What was needed was an accurate and detailed topographic map which could be used to plat the outlines of various mineral formations. A map which would show the contour of every foot of ground, it would also outline every wooded and cleared plat of land. This would also show slopes and areas of drainage of all streams and source of water supply.
This resulting topographic map would be an aid in the management of our highways and public works, for Military operations and arsenals, for the construction of new roads and bridges, for the placement of communication lines.
Printed in color the resulting map would show water printed in blue, surface contours in brown, features constructed by man (roads, etc.) in black and wooded areas in green. Assisted by the Federal Government, a State wide survey was conducted with amazing results and maps which are still in use today.
To begin this project, spirit levels were used to determine elevations and establish bench marks upon which to base the contour sketching of the area being mapped. Elevations were being reduced to mean sea level which required 2,458 mile of levels and established 153 permanent bench marks of bronze or aluminum.
Trigonometric elevations were determined an average of four instrumental elevations for the control of each square inch of map. Many more elevations were determined by methods of less accuracy.
At Erie the line began at United States Engineering Corps bench mark (chisel mark on southwest corner of foundation of light keeper's dwelling, Erie Harbor). The leveling between Erie and Pittsburg have "PITTSBURG" and the date 1899 on the bench marks. This includes Saegertown, a bronze tablet with elevation at 1128; Meadville, elevation 1071; Cochranton, elevation 1062.
The survey from the Ohio State line over Highway via Tracy, Conneautville, and Pont to Girard have "ERIE" on their bench marks. Beaver Center's bench mark is aluminum and located in the northeast corner of the foundation of L. L. Fuller's store marked "ERIE 1029". Conneautville's is aluminum, located in the southeast corner foundation of the bank building marked "ERIE 948". Hickernell's is a bronze tablet on the northwest corner of foundation of the post office marked "ERIE 1090". Pont's is a bronze tablet in the front foundation of the United Brethern Church marked 'ERIE 1090". Platea's is a bronze tablet in the southwest corner of the foundation of the Methodist Church marked "ERIE 876".
The bank building located in Conneautville was the "Conneautville Bank" located in the Power Block. After this bank closed, the building was sold and it became a residence and the location of Fran's Beauty Shop. Due to it's deteriorating condition, the building was torn down and the bench mark salvaged. Thanks to Mr. James Bufalino, this bench mark is now on display at our Historical Society.
What happened to the bench mark at Beaver Center?
Conneautville Bank Building prior to demolition.
Bench Mark in lower right foundation block.