The Jefferson public library will host Michigan author Bill Jamerson on Saturday, May 14, at 10:30 am at the First Presbyterian Church in Jefferson. Jamerson will present a music and storytelling program about the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The program is free and open to the public.
During the 1930s, the CCC worked with Iowa farmers on soil conservation projects and built 15 state parks including some close to Greene County: Black Hawk, Ledges and Dolliver State Parks. CCC workers built a stone retaining wall and the stone shelter house and fireplace still in use at Squirrel Hollow Park east and south of Jefferson and the conservation camp and steel barracks at Springbrook State Park near Guthrie Center.
Dressed in uniform, Jamerson will share stories about the CCC, read excerpts from his book, and sing original songs with his guitar. He has performed at CCC reunions around the country and at dozens of CCC-built national and state parks. “The program is as entertaining as it is important; as honest as it is fun. It’s about people both ordinary and extraordinary, with stories of strength, wit and charm,” his website states.
During the nine year run of the CCC, beginning in 1933, more than 49,000 men served in Iowa and the Army spent more than $48 million operating the 29 Iowa camps. The enrollees were paid $1 a day with $25 sent home to their families each month. The money sent home provided relief for their families who were desperate for food and basic necessities.
The CCC worked on hundreds of Iowa farms doing soil erosion control projects such as building earthen dams, terracing hills, digging ponds, repairing gullies and planting trees for wind breaks. They also constructed more than 1,000 miles of roads, erected hundreds of miles of telephone poles and assisted in emergencies, from forest fires to floods.
The men came into nearby towns on weekends, and patronized stores, movie theaters, billiard rooms, dance halls, churches and restaurants. Many enrollees met their wives while in camp. The enrollees spent approximately $5,000 a month in nearby communities, which was a boost to the local economy during the depths of the Great Depression.
In the program, Jamerson will talk about many of the interesting enrollees he has met over the years. A question and answer period and book signing will follow the presentation. People are encouraged to bring CCC photos or memorabilia to the program.
Persons who want more information can call the library at 515-386-2835 or visit Jamerson’s website at: billjamerson.com
