Vintage Photos of the Ink Well, Santa Monica Beach During the Early 20th Century

During the early 20th century, a section of the Santa Monica Beach referred to as the “Ink Well” was one of the few areas in California where African Americans were allowed to enjoy beach access in a largely segregated society. Located between Bay Street and Bicknell Street just across from the Casa Del Mar Hotel, the 200 foot roped off stretch of beach demarcated was also home to Nick Gabaldon, one of the first black surfers in California, who lived nearby. Other local areas reserved for African Americans included Bruce’s Beach in Manhattan Beach and the Pacific Beach Club in Orange County.

(Photos courtesy of Los Angeles Public Library Photo Collection)