L.A. Ladder Company (1930s)
ClassificationsPaddleboards
Credit LineL.A. Ladder Company
Object numberPAD.28
DescriptionSpruce wood, Tom Blake paddleboard model. In the mid-1920s, Blake developed a hollow paddleboard/surfboard that was later produced by several different manufacturers. The hollow design was a pivotal step toward lighter equipment. This example was produced by the Los Angeles Ladder Company, complete with a brass drain plug stamped with Blake’s name and patent number.
“You will have more fun at the beach, lake or river with a genuine ‘Tom Blake’ paddleboard. Paddling, sailing, freeboarding and surf riding make your summer vacation a healthful, pleasurable adventure. The streamlined fish-tail design of these boards make them easy to paddle and especially suitable for cross-surf riding. Used by Red Cross National Aquatic Schools for instruction purposes and adopted by Pacific Coast Life Saving Corps, these boards have proven their superiority over other types. Made of clear, vertical grain spruce, they are genuine ‘Tom Blake’ hollow design, which gives maximum buoyancy with minimum weight. Special treatment of wood prior to fabrication insures resistance to water absorption. All genuine ‘Tom Blake’ boards are equipped with bronze combination air vent and drain valves and are identified by Registered Trade Mark labels. Manufactured under Patent Number 1872230. Nine-foot boards suggested for youngsters weighing under 100 pounds”. (excerpt from L.A. Ladder Co. Water Sports Equipment brochure)
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