The Legend of the Kingsford Man 
9 images in this album
Gallery: American Cultural Icons navigate UP

The man on the label is nicknamed by us as "The Man" because of his whitebread appeal. Kingsford charcoal was the by-product of wood scraps that were left over in the production of Ford autos. The charcoal was first produced in 1921 in Kingsford, Michigan. It was originally named Ford charcoal. The charcoal was renamed Kingsford in 1951, after Henry Ford II closed his plant there and sold the rights. The original inventor of charcoal briquettes was Ellsworth B.A. Zwoyer, who was friends with Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. Mr. Zwoyer held the patent dating from 1897.

One of the original Ford charcoal labels. Perhaps a box top. Could this be the first image of
One of the original Ford charcoal labels. Perhaps a box top. Could this be the first image of "The Man?" *
Viewed: 628 times.
An original Ford charcoal box. Notice early hints of
An original Ford charcoal box. Notice early hints of "The Man" in the illustrations. *
Viewed: 754 times.
Ford Briquets in two sizes.
Ford Briquets in two sizes. *
Viewed: 775 times.
The front of the original Ford grill. Now; we have to find out where the Weber came from!
The front of the original Ford grill. Now; we have to find out where the Weber came from! *
Viewed: 524 times.
Original Ford charcoal setup with the grill.
Original Ford charcoal setup with the grill. *
Viewed: 735 times.
"The Man" from the 50's or 60's. This is the earliest "Kingsford" image I've seen. Notice how indoor use is not discouraged during this period. *
Viewed: 605 times.
Image from the late 80's. This was our Memphis Barbecue era. Darrell Breeding was our mentor and teacher in the Art of REAL barbecue.
Image from the late 80's. This was our Memphis Barbecue era. Darrell Breeding was our mentor and teacher in the Art of REAL barbecue. *
Viewed: 1333 times.
A newer, and more generic image of
A newer, and more generic image of "The Man". This is the last package with "The Man" I've encountered. *
Viewed: 586 times.
The latest image available. HEY! Where's
The latest image available. HEY! Where's "The Man"?? I guess he's been replaced by Nascar. A real pity. Damn shame. *
Viewed: 704 times.
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Gallery: American Cultural Icons navigate UP
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