patients.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Utah companies change plans, and make new products, to join the COVID-19 battle |url=https://www.sltrib.com/news/2020/05/18/utah-companies-change/ |access-date=2022-11-29 |website=The Salt Lake Tribune |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name=":10" />

== References ==