W.J. Lucas Ford, Sr.

Skipper Funderburg has unearthed another early Twentieth Century photographic gem. It is of William Johnstone Lucas Ford, Senior (Alexander Hume Ford's nephew), riding Canoes in 1923.

Click on image for full size.

William Johnstone Lucas Ford, Senior, resided on the Big Island, Hawai'i. He is listed in Alexander Hume Ford's 1945 published obituary.

Skipper wrote the following about the image:

"My hunt on the old history trail of Alexander Hume Ford carry's on to a further point. With happiness, I share this 1923 surfing image of Alexander Hume Ford's nephew, William Johnstone Lucas Ford, Senior. Grande Lucas was residing on the Big Island of Hawaii at the time of Alexander Hume Fords death in 1945. I am well aware the number of surfing photographs from this era are very limited, so I am delighted to present this rare historical treasure to the surfing world. Above and beyond my discovery, I hope a revived public awareness of Alexander Hume Ford will help lead to further discoveries about this important surfing family."

My best, Joseph "Skipper" Funderburg


Skipper added:

Attached is the back of the photocard. It reads:

"This is a picture of your son W.L. Ford, riding the surfboard at Waikiki Beach."

"P.S. It cost four dollars to have it made."

"4/14/23 Waikiki Honolulu T.H."

The T.H. is an abbreviation for Territory of Hawaii.

History in 2.5 Minutes

Surf history (3000 YBP to 90 YBP) in 2 and a half minutes... Some factual errors, but basically true:

ALEXANDER HUME FORD

Aloha and welcome to this chapter of Volume 2 of LEGENDARY SURFERS.

Alexander Hume Ford (1868-1945) is remembered as the guy who turned Jack London on to surfing; the promoter of George Freeth, Duke Kahanamoku, and of Hawai‘i, itself.

Most significantly, Alexander Hume Ford is best remembered by us surfers as a founder of the Outrigger Canoe Club; a man who – more than most anyone of his time – helped revive Hawaiian surfing, spreading it around the world.

Click here to read:

ALEXANDER HUME FORD


Additional Resources:




















ALEXANDER HUME FORD

"The Cruise of The Snark"

Some of the earliest writings about "The Revival" period of surfing (1988-1910) were done at the hands of the great American novelist Jack London.

In "The Cruise of The Snark," London writes of his travels in Polynesia, his attempt at learning to surf under the guidance of Alexander Hume Ford, and of Twentieth Century's first surfing great, George Freeth.

Recently, I discovered the book is free, as a download from Project Gutenberg (please consider donating to the project - There are many more titles available). Please go to:

"The Cruise of The Snark"

... and free at Google Books: "The Cruise of The Snark"

It can also be purchased via Amazon for a little over $10 USD: