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1882-1989
Otho M. Graves​
Induction Year
1989
Inductee Number
31

Otho Graves, a civil engineer, was an outstanding leader in the crushed stone industry.​

After graduating from Tufts College in 1906, he taught civil engineering at the University of Pennsylvania and later was Professor of Civil Engineering at Lafayette College. In 1918, he entered the business world as Assistant to the President of the General Crushed Stone Company. This was the beginning of a long and successful association. The following year he was elected as Director and by 1927, was Vice President and General Manager. He was named President in 1931 and under his skillful leadership, the company flourished and expanded.​

Graves was a highly respected leader in the industry and an expert on seismographic testing in quarry blasting. He served as President of the National Crushed Stone Association and his influence on the Association was considerable. He did much to promote the solidarity of crushed stone producers and to give substance and dignity to the industry. Under his guidance, the Bureau of Engineering was created in 1925, and the headquarters of the Association was moved to Washington, D.C. Three years later, a research laboratory was established by him for the Association.​

He served as director of the National Association of Manufacturers, was on the executive committee of the cement and quarry section of the National Safety Council, and served as a consultant to the U.S. Bureau of Mines. He served on the National Industrial Council Board as well.​

Under his qualified leadership, the General Crushed Stone Company and the National Crushed Stone Association became thriving and successful institutions.​