ABSTRACT
The origin of the ladder to climb to locations above the nominal ground level probably predates recorded history. The clumsy step ladder was a modification of the early peg and pole or rail and rung structures. The later invention of the extension ladder served the emerging utility industries plus fire and rescue operations. The ladder was a basic tool used with back breaking regularity for rescuing individuals trapped in burning buildings and from other hazardous locations as well as the harvesting of wild honey and the construction of dwellings. A virtual river of paint has been applied with the aid of the ladder to reach elevated areas. Cats rescued from trees via the extension ladder are legends in small town America.
