I like the purity of the coleman fuel,AFAIK it never goes bad,cost 8 dollars/gal around here,I store several.I leave my stoves,lanterns filled with fuel,never had a problem with doing that,may be wrong,but has worked here.
I too remember when you could buy white gas at the station,but only at a few.
I bought a Coleman lantern that is unleaded gas certified from the 1940's late (1947?),nickle plated,looks brand new,works like a charm,I love coleman products,esp. the older ones.
Ebay is an excellent source for lanterns,older 2 burner stoves are a dime a dozen at thrift stores.
This is what my lantern looks like,love the thing,such quality.