The U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey was founded in 1807 as shown in the picture of the plaque. The plaque has hung in the Haddam City Hall since 1986 when it was presented. Not shown on the bottom portion of this plaque are the names of current/former employees from Haddam.
Every year the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey Society presents a bronze plaque to someone who had an outstanding record.
In 1986 the Society decided to present the plaque to a community instead of an individual.
Haddam, Kansas was selected because, at that time, sixty-five men had worked for the survey.
The exodus of young men from Haddam to the Geodetic Survey started in the summer of 1928. Harold Hoffman went to work for the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey upon the recommendation of friends, Paul and Lou Dittemore.
Harold enjoyed the work and encouraged Carl and Lou Odgers to follow in his footsteps. "The Geodetic Survey wanted men who knew how to work." Surely, the "Geodetic Survey" was not disappointed in these North Central Kansas men as they continued to use Haddam as an employment pool.
Listed below are the names of those from Haddam who worked for the Survey. Some for a little while. Some their entire career. Robert Zurfluh was the last Haddamite to be employed by the United States Coast and Geodetic Survey.
If known, a deceased indictor is listed. If a reader of this webpage has information about anyone that is listed that is deceased please contact this webmaster at: cdc15ne@hotmail.com.
The U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey has since been changed to National Geodetic Survey.
Click here for more information on the National Geodetic Survey
