The Ladder

Photo Credit: "Hausbuch Wolfegg 53v 53v1 Drehbank Waage Steiggeräte" by Anonymous

noun, lad·der often attributive \ˈla-dər\

 

: a device used for climbing that has two long pieces of wood, metal, or rope with a series of steps or rungs between them.

: a series of steps or stages by which a person is enabled to move up to a higher or better position.

Everyone knows the purpose of a ladder is to reach high, otherwise out of reach places safely. But there are a few things you may not know about this oft overlooked tool. Here is a short list of historical tidbits about the mighty ladder.

• Scientists believe ladders to have been used over 10,000 years ago due to depictions of them in ancient Mesolithic era paintings discovered in the Spider Caves in Spain. 

• This early ladder as painted is long and flexible, and is made of a material with the appearance of grass.

• Some of the oldest ladders on record were not made of fixed materials, but with flexible fibers like rope. A small number of these historic ladders are still in use today. 

•  The bible famously makes mention of "Jacob's Ladder" in Genesis 28:10-19. In the scripture Jacob describes a dream in which he saw a ladder reaching from heaven to earth with angels ascending and descending it. The book of Genesis is believed to have been written somewhere between 1440 and 1400 B.C.

• On January 7, 1862, Dayton, Ohio resident John H. Balsley received the first US patent for the step ladder. While not the original inventor, Mr. Balsley improved upon the design by placing hinges atop of the ladder, allowing it to be folded and more easily stored and transported. 

•  Kiva ladders, originally used to reach the upper floors of the Anasazi cliff dwellings, southwestern pueblo homes, and ceremonial caves, are a primitive looking wooden ladder made of tall, hand-scraped pine poles. Scaled down replicas have become a popular item in contemporary home decor.

• Deteriorated or improperly fitted base pads are one of the most common causes of ladder slippage contributing to accidents. They are responsible for lowering friction with the ground, thereby increasing traction. Ladder stabilizers are widely available and do much to increase a ladder's grip on its foundation. The first ladder stabilizers or ladder feet were offered in 1936 and today are standard equipment on most large ladders.

To learn more about ladders, scaffolding, and a wide array of service industry equipment available for your vehicles and more, check out Creech Ladder. We're your one-stop-shop for accessories that improve safety, stability and usability. You can call us direct at 615.242.8601, or check out our website for special offers and updates at: http://web.vanandtruckequipmenttn.com/home/.

And remember,  if it's out of reach, call the folks at Creech!