FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DATE: July 5, 2022
SUNDAY, JULY 31, 2022: 10:00 a.m.—4:00 p.m. at Poe Valley State Park
Poe Valley State Park, Centre County, PA – 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 Civilian 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 complete with lunch inspired by authentic CCC menu boards.
The New Deal Era Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) work relief program operated from 1933 to 1942 for unemployed, unmarried men. 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 America’s 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.
We invite everyone to share 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 online by visiting https://www.centrehistory.org/ccc or by contacting the Centre County Historical Society, Johanna Sedgwick at jsedgwick@centrefurnace.org, or call 814-234-4779.
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.
At the end of the day, attendees are welcome to visit the site where the camp was erected and tour original Civilian Conservation Corps buildings or enjoy a stroll along Poe Valley Lake that resulted from the construction of an earthen and masonry dam through the works of CCC Company 1333 Camp S-63 located near the park.
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 individual donations, this is a free, family friendly event; donations are both important and appreciated to keep this event free of charge. Donations may be made at the event or along with RSVPs at https://www.centrehistory.org/ccc
CCC Legacy Day Event Activities 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Morning:
- Welcome and opening remarks
- 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.
Afternoon:
- Enjoy a lunch inspired by authentic CCC menu boards. (Please RSVP at https://www.centrehistory.org/ccc)
- 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
- Closing Remarks
- 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.)
For more information and to RSVP for lunch, visit https://www.centrehistory.org/ccc, email info@centrecountyhistory.org or call (814) 234-4779.
Sponsors and Partners
- Centre County Historical Society
- Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
- William and Mary Marcum
- Mid-State Roofing and Coating, Inc.
- Millheim Hotel
- Millheim Small Engine
- JB Gibbons Construction
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