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CCC Legacy Journal: Vol. 33, Issue 4 - July August
2009
 Iowa
Moves Forward
Preparations
for the purchase of the CCC Workers Statue for Iowa have begun.
With the establishment of the Iowa Hawkeye Chapter, CCC enthusiasts are
beginning the effort to promote the heritage of the CCC in Lacy –Keosauqua
State Park. In recent years, the
Iowa Department of Natural Resources began an oral history project that serves
as an educational tool to help visitors have a better understanding of the CCC
in a state that is primarily known for agriculture.
The
first CCC camp in Keosauqua, Company 770, was established in 1933 and a year
later Company 2719 was begun. In
1935 both camps were closed, but Company 2724 opened six months later and
remained active until 1942.
Men
from the camp constructed many beautiful stone buildings and bridges in Iowa’s
largest state park, Lacey-Keosauqua, and developed the Shimek State Forest near
Farmington.
The
Keosauqua CCC camp made a name for itself among the Iowa Units, and in 1935 the
camp was selected as a model with photos taken and sent to all districts in the
area.
Two
nurseries were developed in Iowa largely through state funds.
Among their conservation programs was planting thousands of young trees
on an area known as the nursery across the Des Moines River from the main part
of Keosauqua. The young trees were
shipped to many areas of the county in a reforestation project.
Erosion
control on the state’s rich agricultural lands was the main benefit of the CCC.
State’s parks and forest areas were also developed.
Recreational facilities were built throughout the state.
More
than 45,800 Iowa men were enrolled in the CCC during its existence, 1933-1942,
but more than 49,200 men in total served in the state.
An average of 29 camps a year were operated with a total financial
obligation of more than $48,400,000.
Please
contact Sharon Ewing for more information on the CCC Workers Statue fundraising
effort. 319-367-2045.
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Iowa