The History of Tents

Tents have been around as long as people have needed temporary shelter from the elements. From the early nomads roaming the plains in search of food to catered corporate luncheons, tents have a storied past. Over the years, tents have been made from animal hides and various fabrics like cotton, nylon, felt or vinyl. To waterproof early models, the cotton was covered in paraffin wax. This was a great idea until people realized that paraffin is EXTREMELY flammable. After experiencing a steep learning curve with cotton, lighter materials like nylon were employed because they didn't absorb as much water as the cotton would. Nylon was the material of choice for a number of years until plastics and vinyl were introduced to the market. These materials were light weight and water tight, making them ideal for shelter coverings.

Shape and styles of commercial tents have changed with technology just as much as the materials used from their coverings. Larger tents that aren't usually used for sleeping are commonly known as marquees. These are the tents that you would see at company functions or for large gatherings. There are several types of marquees like bail-ring tents, pole tents, or frame tents.

Bail-ring tents were usually larger than 100 feet wide and you would generally see them at an old circus or exposition. Set up of these tents had to be very precise. First, center poles were erected and tensioned out to stakes using guy lines. Next, the entire tent top was spread out and attached to shackles. These shackles attached to ropes and pulleys on the center poles. Upright poles were installed on the side of the tent to give the crews just enough room to work. They would crank the pulleys attached to the shackles raising the tent top (circus elephants were also used to raise the tops). Further tensioning of the sides was completed and the tent was ready for use. Bail-ring tents were labor intensive and faded in popularity when heavy machinery became more readily available.

Very similar to bail ring tents are traditional pole tents. Pole tents are usually smaller than bail-ring tents, with the tops weighing a great deal less. Pole tents are set up very similar to their predecessor with one major difference. Companies got rid of the bail-ring and shackle system in favor of their crews manually pushing the center poles up. The large holes in the top of the tent created by the shackles were all but eliminated, leaving a small hole for the center pole to be guided up through. These tents are still commonly used today and hold up great in the wind and rain when they are tensioned properly.

As time progressed, customers weren't happy that so much of the tented area was consumed with the center poles of the traditional pole tents. Manufacturers listened and developed frame tents. Frame tents are constructed out of pre-engineered aluminum or steel tubes that are arranged to create the shape of the tent top. The top then slides over the assembled frame and is fixed to the frame by strapping. The legs are connected and you have a tent in no time. Because of the strength of the assembled frame, no center poles are needed and customers can enjoy the whole tent without obscured views. Less staking is required for frame tents than traditional pole tents. Less staking is a benefit to customers as there is less of a tripping hazard.

The future of marquee tenting is heading the direction of clearspan structures. Clear span structures are generally available from 10 feet to 150 in width and are lengthened based on a modular design system. Engineered to withstand harsh snow and wind conditions, clearspans are as smart as they are strong. Frames are assembled in place and raised into the air. As arches are formed and connected, tops are pulled through kedered runs, making the structure water tight. Construction is simple, but what you can do with a structure is worlds beyond any other tenting system. Flooring can be installed in structures. Glass or insulated walling units are available as well as doors. Liners, lighting and sound systems can be attached to the high strength rafter beams. The list of possibilities goes on and on.

Since our founding in 1886, O'Neil Tents & Party Supplies has been on the leading edge of tent technology. O'Neil listens to what our customers want and reacts accordingly. O'Neil was one of the first companies in the country to introduce structure to the marketplace. O'Neil's early adopter stance on tent technology gives us immense experience in what's next. We look forward to moving forward with you!