Ocean Park in Santa Monica in Los Angeles County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
The Ink Well
A Place Of Celebration and Pain
Photographed by Craig Baker, October 7, 2018
1. “The Ink Well” Marker
The beach near this site between Bay and Bicknell Streets, known by some as "the Ink Well", was an important gathering place for African Americans long after racial restrictions on public beaches were abandoned in 1927.
African-American groups from Santa Monica, Venice, and Los Angeles, as early as the 1920s to the end of the Jim Crow era in the 1950s, preferred to enjoy the sun and surf here because they encountered less racial harassment than at other Southland beaches.
In the 1940s, Nick Gabaldon, a Santa Monica High School student and the first documented black surfer, taught himself how to surf here.
Erected 2008.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Civil Rights • Parks & Recreational Areas.
Location. 34° 0.321′ N, 118° 29.49′ W. Marker is in Santa Monica, California, in Los Angeles County. It is in Ocean Park. It can be reached from Bay Street west of Ocean Avenue. Located next to the beach near the end of Bay Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Santa Monica CA 90405, United
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Los Angeles and in the Transverse Ranges. It is also on the American Pacific Coast. Globally, it is in North America, on the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Ink Well (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Pleasure Piers (approx. Ό mile away); The Purser Hotel and Apartments (approx. 0.3 miles away); Putting Down Roots (approx. 0.3 miles away); Land of Our Own (approx. 0.3 miles away); Black Lives in Ocean Park (approx. 0.3 miles away); Early Black Businesses (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Doctor is In (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Santa Monica.
Also see . . . The Legendary Black Surfer Who Challenged Stereotypes (Atlas Obscura, 10/4/18). (Submitted on October 8, 2018.)
Photographed by Craig Baker, October 7, 2018
2. “The Ink Well” Marker
Photographed by Craig Baker, October 7, 2018
3. The Ink Well Marker
Another marker about The Ink Well can be seen on the left end of the building in the background.
Photographed by Craig Baker, October 7, 2018
4. “The Ink Well” Marker
Hidden in the bushes by the palm tree.
Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 8, 2018, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 1,516 times since then and 75 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 8, 2018, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
