This week we have been dealing with the results of a recent ligthning strike at the house / office. No one was hurt but we are beginning to see the results on our electronics. So far the list includes: Dishwasher, printer, modem & two WIFI routers. Needless to say we worked through the modem / WIFI setup routine that I have to do every decade or so. On the bright side the new modem and routers are very fast, so maybe a little silver lining to the otherwise destructive event. On the business side of things we are working hard to serve our existing customers and we take on new clients on a "as possible" basis. Everyone has to get in line these days, both at your local eatery, the bank and yes, the Land Surveying office. We are looking forward to some cool and dry fall days after a very wet summer that has had us searching for dry days to get to the fieldwork portion of my workload. Thanks for your patience. Reuben

"20 feet square and 7 feet stud"

From time to time someone will say to me "Land Surveying seems like it would be a real cool job". I will admit sometimes I don't think so, but really I get to see some really unique places and learn some very interesting things.

One such example is a deed that I recently found for a project in Bowdoin. This particular deed was from 1781, for a 140 acre parcel. The deed was from James Bowdoin, an original proprietor to a Mr. Job Trufant. The description held no particular special value by first read, but the conditions of the deed did peak my interest. Much like the conditions for settling the West nearly 100 years later, this early sale in Bowdoin had many conditions. The buyer was required to help build and maintain the road by the south side of the place and also to clear 10 acres of field within 5 years. They were also bound to build and occupy a house not less than 20 feet square and 7 feet stud. Certainly a sensible structure, but likely not easy to build in any case. There was also a requirement to occupy the farm for 12 years. 12 years of unthinkable hardship grubbing out a living in the backcountry. It would be 7 years until the incorporation of the Town of Bowdoin in 1788 and not until 1820 until the State of Maine would be come a reality.

Sometimes I take for granted that history is easy, it is accessible and everyone knows this stuff. The reality is however quite the opposite. I am Lucky that I get paid to know this stuff. Thanks for reading.

Planes, Boats and Automobiles - What's Next?

It has been a long time since I posted last. But I have been busy, traveling the state and local area by plane, boat and automobile, getting to the job.

For a recent project on Moosehead Lake I got an overnight stay and a trip home by airplane. Greenville to Auburn takes only 45 minutes at 130 mph, without traffic.

Sometimes the job requires creativity. On this day it was easier to move equipment and recon an island by boat. Otters, eagles and ducks watched me on the job.

The 2003 Yukon XL can pack gear, carry the family and do it in style. I don't mind taking this rig down a woods road if that is what the job requires.

2017 looks like it is going to be a busy year. Take Care.

Front Page, Full Color, Above the Fold !

Hey folks, check out the local paper, the Times Record, front page for May 12, 2016. Career Day at Bowdoin Central School.

Clyde B. Hodgkins' Land Surveying Records now at Wheeler Surveying

The land surveying files of Clyde B. Hodgkins are now located at the office of Wheeler Surveying, 693 West Road, Bowdoin, Maine. In order to preserve the records "of those who came before us", I have taken Clyde's files into our expanding collection of land surveying records here at Wheeler Surveying. Beginning as a Forester after college at the University of Maine, Clyde also did extensive Land Surveying in the central Maine area, operating with the company name of "Hodgkins & Buker", with much of his work centered near his office located in Greene, Maine. I had the pleasure of discussing several surveying projects with Clyde, during his career, and always found him helpful and willing to share his knowledge. Clyde retired from Land Surveying and later died in 2010. I hope having Clyde's files available for research might be a valuable asset to the Land Surveying community and former clients alike. I believe that I have fulfilled a local need for quality Land Surveying Services since starting Wheeler Surveying in 1998, much as Clyde did, with the added tools, technology and training that Clyde may not have had. If you need Professional Land Services to meet your needs in the coming year, please don't hesitate to call or drop me an e-mail. mainesurveyor@comcast.net (207) 353-9447. Reuben Wheeler, PLS

Busy season in the Land Surveying field

The summer of 2015 appears to be providing plenty of work for the local Land Surveyor. With building projects getting underway, the weak housing economy of the past few years seems to be a thing of the past. It is always hard to guess what the future might hold, but right now it seems good. Probably the hardest thing about this changing business climate is scheduling my time. My theory has always been to work local and to work for local people that want my services. I haven't ever advertised, I work for people that have heard about my good work and I try hard to meet their expectations. As the summer continues I hope to reduce my backlog a bit so that I can have just a few open files on my desk. Thanks for visiting, feel free to e-mail if you have questions or if I can be of service. Reuben

Happy New Year

I just wanted to extend a thanks to all my clients and friends that have made 2014 a success. As we welcome in 2015 I will continue to focus on productivity and technology to continue to serve my clients and their Professional Land Surveying needs. In 2015 I expect to undertake some office and equipment upgrades to keep current in the collection, analysis and storage of survey data and to provide these services at a fair price. I expect that 2015 will show improvement in the housing market over 2014 and I am prepared to grow in places that will help serve my growing client list. Thanks again and Happy New Year. Reuben