C.C.C. Souvenir Program Book C.C.C. Souvenir Program Book (April 1939) by NACCCARhode Island State Archives
Birth of the C.C.C
The Civilian Conservation Corps (C.C.C.), was a program established as a part of the New Deal, proposed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The C.C.C. program was created for the purpose of providing work relief for unemployed men. The program went into effect March 31, 1933.
First of Many
On April 28, 1933, the first C.C.C. camp in Rhode Island was organized at Fort Adams. This was part of President Roosevelt's New Deal to provide work for unemployed men.
Employment Relief
The need for work relief stemmed from the Great Depression. Not only did the C.C.C. provide jobs for unemployed men, but it also was intended to carry out a national resource conservation program for the United States.
Rookies Arriving to Camp
The men that joined the C.C.C. typically were malnourished and lacked proper clothing. Once living in camp, the men had to wear uniforms and were under military discipline. Some men had little work experience and few had more than a year of high school education.
Young Man with a Saw (1936) by Webster M. PidgeonRhode Island State Archives
Men at Work
At first, the C.C.C. only allowed men to join that were between the ages of 18 through 25. The age limits were changed to 17 through 28, and dropped the requirement that these men had to be on relief.
Camp Locations
In Rhode Island, there were seven (7) C.C.C. camps locations: Foster, Charlestown, Glocester, two (2) in West Greenwich, Hope Valley, Exeter, North Smithfield. These camps were not all functioning simultaneously.
Barracks November 1936 (1936) by Webster M. PidgeonRhode Island State Archives
Living in the Barracks
C.C.C. members were responsible for building their own barracks. Before the barracks were built, they would sleep outside in tents. The members would live together in the barracks, housing up to fifty (50) men.
Hard Work
C.C.C. members held various positions, from reserve officers and forestry supervisors to technical personnel. Their hard work included building roads and parks, as well as planting trees.
Camp Life
C.C.C. camps provided structure, community, and routine for unemployed men during the Great Depression. Daily life involved physical labor, meals, and leisure activities.
Camaraderie
Living and working together fostered camaraderie among the men of the C.C.C. The daily routine and shared labor had the men develop a strong sense of purpose and belonging in their lives.
Recreation Hall (April 19, 1905) by Webster M. PidgeonRhode Island State Archives
Recreation Room
C.C.C. camps included recreation rooms where members could enjoy some downtime. They spent their downtime playing pool and participating in other activities.
Two Cooks in the Kitchen (April 19, 1905) by Webster M. PidgeonRhode Island State Archives
Skills Development
Men within the camps were gaining skills such as cooking, mechanics, carpentry, and literacy skills. Many of the men who joined the camps were illiterate.
Men having a Meal Together (April 19, 1905) by Webster M. PidgeonRhode Island State Archives
Holidays Together
The C.C.C. fostered a strong community spirit, with members celebrating holidays together and establishing family-like relationships through shared experiences.
The Arcadia Veteran
The Arcadia Veteran documented life at Camp Arcadia in Hope Valley, Rhode Island. The journal was written by camp members.
The Arcadia Veteran, Vol. 1 No. 5 The Arcadia Veteran, Vol. 1 No. 5 (June 1939) by Civilian Conservation Corps (U.S.) (1933-1942)Rhode Island State Archives
Inside the Arcadia Veteran Journal
The Arcadia Journal featured leisure activities, health tips, sports updates, disaster plans, and general news from around the camp.
Legacy of the C.C.C.
C.C.C. camps like Arcadia, now Rhode Island's largest state park, left a lasting legacy. They provided purpose for the men involved and continue to benefit Rhode Islanders today.
C.C.C. Souvenir Program Book C.C.C. Souvenir Program Book (April 1939) by NACCCARhode Island State Archives
The End of the C.C.C.
The C.C.C. reduced operations as the Depression waned. It was formally discontinued on June 30, 1942.
You are all set!
Your first Culture Weekly will arrive this week.