Article Contributed on: 10/4/2009 1:23:00 PM
CCC Legacy group seeks members
Alumni organization to carry on conservation work
A new Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) legacy organization called Mile High Chapter 7 is being formed for Colorado residents who are interested in the work CCC did during the thirties. A prime example is the Red Rocks Amphitheatre completed by the CCC in 1941. Several buildings that were part of the workers camp barracks in Morrison still exist and are open for tours by appointment.
Members of the new organization hope to carry on the work of the National Association of the Civilian Conservation Corps Alumni, whose local chapter helped refurbish buildings at the Morrison camp in the 1980s.
Sally White, a historian and Denver Mountain Parks employee, said she had been working with alumni for 13 years. The alumni always wanted to establish a CCC museum at the camp.
"They are a great group of people," she said.
An event in conjunction with a CCC conference will be open to the public Oct. 9. A special preview of a new PBS documentary about the CCC titled The 1930s: The Civilian Conservation Corps, is one of a five-part series that will be aired on Rocky Mountain PBS in November. It will be screened free of charge at the Hampton Inn, 7611 Shaffer Parkway, at 7:30 p.m. Space is limited. contact Rocky Mountain PBS at 800-274-6666 for reservations.
Organizers hope a CCC gathering and conference Oct. 8 to 10 will generate interest in the new local Legacy organization. Because much of the work done to build Red Rocks Amphitheatre was accomplished by the CCC, Jefferson County historical archives are replete with information about the activities during the time camps were based in Jefferson County. Families of former CCC members are encouraged to contact Mile High Chapter 7 to share photos or memorabilia.
The legacy group will serve as ambassadors for America's CCC alumni. Membership is open to any individual or organization interested in historic preservation and conservation corps programs, both past and present.
Morrison special projects manager Jerry Smith said The Mount Morrison Camp S.P. 13 is still standing west of Morrison.
"Given what is going on in today's economy it is fitting to look back at other hard times in our country's economic history to appreciate the sacrifices and efforts it took to get through tough times," Smith said.
For information about the CCC legacy group, visit ccclegacy.org. To schedule a tour of the camp barracks, contact White by e-mail at milehighchapter7@gmail.com. For more information about Jefferson County Mountain Parks history, visit www.mountainparkshistory.org.