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, July 28, 2021
1. The “Ink Well” Marker
Inscription.
The “Ink Well”. A Place of Celebration and Pain. Between Bay and Bicknell streets there is a beach known by some as the "Ink Well". This small stretch of shoreline was an important gathering place for African Americans long after racial restrictions on public beaches were abandoned in 1927. Located in close proximity to nearby African American neighborhoods and the Phillips Chapel CME Church, African-American groups from Venice, Los Angeles and Santa Monica came here to enjoy the sun and surf because here they encountered less racially-motivated harassment than at other Southland beaches.
Between Bay and Bicknell streets there is a beach known by some as
the "Ink Well". This small stretch of shoreline
was an important gathering place for African Americans long after racial restrictions on
public beaches were abandoned in 1927.
Located in
close proximity to nearby African American
neighborhoods and the Phillips Chapel CME Church, African-American groups from Venice,
Los Angeles and Santa Monica came here to
enjoy the sun and surf because here they
encountered less racially-motivated harassment
than at other Southland beaches.
Erected by Santa Monica Beach Stories, California State Parks, and National Park Service.
Location. 34° 0.282′ N, 118° 29.454′ W. Marker is in Santa Monica, California, in Los Angeles County. It is in Ocean Park. Marker can be reached from Bicknell Avenue west of Ocean Avenue, on the right when traveling west. Located near the beach, at the women’s restroom. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 20 Bicknell Ave, Santa Monica CA 90401, United States of America. Touch for directions.
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); Shotgun House
Credits. This page was last revised on January 30, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 21, 2021, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 206 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on August 21, 2021, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.
