The original company started in 1838 and was located in Framingham, Massachusetts. The company prospered and over the years developed an excellent reputation for better made waterproof rubber products. In 1956, Converse Rubber Company purchased the original Hodgman Company and sold products under the Converse/Hodgman label until 1979, when the Hodgman division was purchased by R.W. Foster, president of Hodgman. In 2006, Hodgman was purchased by Stearns Inc., a K2 Company known for its marine and outdoor products. Hodgman was acquired by Pure Fishing Inc., in the fall of 2011. Pure Fishing Inc., a subsidiary of Jarden Corp. Jarden Corp. is an entity that owns many well-known leaders in branded consumables which bring value and quality to the consumer.