Sunday, July 30, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Join us for a day of sharing and learning about some of the CCC “boys” in Centre County who enrolled in the program to support themselves and family during The Great Depression. Find out what it was like to live in a CCC camp. What these boys shared together during their formative years in the CCC is a true legacy that has meaning for all of us today. Learn about the local men and others who administered the day-to-day camp operations at the Poe Valley Camp. Chances are you may learn about someone you know who was in Poe Valley or another CCC camp.
The Centre County Historical Society is pleased to partner with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and William Marcum, local historian and research authority on the Poe Valley CCC Camp to invite the public to attend a day long program about the Civililian Conservation Corps. The program will take place at Poe Valley State Park in the quiet mountain valley that surrounds Poe Lake, a perfect place for a family day.
An important part of this day will include time for attendees to share their personal stories with others. A collection of memorabilia will be on display for you to enjoy and you may bring any mementos you have that you wish to share. Attendees will also learn how events brought about the creation of the Civilian Conservation Corps program that included the construction of Poe Valley State Park. There will be an original rare film featuring the Poe Valley Camp shown during the event after lunch.
Enjoy a lunch inspired by authentic CCC menu boards. While there is no set cost for lunch, donations to help cover costs are appreciated. We ask that you RSVP and indicate if you will be having a meal. Click the RSVP above or call (814) 234-4779.
In the afternoon, experience the history first hand! Join us on exclusive field trips to the original camp site where the Officer’s and Forester’s cabins still stand, as well as the Watcher’s Cabin where the fire tower once stood. Guided tours of these sites provided by Bill Marcum and Tom Hanes. (Please note: You must have your own transportation to the sites. Directions will be provided, but transportation will not be available by event organizers.)
This is an event for everyone and all ages. CCC veterans, sons, daughters, grandsons, granddaughters, nieces, nephews, extended family members, CCC history buffs, and local historians are encouraged to attend and bring your CCC stories, questions and step back in time!
Thanks to the generosity of sponsors and donations, this is a free and family friendly program; donations are both important and appreciated to keep this event free of charge. Donations may be made at the event or online.
Event parking is next to Poe Lake in Poe Valley State Park, follow the signage!
Please contact Poe Valley State Park at 814-349-2460 or the Centre County Historical Society at 814-234-4779 or email: info@centrecountyhistory.org for information or questions.
For GPS devices use the following address: 136 Poe Valley Park Circle, Coburn, PA 16832.
Cell service is sparse in Poe Valley State Park – If you like to use the GPS on your phone, try Google Offline Maps.
ABOUT THE DAY
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
2022 SCHEDULE –
2023 will be updated as programming is confirmed, please check back.
Introduction to Camp S-63 activities including 8 minute film clip of the CCC camp in operation
By Bill Marcum
The Greatest Collaboration: The Pennsylvania Department of Forest and Waters’ Joins Forces with the CCC
By Jim Hyland, Forest District Manager, Tioga State Forest
Musical Storytelling of folk singer and songwriter, Van Wagner, with CCC-themed music.
Period inspired lunch
African Americans in the Civilian Conservation Corps
By Paul Fagley, Retired Greenwood Furnace State Park Environmental Education Specialist
Brief History of PA Forest Fire Observation Stations
By Tom Hanes, Forest Program Specialist, PADCNR
There will be time for family members of the CCC boys to share their stories during and after their CCC enrollment
Visitors may visit the original CCC Camp site, including Officers Quarters and Forestry Quarters up the road on their way home.
TELL US YOUR STORY!
TELL US YOUR STORY!
We invite everyone to share any stories and provide any information about the Poe Valley camp for documentation into the history of Company 1333, Camp S-63 Poe Valley. Information may be shared by contacting the Centre County Historical Society, Mary Sorensen at msorensen@centrefurnace.org, or call 814-234-4779. Or, click HERE to share your story.
Local Historian Bill Marcum, born and raised in Coburn, was first introduced to the works of the CCC through many stories told to him by his grandfather, who was the Senior Foreman in the Poe Valley CCC Camp S-63 Company 1333. He started collecting Poe Valley CCC memorabilia after the passing of his grandfather, and subsequently learned his other grandfather helped erect CCC camps in Virginia, and uncle was an enrollee in a CCC camp in Virginia. Bill and his wife, Mary, began organizing reunions for the Poe Valley CCC Camp over three decades ago.
CCC RESOURCES OF INTEREST
- LISTEN TO PODCAST: CCC IN CENTRE COUNTY
On Dead Centre by CCHS President Katie O’Toole - PCN TV – THE FOREMAN’S BOYS
Interview with local historian Bill Marcum about his new book and stories about the Civilian Conservation Corps Company 1333 – Camp S-63, Poe Valley (Streaming available with PCN Subscription or check for schedule.) - PCN-TV – AFRICAN AMERICANS IN THE CIVILIAN CONSERVATION CORP
Featuring conversations with Paul Fagley, an Environmental Education Specialist with the PA DCNR, and John Eastlake, a member of CCC Legacy. (Streaming available with PCN Subscription or check for schedule) - PENNSYLVANIA CONSERVATION HERITAGE PROJECT
Stories, documentaries, resources. “Pennsylvania’s rich conservation history can be told though the stories of the people, places and events that shaped Pennsylvania.”