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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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.
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.
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!
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.
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