IOSCO COUNTY – There was a time when young men faced life with no jobs to be had—downstate auto plants were closed or operating with limited production because of the national economic depression.
Enter the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), one of the most notable social programs developed during the 1934-1942 era.
Thousands of young guys finding trouble on streets of big cities turned their lives around through this great program. And young men from Iosco, too, found their way into the CCC, building fire trails in Huron National Forest, developing Silver Valley winter sports park and numerous other notable projects.
This photo shows a contingent awaiting evening chow in the mess hall at Camp Silver Creek Some of those reading this have grandfathers and other male relatives who received a real break in life in the CCCs.
The program ended in 1942 with U.S. entry into World War II, with many military recruits having previous experience in the CCC.
– Courtesy of Iosco County Historian Neil Thornton
