A Chain Of Surveyor Stories, Volume 3

David C. Clark

Feb 2026 · Thirteen Towers Inc.

About this ebook

Land Surveyors come across many odd and interesting circumstances as they research and define property boundaries within the land tenure system of Nova Scotia. Over the course of time, they have accumulated a myriad of reminiscences and anecdotes of unique experiences, distinctive characters, historical accounts, bizarre deed descriptions, involved technical surveys, out of the way locations, differing opinions, etc.

Many are the stories that could be told when an opportunity presents itself at a gathering of land surveyors. This anthology is just a small collection of contributed articles and tales, all with a connection to surveyors and surveying gathered from the experiences of the authors.

About the author

David C. Clark, PLS (Maine Ret), NSLS (Life), P. Surv, has been a professional land surveyor for more than sixty years. Now retired, he was licensed to practice in Nova Scotia (Reg. # 292), and the State of Maine (Reg # 1048), and has worked on surveying projects in five Canadian Provinces. Dave is a Life Member and Past President of the Association of Nova Scotia Land Surveyors and a Past President of the 3,000 member Canadian Council of Land Surveyors.

Dave’s first land surveying experience was working with Howard Murray, PLS, on a surveyor’s staff compass and Gunter’s 66 foot link chain woodlot survey near Tatamagouche. Over the years he has worked as a construction inspector, blaster, heavy mobile equipment operator, mineral prospector and B&B host; in private practice as a professional land surveyor; and for a greater part of his career as a manager in heavy industry.

In other professional activities in years past, Dave has served terms as a member of the NS Provincial Board of Examiners for Blasters, and as a member of the Primary Forest Products Marketing Board of Nova Scotia. He held licenses as a Prospector in NS and NB, as a Class 1 Blaster in NS and NB, and was a Commissioner of Oaths of the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia. He has been a member and secretary of the Board of Trustees of St. Andrew’s United Church, in Truro, for more than thirty years.

Dave enjoys writing in his spare time. For a number of years he wrote technical articles for publication in Canadian and American professional magazines, and in newspapers. He served on the Editorial Board of the Canadian Council of Land Surveyors’ magazine CCLS Focus. He has five published books in paperback and eBook formats. Dave’s works reflect his inherent interest in the history, character and culture of the people of Nova Scotia.

Dave and Deanna have a daughter Anne (D’Arcy) and a son Jonathan (Dee), and four grandchildren: Evan (Jessica), Alex (Katie), Sarah and Olivia.

Website: www.davidclark.ca