Creating the Civilian Conservation Corps
When Franklin Roosevelt pushed through the New Deal legislation that created the Civilian Conservation Corps, no one knew what would become of it. Other than to plant trees and help conserve some of America’s natural resources, the direction it was to take was made up as they went along. It worked, it worked well.
One method used by camps to get the men to take pride in the job and their work was to create competitions. When the men were building Guernsey State Park, there were two camps, making competition between them natural. Camp Br-9 on the east side started first and was followed by Camp BR-10 on the west side.
A Museum and a Castle
Camp-9 built the Museum, the centerpiece of the park and one of the finest examples of CCC work in the country. Not to be outdone the men on the west side wanted something to rival the Museum, they built the North Bluff Castle that is often referred to as the most spectacular picnic shelter in America.
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Looking Into the South Wing of the Museum |
When the men of Camp-9 started to build Sitting Bull shelter with its incredible lake view
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Looking South from Sitting Bull Shelter |
the Camp-10 workers began building the massive stone restroom, near the Castle that would be soon tagged, the Million Dollar Biffy.
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The North Bluff Castle |
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The Million Dollar Biffy |
Parkitecture
Using massive stone and huge timber construction, the CCC started what soon would be called, Parkitecture, easily recognized today as work of the fine men of the Civilian Conservation Corps.
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One of the Terrific Spots to View the Park from the Castle |
I will be talking more about Parkitecture in a future post – stay tuned.
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In Places, the CCC Left a Few Reminders of Their Time Here |
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