Images(6)

Hydrofoil

Object number2015.103.1

Manufacturer Cosmo Dynamics

Retailer Kaufmann's Department Store (1871 - 2005)

Date1960-1969

OriginNewton, MA

MediumAluminum, steel, wood, rope

Credit LineGift of Mel Humphreys

DescriptionAluminum, v-shaped hydrofoil with two ski brackets on the top and a crossbar at the bottom with three horizontal rectangular wings attached. Red and white rope is tied to the top between the ski brackets.Dimensions27 x 23.5 x 23 in. (68.6 x 59.7 x 58.4 cm)
MarksSticker with blue border and waterboard/comet in the background reads: "Cosmo Dynamics" in red across the center.

At the bottom in blue reads: "P.O. Box 25, Newton 64, Mass."
Historical NotesWater ski hydrofoil purchased by donor Mel Humphreys in the 1960s at the downtown Kaufmann's store. The donor remembers there was only one available in the sporting goods department. The donor purchased the hydrofoil to perform on water skis at the TRIAD and other area water shows. TRIAD (Three Rivers Improvement and Development Association) was formed in 1968 to bring attention to Pittsburgh's rivers and riverfront and to help promote water recreation and development of Pittsburgh's rivers for recreational rather than industrial use. They sponsored water shows where performers like Humphreys would perform water ski tricks and also often included water performance clowns. TRIAD was the precursor to today's Pittsburgh Regatta.

Previous owner Mel Humphreys

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