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In the office, almost all drawings were pen and ink on linen. Farther along the way– I continued to work for years in small
Mostly it was freehand lettering because it was faster than the consulting firms, with a long broken stint with the NYSDEC
Leroy lettering with templates. No CAD systems, computers and the US Department of the Interior in the 1980’s. It was
or GPS. It was hard work but rewarding. In the field, it was there, at Interior, I was introduced to desktop computers. A real
cutting brush in the summer while warding off bugs and functioning Black Box. I even learned how to install DOS 2.0
poison ivy. The offices had no air conditioning, just a nice and to format the hard drive. Good Lord– am I really that old?
view of downtown Albany. We had plenty of work and hot
black coffee. Most of all, I loved the surveying calculations, the After leaving public service in 1998, I began my own
engineering and surveying business. It lasted for over thirty
research and field work.
years. It was difficult, demanding and disciplined work, but it
The big deal in 1969 was to apply to the Education Department was more than fulfilling and rewarding. There were differences
for the “n” exemption – it would allow surveyors to do “minor of opinion with lawyers and surveyors–“what was good and
engineering”. But, why should I do this?? My education goals was what was bad”. I suppose, it was no different than any other
to complete my engineering education by working and taking business. This interaction with other surveyors and engineers
college courses. Finally, I was accepted to take the exam and was made it fun and interesting. I just never stopped learning about
licensed in 1971. Wow–dual licensed– just like my old boss. the profession and improving my skills.
I purchased my first total station and CAD system in Y2K
(remember that?). Welcome relief from the grunt and tedious
work associated with collecting data and reducing field
notes. My very own black box had arrived. Also, I became a
founding father of the Black River Chapter of Land Surveyors
in NYSAPLS. As an engineer, I also was a member of the
Professional Engineer’s Society. Hence, I was engaged with the
tug of war between the two groups over “minor engineering”. I
did what was best for both professions.
Near the close of my career, I began agonizing over what to do
with all my records. Show I have a bon fire or just send them
to Shred Con?? A tough decision!!! Always knew this was going
to be a problem. Happily, last year, November 2019, a large
surveying firm was pleased to acquire all of my record files,
maps, field books and digital files. Done – Finished – Retired at
84 – over sixty years of laughter, tears, worry, sweat, enjoyment
and satisfaction. Although, I do miss the sense of productivity
and helping the cause, but, I take pride in the fact that I had a
good reputation and that ran a fair and honest firm. I also am
pleased I had the opportunity to teach and train young people
about a great way of life.
Looking past the black box – I am pleased that a formal
education is now required for land surveyors. Many years ago,
I wanted this and advocated it for the profession. At the time,
the reply always was that the Education Department wanted
the internship program kept in place for minorities to enter
into our profession.

So now, it’s full speed ahead for the black box generation to
carry on our wonderful profession.

About the author:
Stanford J. Zeccolo, PE, LS is licensed in 5 states and is the owner of Zeccolo
Surveying & Engineering in Mechanicville, NY. Mr. Zeccolo graduated from
NYS Ranger School in 1956, received an Associate in Applied Science from
the Albany Junior College in 1966, Bachelor of Science from Empire State
College in 1974 and a Master of Engineering from RPI in 1978. He has been a
NYSAPLS member for over 30 years.

EMPIRE STATE SURVEYOR / VOL. 57 • NO 6/ 2021 • NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 27