Gurdon Wattles Publications

[Ian Wilson]

***DISCLAIMER*** I have no relationship with the Jim Rems, the current proprietor of Wattles Publications***

Gurdon Wattles stipulated that Wattles Publication would make his books available at cost plus a modest charge. That means that WRITING LEGAL DESCRIPTIONS In Conjunction with Survey Boundary Control is available for $50 instead of the $115 charged by a certain on-line vendor of books and other items.

Here is the "catalog" of publications available.

Wattles_CATALOG.pdf

Jim is a great guy to work with.

I am posting this in the interest of seeing those who want to buy this these publications pay a fair price and not an inflated price.

[DWoolley]

The Wattles publications are the preeminent guide to writing legal descriptions.

On February 9, 1943 the California Department of Public Work issued a memorandum- with a "buy war bonds" stamp - that directs every "State Highway Right of Way Department" to use William Wattles (LS1071, RE 1193) "Description and Survey in Their Relation to California Land Titles" for guidance.

The memorandum further states "It is intended as a reference and general summary of factors which enter into the proper development of correct descriptions, accurate analytic survey procedure of title to land as disclosed by the recorded instruments." The directive was given to all state right of way agents.

This memorandum included the Wattles guide, which is easily recognized as the precursor to the book with which we are familiar. I believe this is the reason we see parity in legal descriptions in public agencies, this is especially true in my neck of the woods.

Generally, local private surveyors' legal descriptions are similar to the local Caltrans offices, is similar to the surrounding county surveyors, is similar to any other right of way description. I know this because I plotted, established, written and checked legal descriptions in multiple jurisdictions for many years. This is as it should be in protecting and preserving the sacred land title system that is the cornerstone of wealth in the United States (The West) according to "The Mystery of Capitalism" by Hernando de Soto.

Most curiously, I have discovered jurisdictions that seemingly have never opened Wattles and have expressed little regard for land title in preparing legal descriptions and plats. Expectedly, their typical generic legal descriptions and plats would be best used to teach "what not to do" when writing legal descriptions. I have been contemplating the known and unknown persons that believed they have the individual skills and training to upend 81 years of Wattles parity in providing right of way descriptions and further believe they are not bound by the structure Wattles provided in 1943. Imagine sitting at a desk, making up arbitrary rules for legal descriptions and mentoring others in the same while violating the most basic tenants of Wattles. Madness. Further madness, they are land surveyors and not title folks or right of way agents.

Our new employees get 10 blue long-sleeved shirts with a company logo and blood type embroidered on the cuffs and a copy of Wattles during the on-boarding process. They are expected to read books.

DWoolley

[Jim Frame]

So how can I get a D. Woolley & Associates shirt?

[Ric7308]

So how can I get a D. Woolley & Associates shirt?

A blood donation is required...

[David Kendall]

So how can I get a D. Woolley & Associates shirt?

A blood donation is required...

And a pound of flesh

[Jim Frame]

Isn't jousting with Dave on this forum the equivalent of both?

[DWoolley]

Ok, funny guys, I get it. My delivery needs work.

Most days I sincerely appreciate the conversations.

Be well,

DWoolley

[Dave Lindell]

Wow! I may apply to work for Dave. Ten new shirts and a free book (I promise to read it).

[Jim Frame]

Rockin' the Woolley logo n Yolo County this morning. Thanks, Dave!

PS I don't know my blood type either.

IMG_20241118_092949__01.jpg

[DWoolley]

Wear it in good health!

Notice the negative of the logo are plumb bobs?

Be well,

Dave

[Jim Frame]

Funny, I noticed it in the D, but didn't see it in the W until you mentioned it. Clever!

[PLS7393]

Rockin' the Woolley logo n Yolo County this morning. Thanks, Dave!

PS I don't know my blood type either.

IMG_20241118_092949__01.jpg

Isn't there some liability on your Dave, for a non-employee representing your company. Jim is a DW imposter, LOL ! ! !

He might just give a little ole lady some bad advice but all she remembers is "Who is this Dave Wooley guy? That's all I remember talking to the surveyor who had his name on the shirt?"

I don't need a shirt, but would you please send me about 50 tags???

Cheers!!!

[Jim Frame]

Side note: this is the second time I've dug up the monument shown in the photo, which marks a subdivision corner. The first time was in 1995.

[PLS7393]

Side note: this is the second time I've dug up the monument shown in the photo, which marks a subdivision corner. The first time was in 1995.

Jim,
I hope you tied it out with a more easily accessible point this time, so you don't get that DW shirt dirty digging it back up on your next survey out there, hehehee!

Always looking after my friends (in low places).