The Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC) celebrates its 90th Anniversary this year. We are reminded of a public works program started by President Franklin D. Roosevelt that operated from 1933-1942. In the heart of the Great Depression this program served to support conservation activities across the county as well as provide work for over 300,000 young men. The men enrolled for six months and worked a 40-hour week for $30.00 a month. All but $5 was sent home to the families as a means of support during hard times. There were classes and food, and shelter was provided at a time when food was scarce, and housing was not guaranteed during the Great Depression.
Few people recognize the impact that the CCC had on Black Rock, NY. Several of our young men, signed up for this adventure and ended up at Camp Salamanca S 106, Hungry Hollow/ Panama Rocks. Planting thousands of trees, reforesting after fires and intense agriculture.
Enrollees constructed trails and shelters in more than 800 parks nationwide. The CCC helped to shape the modern and national state park system we enjoy today. The CCC were instrumental in shaping 94 National Parks and 741 State Parks enjoyed by millions of people each year.
Young men who signed up from Black Rock could find themselves in the Southern Tier living and working in camps. Opportunities to travel existed when either camps moved, or a call went out to serve in other areas. Service was typically 6 months with ample opportunities to re-enlist.
Walter Kedron was one of those individuals traveling to Camp Salamanca, Hungry Hollow, then on to Camp Hilgard Oregon where they worked on truck trails and bridge building. He then went on to Idaho to work on the Arrow Rock Dam in the Columbia River. His brother Anthony joined him for some of the adventure. He spoke fondly of those days of hard work and adventure.
These adventures formed lifelong bonds. The boys from Black Rock, Walter Kedron, Isadore Sliwinski, and George Burkowski became life-long friends.
If your family members have had similar experience, please share mementos with the Black Rock Historical Society yet another important part of our community’s history.
