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History of FHWA

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History of FHWA

John Haapala

By
William S. Peterson

Hap started his life's work as a "gypo bushelman" in the coastal fir forest around Eureka, California. In the days before 1929 it was common practice for a contract logger to make $100 a day using a hand saw on piece work. The great depression almost had the lumber industry on its knees when Hap joined Carl Nissi's field survey party at Hayford in September 1932. He verified the shortage of bathtubs in hayfork in the early thirties.

27 Years of Bridge Engineering with Federal Highway Administration

By
David M. Goodall

When compared to the years of service of some BPR (sorry FHWA) engineers, I am a Johnny-come-lately. However, if I can pay a few debts and even an old score or two it will be worth the effort. Perhaps a few words in explanation of how I became associated with FHWA in the first place are in order.

The Best Years of my Life (1928-1941)

By
B. J. McClarty

My career with the Bureau of Public Roads began the summer of 928 when I signed on as a temporary employee (Chainman) on the construction of the West Sode Highway in Rainier national Park. The boss was C. R. Short, a grand old timer and a fine engineer; sometimes affectionately called the "Rock Crusher Diplomat."