Heathkit Virtual Museum

The Story of Heath

[Excerpted from the Heathkit Catalog]

When Edward Bayard Heath founded the Heath Aeroplane Company during the early 1900's, little did he realize what would eventually evolve from his small "airplane trading post" as it was commonly called. Before he died, Mr. Heath was able to see the frution of his early dreams. In 1926, he produced an airplace in kit form--the famous Heath "Parasol." For years this light aircraft was a favorite in the flying fraternity. Mr. Heath was killed during a test flight in 1931, marking a tragic end to a brilliant career. From that point through World War II, the Heath Company remained in the aircraft and replacement part business.

But it wasn't until shortly after World War II, that the character of the Heath Company changed. It was then that an ambitious engineer named Howard Anthony, who had purchased the Heath Company in 1935, took a calculated gamble. The ingenious Mr. Anthony bought a large stock of surplus wartime electronic parts, designed and "mail order marketed" an oscilloscope for $39.50.

Mr. Anthony based the success of his idea on the premise that anyone, regardless of technical knowledge or skills, could assemble a kit himself, and save up to 50% over comparable factory-built models. All that would be required were a few simple hand tools and some spare time.

Orders poured in for the oscilloscope kit and the foundation for the Heath Company as it exists today was established. Mr. Anthony expanded his test instrument line and soon added amateur radio and hi-fi component kits.

The key to the kit-builder's, and consequently Mr. Anthony's, success, was the instruction manual. Its contents still guide the Heath Company today. It contains simple, non-technical instructions and large "exploded" diagrams that take the builder through each and every step...show him exactly what to do and how to do it. Proof that every Heathkit is designed to be "beginner-built" can be found in the cards and letters Heath receives daily from people of all ages and from all walks of life expressing their delight and satisfaction.

Tragedy struck again in 1954 when Howard Anthony was also killed in an airplane crash. Daystrom, Inc. then acquired the Heath Company. In 1962 Daystrom, Inc. was purchased by Schlumberger Limited, a leader in the development of electronic techniques for oil exploration.

Since 1954, more kit products have been added until at present Heath boasts 11 different product lines, consisting of over 300 kits...the world's largest selection. Whatever your interest, you'll find a kit to match it...

In order to produce the vast array of Heathkit equipment, a modern 205,000 sq. ft. plant was constructed in 1958 on the shores of Lake Michigan in St. Joseph, Mich. And recently another 156,000 sq. ft. of engineering and manufacturing facilities were added, bringing the total space to 361,000 sq. ft. If you are planning a visit to Michigan, we invite you to stop in and pay us a visit. We're located on Hilltop Rd. just off Business I-94, south of St. Joseph.