The North Dakota Transportation Hall of Honor was created to recognize those who have had a major role and made a lasting impact on the development of the transportation system at the state, county, or local level. It also honors those who participate in highway safety programs or help promote the vital function roadways provide to the citizens of North Dakota.
1980-1989 Honorees
Robert E. King, NDSHD Right of Way Engineer, 1988
Robert E. King did more than anyone else to professionalize and modernize right of way acquisition practices in North Dakota. Under his guidance, the Right of Way Section became a large division in order to handle the many new acquisition problems caused by the building of I-94 and I-29. Because of his improvements of negotiation and relocation procedures, the ease and speed with which North Dakota's interstates were built are due in large part to Robert King.
Gerald W. "Cap" McCoy, AGC of ND Executive VP, 1988
Gerald W. "Cap'" McCoy, in his 20 years as executive vice president of the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of North Dakota, was known for his efforts to foster a cooperative working relationship between the AGC and the Highway Department. That relationship remains to this day, to the benefit of the people of North Dakota. He was also a fierce lobbyist for good highway legislation, and a highly respected figure at the Capital whether the legislature was in session or not.
Warren Diederich, Contractor and Innovator, 1986
North Dakota has benefitted greatly from Warren Diederich's efforts to secure and preserve additional and special federal highway funds for the state. Through his individual efforts and participation in local and national organizations and committees, he has been instrumental in obtaining federal interstate and dedicated bridge funds for North Dakota. Diederich's contributions of time and effort have benefitted both the highway construction industry and the taxpayers of North Dakota.
George Seaworth, Federal Highway Administrator, 1986
George Seaworth rendered 45 years of faithful engineering services to the people of North Dakota. He began as a structural designer for the State Highway Department and retired as North Dakota Division Administrator for the Federal Highway Administration. He will be remembered for his cooperative attitude during the planning and construction of the interstate system, which enabled North Dakota to be the first state to complete its interstate highway.
Irvin Jordre, NDSHD Bismarck District Engineer, 1984
Throughout his 25 years as Bismarck district engineer, Irvin Jordre maintained the most and oldest mileage in the state. He was a true believer in timely patching and crack sealing, which paid great dividends in the longevity of road surfaces. By practicing preventive maintenance, he saved money for more critical highway improvements. His commitment to the critical importance of routine maintenance will be appreciated by North Dakota drivers for years to come.
Julius A. Roswick, Pioneer Motor Carrier, 1984
Julius Roswick began his trucking career in 1931 as a driver and initiated the Roswick Truck Line in 1932 upon receiving the first special motor carrier operating certificate in North Dakota. In 1938, he merged his firm with two others to form Midwest Motor Express, INC., which is now the largest North Dakota based motor carrier. Julius strongly supported the highway user tax philosophy and encouraged a close working relationship between the motor carrier industry and the highway department.
John McCormick, Jr., Major Interstate Contractor, 1983
John McCormick, Jr. is recognized for his personal contributions to the North Dakota Highway Construction program over the many years he has been affiliated with the construction industry. Because of these contributions, highway construction techniques and procedures were greatly improved, resulting in substantial dividends to the taxpayers of North Dakota.
Mark Wynkoop, NDSHD Chief Engineer, 1982
Mark P. Wynkoop joined the Highway Department in 1919, after serving in World War I, and spent the next 42 years as a highway engineer, including 15 years as chief engineer, before retiring in 1961. He was chief engineer at the time the interstate highway system was started, and much of the planning for it was done while he served in that position.
John Rouzie, Highway 85 and Highway 12 Associations, 1981
John Rouzie is a distinguished private citizen who for many years has promoted good highways in North Dakota. As a businessman and later sole owner of the First National Bank of Bowman, he was one of the leaders in organizing and promoting the Highway 85 Association and the Highway 12 Association. He later moved to Bismarck, where he continued his strong support of the Highway Department.
Harold Schafer; Restorer, Medora; 1981
Harold Schafer represents a business success story. He founded Gold Seal Company and retained company headquarters in Bismarck. His enthusiasm for his home state and generosity to numerous worthwhile organizations and causes explain the widespread respect and popularity in which he is held. Harold restored Medora, former home of Teddy Roosevelt, making it a great North Dakota tourist attraction.
Robert E. Bradley, NDSHD Chief Engineer, 1980
Robert E. Bradley became Chief Engineer of the State Highway Department in 1957 and served in that position longer than anyone else in North Dakota history. A natural leader, his influence is reflected in almost every phase of North Dakota's vast modern highway network. Actively involved nationally, including serving as president of the Mississippi Valley Conference of State Highway Departments, he was the 1960 recipient of the Outstanding Achievement Award of the North Dakota Society of Professional Engineers.
Walter R. Hjelle, NDSHD Commissioner, 1980
Walter R. Hjelle became State Highway Commissioner on January 4, 1961, and served in that position longer than anyone else in the history of North Dakota. The highway program, which accounts for the vast majority of the total movement of people and goods in the state, enjoyed its greatest expansion during the years of his direction. In 1977, for example, North Dakota was one of the first states to complete its interstate system. Noted for his dynamic leadership, he has long been recognized as one of North Dakota's ablest administrators.