Friday Find: These 1957 stamps honored the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey

August 30, 2024

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In 1957, the country celebrated the 150th anniversary of the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey (USC&GS) by printing stamps featuring the USC&GS flag and three ships.

An envelope with an image of U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey (USC&GS) employees surveying, the USC&GS seal and flag, and the words, "150th Anniversary U.S. COAST AND GEODETIC SURVEY 1807-1857." On the envelope are a USC&GS stamp and a first day of issue cancelation. (Addressee name and address have been blurred out for privacy.) — An envelope with an image of U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey (USC&GS) employees surveying, a USC&GS stamp, and a first day of issue cancelation. Many of these stamps and envelopes survive today, including some mailed across the country. (Addressee name and address have been blurred out for privacy.) (Image credit: NOAA Heritage)

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These stamps were printed by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing using a rotary press and issued on February 11, 1957. At the time, it cost only 3 cents to send a letter.

Close up of a sheet of 1957 U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey 150th anniversary stamps. The stamps feature the USC&GS flag (a red triangle enclosed by a white circle on a blue field) and three ships. They bear the words, "COAST AND GEODETIC SURVEY 1807-1957 U.S. Postage 3 CENTS" — Close up of a sheet of 1957 U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey 150th anniversary stamps. These stamps are still available for purchase. (Image credit: NOAA Heritage)
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Founded by President Thomas Jefferson as the Survey of the Coast in 1807, the USC&GS was the nation’s first scientific agency and was responsible for mapping and charting the United States coasts. In 1871, mapping the interior of the country was added to the USC&GS’s responsibilities. In 1970, the USC&GS became part of the newly founded National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

A cool historic find!

This ad for powdered soap was found inside the envelope shown above! Every once in a while a blast from the past like this will turn up in another artifact. Was this ad mailed to the recipient or did they stick it in the envelope later? We don’t know, but it’s an interesting look at mid-century advertising!

The front, back, and inside of a 1950s era ad for "OB Powdered Soap Hand Cleanser." Found in a U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey 150th anniversary first day cover envelope. — A 1950s era ad for powdered soap. Found in a U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey 150th anniversary first day cover envelope. (Image credit: NOAA Heritage)
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Have an idea for an artifact, photo, or document from NOAA’s history that you think we should feature in “Friday Finds!”? Send an email with a description and, if possible, a photo to heritage.program@noaa.gov.